Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody HansenMarch14th, 2017
(763) 569-7665 or (763) 569-7627
The CCRC newsletter is provided on a monthly or semi-monthly basis to provide information on activities and events that are helpful to Park Center students and their parents. This publication is also on Park Center’s website ( (under Academics or under Quick Links at right of home page).
IMPORTANT!!! Attention seniors: When you are asked to indicate your school counselor on college applications note Diane Ahlberg, , as your counselor. She is the counselor for senior students who need a recommendation letter, Secondary School Report or any other college reference.
You can earn up to $3,000 on Raise.me for taking an AP course and $2,000 in micro-scholarships for doing well on the exam from over 170 partner colleges. You can sign up on raise.me usingthis link:
Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required)April 8, 2017
June 10, 2017 / March 3, 2017
May 5, 2017 / March 4-17, 2017
May 6-19, 2017
TEST FEE PER TEST OPTION:
- ACT (No Writing)$42.50
- Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).
- ACT Plus Writing$58.50
- Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). The Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request.
- 5th & 6th college choice fee is $12 for each school.
- Late registration fee is $27.50.
- Standby testing is $51 in addition to the basic fee, if you missed registration.
- Test date change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
- Test center change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
- Test information release service is $20.
- International testing is $33.
Students need to register on-line at
ACT Inc. announced that it will begin offering a summer test date for the ACT college admissions exam, beginning in 2018. ACT said it will add a seventh date to its 2017-18 line-up.
Students receiving free/reduced lunch can have their test fees waived TWICE by bringing a copy of the letter they received from Food Service to the CCRC to receive a waiver. Fee waivers do not include late fees.
Students can register for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests at
Preparing for the ACT Test booklets that include a full length practice test, including the writing test, strategies to prepare for the test and what to expect on test day are available in the CCRC.
You can take free ACT or SAT practice tests online at: and at
Check out theLearning Express Library.There is atest prep resourcethat is a free resource for Park Center students available through ELM (Electronic Libraries for Minnesota). Here, you can access practice ACT, SAT, AP, TOEFLtests, as well as others.
Chegg offers ACT lessons, quizzes and practice tests.
Union Test Prep Free Practice Tests for the ACT: If passing the ACT is standing in the way of getting into the college of your dreams, there is help! Afree ACT practice testto help you identify in which areas you are strong and which areas could use a little more work is available at Study only the subjects you are weak in, or dive in and test your skills in all four subject areas - it’s up to you!
Check outCareer Finder. This website makes it easy for students to find popular career expectations for any given degree. Just enter a major to see a visual breakdown of the most popular, highest paying, and fastest growing jobs in a field, as well as the most relevant job listings from 12,000 companies. The results are based on government data from over 2 million respondents representing 360 careers and 148 majors. This free, easy-to-use tool brings long-term employment data and the latest job postings together to help students find direction when picking a college major.Pleasetake a look!
From Classroom to Real-World: Ultrasound Technician. If you're looking for a career in the health care field, an ultrasound technician is a personally and financially rewarding career choice. Physicians and surgeons rely on ultrasound technicians to provide vital information to help treat and care for patients. The strongest long-term projections are in the seven-county Metro Area.Take a look at this CareerOneStop video on Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. CareerOneStop – one of the 50+ best career websites by Career Sherpa, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
HOW TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT: For the second year, Osseo School District is offering FREE electronic transcripts for current students. Students needing a transcript should go to set up a personal profile using an e-mail address that is nottheir school apps e-mailaddress and then request their transcript to be sent electronically. Transcripts will be processed within two school days with the following exceptions – weekends, holidays, during processing of final transcript grades and two days before and three days after trimester end. Former students will be charged a $5.00 processing fee for this service. Note: When putting in your school, put in “Park Center” only and a drop down menu will come up and then choose “Park Center IB World”.
HENNEPIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE APPLICANTS…. IMPORTANT TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
When sending your transcript through Parchment to Hennepin Technical College you must use the following e-mail address as the recipient’s address:
Hennepin Technical CollegeFriday, March 17th1:00PM (New Dental Assistant Scholarships have been announced & their Graphic Design facility has been redone.)
Hennepin Technical College - Auto Body Collision Technology Monday, March 20th 1:00PM
University of WyomingTuesday, March 21st12:15PM
Rainy River Community College Tuesday, March 21st 1:00PM
St. Kate’s – “Why choose an all women college?” W Wednesday, March 22nd 1:00PM
University of Minnesota – RochesterThursday, March 23rd9:00AM
Drexel University – Philadelphia, PAWednesday, April 26th9:30AM
University of Wisconsin – MilwaukeeThursday, April 27th8:00AM
Community colleges require freshman students to take the ACCUPLACERif they scored lower than a 21 on the readingpart ofthe ACT, scored lower than an 18 on the English part of the ACT,scored lower than a 22 on the Math part of the ACT, or did not take the ACT at all.
