We'll be highlighting the following topics:
Johnson Career & Opportunity Fair
Thinking Career & College Early Fair
Field Trip to University of Wisconsin - Stout
ACT Testing at Johnson *Juniors*
Apply for the Hull Scholarship
Apply for the Page Grant Scholarship
FAFSA Completion Raffle Drawing!
TRIO Upward Bound is Recruiting!
Continue your Senior To-Do's!
Previous Opportunities Continued
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Remember that in the CCRC, you can connect with:
Mr. Billy (Career & College Readiness Coordinator)
Can provide resources to college info, scholarships, FAFSA, and more!
Ms. Voigt (Work Based Learning Coordinator).
Can provide resources to internship & job opportunities, trade school info, career pathways, and more!
The CCRC is located in room 1017, right next door to the Counseling office. Please take advantage of this CCRC Newsletter, which will be sent out to you on a bi-weekly basis!
We hope you can stop by the CCRC to plan for your future!
WHAT IS THIS?
At Johnson, this event will be your opportunity to meet with career professionals and learn about careers, to find summer employment, cool summer activities, or advanced skills training opportunities. All students will be called down with their classes on Thursday, February 19th.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
All and every Johnson student will be called down over the intercom speakers to attend this event.
WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
Thursday February 19th from 10AM-12PM
WHERE WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
In the Johnson Main Gym
WHICH CAREERS AND OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE THERE?
This will range from construction, trades, automotive, education, community justice, health and science, aviation, business and communication, military, and more! See more specific listings on our website HERE!
I HAVE A QUESTION, WHO DO I ASK?
First, check out the Career & Opportunity Website HERE. Otherwise, you can reach out to Ms. Voigt or Mr. Billy in the CCRC!
WHAT IS THIS?
The purpose of the fair is to help students and families understand the importance of planning for college and careers early. Attendees will get to meet and talk to career and college representatives, ask questions and gather important information for their future education and career. There will also be FAFSA support, an HBCU panel, and a presentation on how to earn college credits while in high school. Students who attend the fair will have the chance to apply for the fall HBCU college tour!
WHO CAN ATTEND?
All students grades 6-12 (childcare will be provided)
WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
Saturday February 21st from 10:30AM - 1:30 PM
WHERE WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
Harding Senior High School
1540 E. 6th St., St. Paul
The only career-focused polytechnic university among the University of Wisconsins. Through a combination of applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences, UW-Stout trains emerging leaders to solve real-world problems, grow the economy, and serve society.
WHEN: Thursday February 26th
WHERE:
- Meet at the Johnson Front Main Entrance by 8:20AM to take attendance and board the bus
- Take 1-hour bus ride to UW-Stout
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
WHO:
- Seniors considering UW-Stout will be given priority to attend.
- This trip is also open to Juniors and Sophomores.
- All students attending must exhibit good attendance and passing grades.
- Mr. Billy will be monitoring your student progress. Emails will be sent out to you on if you are confirmed to attend this field trip.
POPULAR & UNIQUE MAJORS:
Animation, Digital Media, Construction Management, Criminal Justice, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Game & Media Studies, Illustration, Interior Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Studio Art, Video Production, and more! See full list of Majors HERE
** SEE MR. BILLY IN THE CCRC FOR A PERMISSION SLIP **
WHEN: Tuesday March 10th, 2026
TIME: Check-in at 8:15 AM
WHO: Juniors!
WHERE: Johnson, Room TBD
WHAT IS THE ACT Test?
A standardized college admissions exam, usually taken in 11th grade, which assesses high school academic knowledge in English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. It is a 2–3 hour test, scored on a 1–36 scale, and widely used by U.S. colleges to determine readiness for college-level work.
HOW DO I PREPARE?
Ms. Ormsby will be hosting Govie Hour ACT Prep sessions on Feb 17th, 24th and March 3rd! You could also independently prepare by using your own resources. You can connect with Mr. Billy if you need help finding resources to prepare for the ACT!
SIGN-UP HERE
The Orson A. Hull and Minnie E. Hull Educational Foundation (the “Hull Foundation”) was established in 1963. Coincidently, both Orson and Minnie were born in 1876. Based on information shared by their descendants, Orson left school after 8th grade in order to work to support the family. At some point Orson and Minnie married and moved from New York to settle in a modest home located on the East side of St. Paul, MN. In one of their final acts of charity, the Hull Foundation was created upon the death of Minnie Hull in 1962. The Hull Foundation has provided a countless number of scholarships to students graduating from Harding and Johnson High Schools located near their beloved East St. Paul home.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Open to Johnson & Harding students only
- US Citizens
- GPA of 3.0+
- Priority to students who will not qualify for the North Star Promise
- Must be planning to enroll in a PUBLIC college/university, or Priv/Pub trade school in Minnesota
HOW MUCH CAN I WIN?
Full tuition will be covered at a public college/university in MN OR full tuition will be covered at a public/private trade school
WHAT IS ON THE APPLICATION?
