College & Career Center

WSAC is an excellent resource for information and help when applying for colleges. They explain financial aid and other topics in simple terms with links to more complex information. 

https://www.wsac.wa.gov

Sign up for text messages from WSAC. Text "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281. Learn more at https://wsac.wa.gov/otterbot.

Guardians of the class of 2024 seniors pursuing post-secondary education after high school should complete the FAFSA before June 30, 2024. More information: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Helpful resources

• 2022 financial aid presentation by SPSCC
• Creating an FSA ID
• Filling out the FAFSA form
• FAFSA line by line

• https://washboard.wsac.wa.gov - Washboard is a clearing house of hundreds of Washington state scholarships. Students need to create an account, and based on the criteria the student puts in, Washboard will email scholarship applications that might be a good fit for the student.
• https://www.fastweb.com - This website offers a customized search of over 600,000 scholarships and over 4000 colleges.
• Colleges and universities offer their own scholarships! Check out each college website on how to apply.
• https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue - Some out-of-state universities participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE) scholarship program. Students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools, compared with nonresident rates, which can exceed 250% of in-state rates. University WUE requirements may vary, so be sure to read the fine print before committing to a college.  Also, make sure to check all college/university deadlines.
• https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound - The College Bound Scholarship is a financial need scholarship for eligible students who enroll in middle school and meet the pledge requirements. The scholarship covers average tuition at public college rates, some fees & a small book allowance at over 65 colleges, universities, and technical colleges in Washington.
• https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg - The Washington State College Grant (WCG) is available to eligible Washington residents, including undocumented students. Amounts vary based on income, family size, and school or program cost. 
• Look locally - There are many scholarships offered by non-profit organizations within Thurston County. These scholarships have a smaller pool of applicants, which makes the chances of receiving a scholarship greater. Every year, many Timberline students receive some of these scholarships. Be sure to watch for these scholarships on the weekly scholarship list. (They usually open up after the new year)
  • North Thurston Education Foundation 
  • Olympia Tumwater Foundation
  • Lacey Rotary Service Above Self award
  • Lacey Sunrise Lions
  • The Community Foundation

Going to college can be expensive, and scammers often take advantage of this by offering help with paying for tuition.

Signs of a Scholarship Scam:

• Paying a fee to apply for a scholarship. Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship.
• If a company asks for a checking account or credit card information to "confirm eligibility," walk away. Never give bank or credit information to the company.
• Beware of any scholarship service that guarantees you will win a scholarship, or they'll refund your money. 

More information on avoiding scholarship scams: https://finaid.org/scholarships/scams/

Washington State is home to many 4-year year colleges and universities, some with branch campuses in other locations, as well as numerous private, independent colleges. See comprehensive list on the Washington Student Achievement Council website. 

There are many colleges across the United States as well. You need to take the time to explore them and decide what it is you are looking for. Some people don't spend much time thinking about it and end up unhappy with their decision.  Below is a list of considerations that will help you with your search.

• Size: Schools come in all sizes, from under a 100 to well over 30, 000 students. Think about if you like big or small. Do you like to know everyone? Small colleges offer you the opportunity to have smaller classes; get to know both your professors and your classmates.
• Type: Not all colleges are the same. Some colleges have a specialty in one specific area, such as engineering or teaching, while others give their students a broad education. Some colleges are research colleges and spend a lot of their resources in that area. Some have great graduate programs; private vs. public, religious, single gender, the list is almost limitless.
• Location/Distance from home: Are you a small town person who would love the big city? Or would you be lost and miserable in the city on a big campus? Do you want to be close to your hometown? Think about how much of a change you want when you go to college.
• Cost/Scholarship/Financial Aid: Cost is a big deciding factor in choosing your college. If the cost is high, then you need access to get scholarships and financial aid.
• Student population makeup: are you looking for a diverse population or a more homogeneous student body?
• Majors and requirements:  If you know what field you are going into, it is very important to make sure the college you choose is going to give you the best education in that area.  If you are undecided, make sure you choose a school that provides plenty of options.
• Athletics: are you an athlete and do you want to play on your college team? Are you a sports nut and want that to be part of your collegiate experience?

• Activities and special programs: What activities and programs are available outside your major? Some colleges have special programs such as an emphasis on study abroad programs, some have great theatre and arts programs or an excellent school newspaper. Take the time to think about what experiences you want to have.

Have fun making your decision! Go to college fairs, visit campuses when you take family vacations, go to the college visitations at THS.