It is important to score high enough to be placed in college English and college math and not a developmental class to get you to college level in each of these. If you are assigned a developmental English or math class in college you have to pay the same as any other credit, but this credit does not go toward your diploma or degree.
There is a free web based practice app for the Accuplacer with sample questions in each subject. Students can use this tool to explore the format and content of the tests, and get immediate explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Go to download the app.
You’re invited to attend the Augsburg CollegeHmong Campus Visit DayonThursday, March 30th, from 3:30 – 6:30PM. Tour the campus, hear from a student panel, learn about the admissions process, financial aid, and scholarships, and much more! Campus tours will be offered in Hmong. A FREE DINNER will be served. 2211 Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454. This event is open to high school students (9th-12th), transfer students, and adult learners.
For more information and to RSVP, contact: Pa Dao Yang, Assistant Director, Transfer Admissions or 612-330-1632
General Admissions 612-330-1001 or
Attention seniors interested in becoming a carpenter or working in the construction trades: The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) is hosting a Contractor Hiring Fair Tuesday, April 11th, from 3:30-6:30PM at its training facility in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The NCSRCC Carpenters Union and Training Center is located at 740 Olive Street. The event will feature construction contractors looking to hire new construction workers as well as tours of the carpenter and floor covering training centers. This event will also be a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the Carpenters Union, including information about the various crafts (carpenter, millwright, pile driver, and floor coverer), theirapprenticeship program, wages and benefits, and how to become a member. For more information, visit
Hennepin Technical College is hosting a Preview Night on their Brooklyn Park campus on Tuesday, April 17that 6:30PM. Ignite your potential! Meet faculty and staff, tour the campus, learn about programs and majors and explore financial aid opportunities. Pre-registration is not required. 9000 College View Drive, Brooklyn Park.
The Saint Paul College admissions team would like to share with you the following admission events they have planned for the next coming months. Health Sciences – Thursday, March 23rd, Culinary Arts and Wine – Tuesday, April 25th, Business – Tuesday, May 2nd, Computer Science and Graphics – Tuesday, May 9th, Wellness and Service– Tuesday, June 6th. All sessions start at 6:00PM at Saint Paul College! Free parking will be available. Open house: Wednesday, April 12th, 5:00 – 7:30PM. Free parking will be available and light refreshments will be served. Go to: to learn more.
Sign up to attend the Horizons Conference for Women in STEM! Horizons is a day- long event hosted by The Society of Women Engineers at St. Cloud State University featuring hands-on STEM workshops, a keynote address from a female professional engineer and SCSU alumnus, and a chance to explore campus and experience aspects of college life. Attendees will get complimentary breakfast, lunch, t-shirts and goody bags.
The event takes place Saturday, March 18th, 2017 from 8:00AM – 4:00PM. Register at
All area students and families are welcome to attend a FREE Minnesota Education Fair(Sponsored by MACAC, Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling). Visit with representatives from over 120 regional colleges, universities, community colleges, technical colleges, military academies, and specialty schools. For a complete list of schools visit and sign up for a scannable barcode at Thursday, March 16th, 6:00-8:00PM,Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane, Plymouth 55446
The University of Kansas is hosting Jayhawk Night for area high school seniors and juniors. Jayhawk Night is open to high school seniors who have been admitted to KU and their families, as well as high school juniors who are considering KU and their families. Tuesday, March 7th at 6:30PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton- Minneapolis, 1500 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park. Event information and registration for students can be found at
Join the BDPA Twin Cities 2017 High School Technology Program. Register now for the free 2017 BDPA High School Technology Program (HSTP) for students from 8th to 12th grade which will be held every Saturday, February 18th – April 29th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. The High School Technology Program (HSTP) is a weekend program that introduces high school students to computer programming and other aspects of computer science. The students are taught project management, networking skills, and hear presentations from information technology professionals. Learn about careers in web programming and development by joining students interested in learning about computers. Calling all students interested in website design, content creators, etc. come join us to learn about these activities. Visit to learn more about our youth programs.
Hibbing Community College is hosting an open house on Thursday, April 13th from 3:30 to 6:00PM. Faculty, staff and students representing academic programs, admissions, student services, disability services and financial aid will be available to talk about programs and career options. There will also be campus tours, prize drawings and a light dinner for prospective students and families. Visit for more information and to schedule your visit.