- Application Form
- Financial Documents
- Personal Essay
- High School Transcript
- Letters of Recommendation
DEADLINE: FRIDAY MARCH 27TH, 2026
GET LINK TO APPLICATION HERE
In 1988, Diane and Alan Page launched a foundation that has grown to support and inspire young people of color throughout Minnesota for 35 years. Today, the Page Education Foundation’s programs help to financially support college students’ academic goals while fostering positive mentor relationships and encouraging role models for children. The Page Grant scholarship helps to empower Minnesota students of color to pursue their dreams of higher education by providing financial resources and guidance to help them successfully navigate their higher education journey.
WHO CAN APPLY?
A student of color (Black African American, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Latino/a or Hispanic).
A graduate of a Minnesota high school.
Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited Minnesota post-secondary educational institution.
Register and maintain full-time status throughout the academic year they are awarded the grant.
WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME TO APPLY?
January 1st, 2026 to April 1st, 2026
HOW MUCH SCHOLARSHIP MONEY CAN I WIN?
$2,500 to $3,500 annually. This scholarship is also renewable yearly!
IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
There is no GPA requirement.
Non U.S. Citizens are encouraged to apply.
This grant is awarded per academic year and must be renewed annually.
All applications must be submitted online no later than April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
https://www.page-ed.org/apply/new-applicants/
QUESTIONS?
Come chat with Mr. Billy in the CCRC, or contact the Page Grant Coordinator, Houashe Yang, at houashe@page-ed.org
The Wallin Education Partners' 2-Year Program supports students headed to community college in the Twin Cities. They have one simple application that includes 2 different pathways.
Up to $8,000 scholarship for students who plan to attend partner community colleges as part of the 2-Year Program.
DEADLINE: April 24th, 2026
Up to $35,000 scholarship for students pursuing
a career in construction with Mortenson or Ryan
who plan to attend Dunwoody College of Technology
as part of the 2-Year Program.
DEADLINE: April 1st, 2026
Have you completed your FAFSA? Submit a screenshot of your FAFSA completion to be entered into a FAFSA drawing to win a free $5 Gift Card! Drawing will take place every Monday morning! This will go on until the end of the school year (or until I run out of gift cards...)!
Example screenshot HERE.
Complete the google form HERE to be entered!
WHAT IS TRIO UPWARD BOUND?
- A free college access program
- A program that helps students prepare for college and have fun along the way!
WHAT SERVICES DO THEY OFFER?
- College visits and fun trips!
- ACT test prep for Juniors
- College application, FAFSA, and scholarship assistance for Seniors
- Weekly after-school academic support
- Career guidance and exploration
- College prep and study skill workshops
- A 6-week summer program at Century College, including and out-of-state trip!
- Academic advising and support
WHO ARE THEY CURRENTLY RECRUITING?
- Freshman and Sophomores
- Minimum GPA os 2.5+
START YOUR APPLICATION HERE
Completing the FAFSA has never been easier! The average time it takes for students
to complete the FAFSA with their parent/guardian is now under 30 minutes!
** Connect with Mr. Billy to get your FAFSA started/completed **
Why should I complete the FAFSA?
Why wouldn't you want free money to pay for college? These funds are money from the government specifically designated to help students pay for a college education. The FAFSA helps review how much money your family has, and with that, it helps determine how much assistance you need with paying for college.
Do I have to pay this money back?
The FAFSA will offer you multiple types of financial aid. This ranges from Grants, Scholarship, Loans, and Work Study. For Grants and Scholarships, you DO NOT have to pay this money back- it is complete free to you! For Loans, this is something you must pay back; however, for the FAFSA Loans, you do not have to begin paying it back until after your graduate from college, you could also do a payment plan. For Work Study, this is a JOB at the college you plan to attend, where you'd work your hours, and instead of getting a paycheck, the money you make goes directly to your tuition. Also with Work Study, most of these jobs are easy, low effort, and very flexible with your school schedule!
Do I still have to do the FAFSA even though I'm not planning to go to College?
I always encourage everyone to do the FAFSA regardless if you plan to go to college or not. There is ZERO penalty for doing FAFSA and then later declining the offer they give you. The FAFSA is also a first-come-first-served application, meaning the earlier you apply, the more money you could receive to go to college. Also, who knows, maybe right now you are not thinking about college, but maybe in May or June, that could change. You'd rather have the option to take FAFSA funds than not!
You must do this for every single college that you apply to!!! This takes less than 2 minutes!!!
Request to send your transcript to a college, see video tutorial below:
https://youtu.be/ooxf1yvcf_4
Thinking of applying to college? It is never too late to do so, of course, the sooner you apply, the better. And YES! There are a number of colleges out there that are still be accepting students to their schools! Below, please find important details on college application deadlines:
REGULAR DECISION - Usually in January. This is a standard deadline for most colleges where students who simply want to be considered for their college will apply.
ROLLING ADMISSION - This means that the college will continue to accept students based on how much space they have left to fill. They could continue to accept students all the way until summer time.
