Summer Before and Start of Senior Year (June – August)

• Hathaway CTE & Transcript Audit: Check your transcript against Hathaway requirements. Focus on the Provisional Opportunity tier (2.5 GPA / 17 ACT or qualifying WorkKeys score), which specifically covers career-technical certificates and vocational degrees at Wyoming community colleges.

• Program & Pathway Mapping: Research accredited trade schools, community college CTE programs (e.g., Sheridan, Gillette, LCCC, Casper College), and registered apprenticeships (e.g., IBEW, Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC). Look for programs offering recognized industry credentials (AWS, NCCER, ASE, NIMS).

• Testing Prep: Register for the WorkKeys assessment or standard ACT/SAT if required for program placement or Hathaway funding. (Reminder: BHS hosts the school-paid senior ACT retake on Oct. 27).

Fall: September – November

• Application Submissions: Submit applications to community college technical programs and independent trade institutes. Apply early, as limited shop capacities mean hands-on training cohorts fill up fast.

• Union & Apprenticeship Outreach: Contact trade union halls or JATC directors to map out application windows, union sponsorship steps, and prerequisite requirements.

• Financial Aid & Grant Prep: Create your FSA ID for the FAFSA (opens Oct. 1). Look into vocational-specific funding like the Wyoming Works Grant, local energy or agricultural stipends, and union sponsorships.

Winter: December – February

• Trade Scholarships & FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA. Apply for dedicated trade scholarships, such as the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Wyoming Community Foundation trade grants, and WyoScholarships portals for target colleges.

• Aptitude Testing & Interviews: Complete trade entrance exams (such as mechanical or electrical aptitude tests) and attend apprenticeship panel interviews.

• Housing & Program Logistics: Secure campus housing at community colleges or arrange local housing and reliable transportation for trade shifts.

Early Spring: March – April

• Provisional Hathaway Filing: Verify that your high school counselor submits your provisional Hathaway application and transcript reflecting your technical program code.

• Cost & Gear Analysis: Compare total out-of-pocket costs side-by-side. Factor in mandatory starter toolkits, personal protective equipment (PPE), certification exam fees, and starting wages upon completion.

• Pre-Enrollment Requirements: Complete mandatory drug screenings, physicals, or background checks required by technical programs and industry trade partners.

Late Spring & Graduation: May – June

• Confirm Placement: Finalize program registration or sign formal apprenticeship indenture agreements.

• Final Transcript & High School Certifications: Direct your counseling office to send final transcripts along with any earned high school credentials (OSHA 10, CPR, basic welding certs) to your program.