Dunwoody College of Technology is hosting several open house events. All open houses are held from 3:00 – 7:00PM. Pick a date that fits your schedule: March 7th, April 18th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th and 25th. RSVP at
The University of North Dakota is hosting several student events: April 28th – Honors Student Day, March 4th – Engineering and Geology Day, March 25th – Undeclared Student Day, April 1st – Education, Art and Science Day. For details for these events and to register go to
Interested in St. Kate's University? Spring Spotlight April 22nd:Half day program for students in any grades. Students will get a campus tour, admission presentation, and hear from student and faculty members about St. Kate's. Junior Overnight Preview - April 2nd – 3rd:An overnight program for juniors. Spend the night in one of the dorms and attend classes the next day.St. Kate's Bound –April 2nd-3rd: This is an overnight program for acceptedseniors only. This is an exciting weekend for seniors who are using this event to make their decision about choosing St. Kate's. Schedule your visit at
Anoka Ramsey Community College will be hosting Latino Information Nights on Wednesdays, March 8th and April 19th from 5:00 – 6:00PM. RSVP to Fabiola Diaz at 763-433-1303.
Anoka Ramsey Community College –“Find Your Future Open House” will take place on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:00 – 7:00PM. Learn about career programs, and programs that transfer into four-year degrees, saving you time and money. There are nearly 100 programs to explore! RSVP at .
Energy Explorers
Great River Energy participates in the Northern Star Council’s “Exploring and Learning for Life” career program. The purpose of Great River Energy’s program is to provide high school students with information and experience in a variety of career fields possible in the energy industry.
Students will explore technical careers related to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of utility power systems. These include generation, transmission, telecommunications network, and information technology systems.
On Tuesday, March 21st: “Cyber Security – The good, the bad, the hackers” The demand for cyber security professionals is on fire! The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this profession to proliferate at a rate of 18 % through 2024. Learn how YOU can become a “cyber-sleuth”!The presentation runs from 6:30 – 8:00PM at the Great River Energy headquarters, 12300 Elm Creek Blvd in Maple Grove. The first 45 minutes consist of a professional, qualified man or woman talking about their career. The second 45 minutes will include a hands-on activity for students to experience that type of career.
For more information and to register go to
Augustana University is hosting Junior Visit Day on April 7th and 28th. To register for a visit event or to schedule an individual visit go to
Dakota County Technical 2017 Spring Open House is on April 5thfrom 3:00- 7:00PM. DCTC, the Blue Knights, are NJCAA Division II and offer athletic opportunities in men’s soccer, basketball and baseball and women's soccer, basketball and softball. Very popular programs at Dakota County Technical are:Auto Body Collision, Auto Technician, Biomedical Equipment, Brewery and Beer Steward (age 21+), Dental Assistant, Electrical Construction, Electrical Line Worker, HVAC & Refrigeration, Heavy Construction Equipment, Heavy Duty Truck, Medical Assistant, Welding. To review DCTC scholarships go to .
The University of Wisconsin - River Falls offers College Visit Days as follows:March 24th, April 7th and 28th. Schedule your visit at
Minnesota State University - Moorheadinvites you to their Preview Days onMarch 17th & 18th, and April 4th& 22nd. Campus Preview Days include a campus tour, student panel, visit with faculty, and a complimentary lunch.Register to attend at
First Step Summer Institute at St. Catherine University - Preparing young women of color and/or Indigenous women for higher education, the First Step Summer Institute is a free and unique college immersion experience on the St. Paul campus. In this four day residential program, students gain a deeper sense of commitment to pursue higher education, a strong network of diverse, college-bound friends, a sense of support and encouragement from St. Kate’s staff, faculty and students, more perspective on college living, and ultimately, increased self-esteem about their capacity to apply to and thrive in college. Qualified alumnae of Frist Step who apply and are accepted to St. Kate’s will be considered for scholarships. First Step session dates: June 20th – 22nd, and June 26th – 29th. Apply online at or pick up an application in the CCRC. The application deadline is April 17th.
Camp Explore 2017 registration is now open. Camp Explore is a STEM career exploratory camp for high school students. Students will experience a variety of interactive hands-on activities and special field trips to get them excited about careers in the industries of agriculture, energy, engineering, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transportation. Sessions are led by professionals and faculty from area colleges and universities. Scholarships are available. Space is LIMITED so don’t wait, register today!
* Moorhead Residential/Overnight Scrubs Camp, June 25-30, 2017, Location:Minnesota State University – Moorhead Camp Fee: $480 per camper (includes $30 non-refundable fee) Register and apply for scholarships at
* Winona Residential/Overnight Scrubs Camp, July 23-28, 2017, Location:Winona State UniversityCamp Fee: $480 per camper (includes $30 non-refundable fee) Register and apply for scholarships at
Check out the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and STEM sessions: STEM is a week of academic immersion and takes full advantage of the Naval Academy’s academic resources. Engineering is all about creating, building, and making things better! So what does it take to be an engineer? If you like math and science, you are off to a great start. If you enjoy discovering new things, solving programs and learning how things work – even better! Creativity, persistence, and the desire to make the world a better place are also important qualities. Becoming an engineer requires hard work and a good education. The summer program could be a great start to your career in science and engineering. It is open to rising freshman, sophomores and juniors. Apply at