How do I begin applying? You could start by a simple google search of the college with the words apply following, example 'Century College Apply'. This will usually bring you to their website to begin applying to the school. Different schools may have different applications, some could take less than 15 minutes to complete, some could take days or weeks!
Need help? Come see Mr. Billy in the CCRC! You can also book an appointment with him to guarantee you'll find the time to meet with him. Book HERE.
What is College Possible?
College Possible helps those from low-income backgrounds find the right college, navigate the admissions process, secure financial aid, and stay on track to graduation. Each student gets paired with a coach who’s there every step of the way. Whether it’s choosing a college that’s the best fit or helping them overcome challenges once they’re enrolled, we’re here to make sure they succeed. We're making sure more students in Minnesota not only get into college, but thrive there. Together, we’re creating lasting change—one student at a time.
Who can apply?
- Sophomores going into your Junior year
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Student must demonstrate financial need
- Must be motivated to one day go to college!
How do I apply?
You can apply HERE
OR
You can connect with our current CP coaches here at Johnson in room 1115, right across from the library!
What is Breakthrough Twin Cities?
Breakthrough Twin Cities supports students on their journey to college by fostering a community of mutual learning with the next generation of educators so they both can collaborate, grow, and thrive.
What is this summer job?
Breakthrough’s highly rated Teaching Fellowship takes place every summer. With its “all-day, every day” nine week commitment, Breakthrough’s trademark summer Teaching Fellowship is very intense. It is a lifestyle more than a job… an unmatched opportunity to have a real impact on students. Fellows teach two core courses, plan field trips and special events, and participate in parent conferences. By the end of this experience, you will definitely know if teaching is the right path for you.
Who can apply?
- Students ages 16-22
- Someone who is passionate about teaching!
- Someone who can engage in personal growth and self reflection
- Someone who is dependable and can commit to the 9-week program
How much money can I make?
Between $5,000 to $5,500
Deadline
February 26th, 2026
How do I apply?
You can apply HERE
What is Genesys Works?
Genesys Work's vision is a future where every young person, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender, or financial background, is provided with the essential knowledge and skills to secure career achievements, advance economically, and maintain lifelong financial independence.
What career field is this internship in?
This internship will appeal most to students interested in business, technology, finance, marketing, and holding a career in the corporate world.
What does the application process look like?
First you need to apply. You'll then be selected for an interview. Then you're selected to go through a summer training. Then you'll finally be selected for an internship with a fortune-500 company!
How does this internship work with my school schedule?
You'll work with your school counselor to make sure Genesys Works is something you can fit into your school schedule. You'll start your day in school, and leave halfway through the day to work at your Genesys Works site!
How much money can I make from obtaining this internship?
You can earn up to $16,500!!!
How many current Johnson students are with Genesys Works?
This year, we have 6 Johnson students currently working at a Genesys Works internship! You could be one next year!
Deadline to apply:
Monday March 2nd, 2026
13 Johnson students attended a Page Grant scholarship info session on Mon Feb 9th to learn about how they can pay for college by applying for this wonderful scholarship! The Page Grant is a scholarship for students (with a preference for students of color) who plan to continue their education in MN. If selected as a winner, the student will be awarded up to $3,500, and will be tasked to complete a 50-hour volunteer project to help inspire and tutor K-8th grade students.
Wanna apply for the Page Grant? See the Page Grant post above ^ OR connect with Mr. Billy!
15 Johnson students attended the Construct Tomorrow Field Trip on Weds Feb 11th with Career Pathways to learn about opportunities in trades! This was a wonderful event where students got to experience hands-on activities and chat with real-life professionals in this field.
Interested in Trades? Connect with Ms. Voigt or Mr. Billy!
*** You are not limited only to the ones listed below ***
Dell Scholarship - Applicant must be in programs such as AVID, College Possible, Genesys Works, Upward Bound, etc.
Deadline: February 15th, 2026
Award: $20,000
NFLPA PAF Chapter Scholarship - Applicant must be a Student Athlete
Deadline: February 23rd, 2025
Award: Up to $3,000
AAUW Scholarship - Applicant must be female-identifying
Deadline: March 5th, 2026
Award: $4,000
Deadline: March 13th, 2026
Award: Up to $3,000
Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Award: $1,000 - $4,000
Page Education Foundation Grant - Applicant must be a student of color looking to attend college in MN
Deadline: April 1st, 2026
Award: $2,500 - $3,500
Various Scholarships Available on the following websites
Xello - You must be logged in to find Scholarships
View scholarship list HERE for more info!
Tuesday February 17th
ACT Prep Session with Ms. Ormsby
In room 2107
During Govie Hour
See post above for more info
Thursday February 19th
Johnson Career & Opportunity Fair
10AM-12PM
Main Gym
Students will be called down
See post above for more info
Thursday February 26th
Field Trip to UW-Stout
8:30AM-2:30PM
Get Permission Slip from Mr. Billy in the CCRC
See post above for more info
See the CCRC Calendar HERE!