• Cappex - helps you prepare, plan, apply, and decide
• CollegeXpress - helps you choose a college
• Big Future College Search - from College Board, the organization that administers the ACT and SAT admissions test.
• College Data - An on-line college advisory. This has information regarding finding the right college, detailed colleges profiles, and much more.
• College Navigator - help find the right college for you

Community Colleges offer many opportunities for students. Two-year colleges offer Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs that enable students to complete their first two years of college before transferring to a four-year college/university. Students also have the option of obtaining an Associate of Technical Arts degree or certificate in numerous professional-technical areas. If a student is unsure as to what they want to do with their future, it is a great place to start. Community college can also help keep the cost of a four-year college education down. The ACT and SAT are not required for Community College admission. There is a placement test required prior to registration. Learn more about the ACCUPLACER test at SPSCC: https://spscc.edu/services-support/assessment-center

Benefits of attending a community college:

• smaller class size
• lower tuition
• a transferable degree to a four-year institution
• variety of courses and majors
• degrees/certificates in areas of high demand technical careers
• flexible schedules

South Puget Sound Community College, Pierce College, and Centralia College are the three colleges closest to the Lacey/Olympia area.

Helpful sites for exploring community colleges:

• Washington State Board for Technical and Community Colleges: explore the many technical and community colleges in Washington state.
• Cappex: information that will help you prepare, plan, apply, and decide which college is best for you.

Technical colleges provide training for workplace skills. A technical college will give students the skills and knowledge needed for employment upon completion of their program. Technical colleges offer Associate of Technical Arts degrees and certificates programs. Programs offered vary by school, and students should check out the offerings at each institution. Certificate programs generally take 6 to 12 months and degrees generally two years.

• Statewide information on technical colleges: https://www.sbctc.edu/
• Bates Technical College: https://www.batestech.edu
• Clover Park Technical: http://www.cptc.edu - Clover Park hosts an open house each spring for juniors and seniors. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to check out the offerings at a technical college.

Earn while you learn!  Apprenticeships are career training opportunities that combine classroom training with on-the-job training under the direction of a journey-level craft person or trade professional.  As an apprentice, you pay no tuition.  There are three broad career pathways:

• Building and construction - carpenter, plumber, electrician, ironworker, etc.
• Manufacturing and Machine - machinist, industrial millwright, diesel etc.
• Service and support - cosmetologist, firefighter, paraeducator etc.

Examples of apprenticeship requirements​​​

• Minimum age is 18 (there are some exceptions)
• Mechanical and aptitude test
• High School Diploma or GED
• Meet health requirements of the particular job
• Work experience
• Drug free - able to pass drug testing
• Valid WA state driver's license

These jobs are becoming high demand careers. Start exploring the possibilities now.  Getting an apprenticeship is very competitive. Find out what you need to do, be persistent, and work hard.

Helpful links

• Washington Labor and Industries apprenticeship search tool: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public
• Washington State Building and Construction Trades: http://www.wabuildingtrades.org
• Apprenticeship Programs by Occupation lookup page: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public

Earn while you learn!  Apprenticeships are career training opportunities that combine classroom training with on-the-job training under the direction of a journey-level craft person or trade professional.  As an apprentice, you pay no tuition.  There are three broad career pathways:

• Building and construction — carpenter, plumber, electrician, ironworker, etc.
• Manufacturing and Machine — machinist, industrial millwright, diesel etc.
• Service and support — cosmetologist, firefighter, paraeducator etc.

Examples of apprenticeship requirements​​​

• Minimum age is 18 (there are some exceptions)
• Mechanical and aptitude test
• High School Diploma or GED
• Meet health requirements of the particular job
• Work experience
• Drug free — able to pass drug testing
• Valid WA state driver's license

These jobs are becoming high demand careers. Start exploring the possibilities now.  Getting an apprenticeship is very competitive. Find out what you need to do, be persistent, and work hard.

Helpful links

• Washington Labor and Industries apprenticeship search tool: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public
• Washington State Building and Construction Trades: http://www.wabuildingtrades.org
• Apprenticeship Programs by Occupation lookup page: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public

As you start your search for employment for a job after graduation, think about the following before you start applying for jobs.

• Do you know what type of work you want to do?
• What commitment can you make? What days and times are you available?
• Do you have your own transportation? Can you walk to work, or are you willing/able to take the bus?
• Do you have a resume?
• Do you have references? These should not be friends, but rather adults who know you and can say what type of person you are. For example, a teacher, counselor or previous employer. Always, ask if you can use someone as a reference.

Local Job Resources

• Thurston County WorkSource - New postings are listed on a daily basis. Some jobs you can apply for on-line.
• Snagajob Olympia Jobs - Part-Time jobs, teen jobs, student jobs are just a click away.  Check out this easy way to apply for jobs.
• Indeed
• Network with family and friends - ask around!

• Air Force
• Washington National Guard
• Air Force Academy
• Army
• Navy
• Naval Academy
• Marines
• U.S. Coast Guard
• ROTC

Timberline High School Military Recruiters and contact information

• Army: Sergeant First Class Nickesha Cabrera, nickesha.s.cabrera.mil@army.mil
• Army National Guard: Staff Sergeant Brian Black, brian.p.black.mil@army.mil
• Marines: Sergeant Henry J. Novas, Henry.Novas@marines.usmc.mil
• Navy: EMN1 Philip Atwood, philip.a.atwood2.mil@us.navy.mil