Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody HansenOctober 4th, 2016

(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).

October is Minnesota College Knowledge Month! During the final week of October college and university application fees will be waived throughout Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in recognition of “College Knowledge Month”, a statewide effort to provide every graduating high school senior, especially underrepresented students, with the opportunity to apply to college.

Listen to the announcements and watch the CCRC Newsletter for College Knowledge weekly questions and drop off your answer for a prize drawing.

Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required)
October 22, 2016
December 10, 2016
February 11, 2017
April 8, 2017
June 10, 2017 / September 16, 2016
November 4, 2016
January 13, 2017
March 3, 2017
May 5, 2017 / September 17-30, 2016
November 5-18, 2016
January 14-20, 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

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

Choosing a College, Applying to College, Sending Transcripts: Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00AM

ActSix Scholarship Program: Thursday, October 13th at 10:00AM

Choosing an Occupation (What Will Your Major Be?): Tuesday, October 18th at 10:00AM

Wallin Education Partners – Wallin Scholars Scholarship: Tuesday, November 15th at 9:00AM

Star Student Award Sponsored by the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership Committee

The North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership Committee has chosen to recognize accomplishments of juniors and seniors at Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove, Osseo and Park Center High Schools, Maranatha Christian Academy, and the Osseo Area Learning Center.

This award is for students who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievement in the following three areas: Employment, Career Advancement, and Volunteerism. A student can apply for an award in any or all of the three categories, but is only eligible to receive an award in one category in either their junior or senior year. There will be several awards given in each of the three categories. Recipients should be prepared to attend the Star Student Recognition Breakfast that will be held on Wednesday, December 7th, 7:00AM-9:00AM.

Applicants must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average. The application deadline is October 24th. Pick up an application in the CCRC.

Attention juniors and seniors: The Brooklyn Park Rotary is sponsoring up to five junior or senior students from Park Center to attend Camp Enterprise to immerse themselves for three days in understanding the free enterprise system. Presentations are made by business executives and entrepreneurs who share their experiences and answer questions on a variety of fields and interests. You will participate in discussions about business and life after high school, including a chance at scholarships totaling approximately $5,000! If interested stop by the CCRC for an application. The application deadline is October 12th.

The entire cost of attending camp, including meals and lodging, is paid by your local Rotary Club. The cost is $375per student. Camp Enterprise is one of twenty-five (25) similar programs held throughout the United States. At camp, students are assigned to a team of 7-8 students. Each team also includes a counselor and a mentor. Counselors are college-aged students and, in some cases, past participants in Camp Enterprise. Mentors are professionals and, in many cases, Rotarians. Each team is assigned a case study and tasked with developing a business plan with the goal of making a pitch to potential investors in their companies. In addition to working on the case studies, while at camp students have the opportunity to participate in team-building and leadership activities, network with other students and volunteers, make new friends, and challenge themselves. Among other unique experiences, students have the opportunity to listen to several guest speakers from business or industry that make inspirational and informative presentations on relevant topics.

Camp starts Thursdaymorning, October 27th, when everyone arrives by 11:00 AM. It is action packed for two solid days until Saturday, October 29th, at 3:00PM. Camp Enterprise utilizes the YMCA Camp Ihduhapi facility on the shores of Lake Independence.

Scholarship Program is an initiative of Urban Ventures and is Minneapolis-St. Paul’s only full tuition, full-need urban leadership award. 30-40 of the Twin Cities’ most promising urban leaders will be selected for scholarships for one of their four partner colleges: Augsburg College, Bethel University, North Central University, and University of Northwestern-St. Paul. An informational meeting for ActSix will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 10:00AM in the CCRC.

Applicants must be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:

  • Will you graduate from high school in 2017, or did you graduate previously in2016 or 2015?
  • Do you live in the Twin Citiesarea and, if selected, could you arrange your own transportation to weekly evening trainings at Urban Ventures?
  • Do you want toattend Augsburg, Bethel, North Central or Northwestern-St Paul?
  • Are you currently not enrolledat a four-year college? (Students at two-year colleges may apply.)

Attention seniors!

There have been some changes in the admission timeline for this upcoming year at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. They have now moved to a 2-tiered timeline.

  • November 1st Priority Deadline: Priority consideration for admission, Honors, and scholarships given to those with complete applications by this date. Students will receive their admission decision by January 31st at the latest.
  • December 15th Regular Deadline: Full consideration for admission. Honors admission and scholarship consideration is available on a space and funds available basis.

Nursing Guarantee Option at University of Minnesota - Rochester! The University of Minnesota Rochester has announced that they will be offering aNursing Guarantee option for students interested in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the University of Minnesota. This opportunity guarantees first year students entry into the University of Minnesota Twin Citiesnursing program located on the Rochester campus their sophomore year provided they meet the program requirements. Students will be able to complete all four years of the program on the University of Minnesota Rochester’s campus. Practicum work in this program will be conducted at Mayo Clinic. Students interested in this must apply directly to UMR. No Share My App’s are accepted for UMR’s Nursing Guarantee option.

The University of Wisconsin college system will be texting each senior who applies to a UW campus between September 1 and early November—if they agree to receive text messages.Their campaign will focus on the Early FAFSA, preferred financial aid filing dates, College Goal Wisconsin, and related financial aid information. The campaign has begun and will end by December 1st. They expect to text approximately 45,000 students.

Did you know that North Hennepin Community College is expandingtheir 4-year partnerships? Currently, Bemidji State University, Bethel University, Concordia-St. Paul, Metropolitan State University, MSU-Moorhead, Southwest State, and St. Cloud State University are on their campus offering a variety of bachelor degree options for current NHCC students.

St. Kate’sThursday, October 6th1:00PM

Bethel UniversityTuesday, October 11th1:00PM

Minneapolis College of Art & DesignWednesday, October 12th10:00AM

Hibbing Community CollegeWednesday, October 12th1:00PM

St. Cloud State UniversityThursday, October 13th8:15AM

Anoka Technical CollegeThursday, October 13th11:00AM

University of Minnesota – RochesterMonday, October 17th10:00AM

St. ThomasTuesday, October 18th8:15AM

Bemidji State UniversityTuesday, October 18th1:00PM

North Hennepin Community CollegeMonday, October 24th10:00AM

St. Mary’s University of MinnesotaThursday, October 27th8:00AM

Rainy River Community CollegeTuesday, November 8th10:00AM

North Dakota State – FargoWednesday, November 9th11:00AM

University of Wisconsin – MilwaukeeMonday, November 14th9:00AM

St. OlafTuesday, November 15th1:00PM

Minnesota State University – MoorheadThursday, November 17th8:30AM

Sign up in the CCRC for a pass to attend these meetings.

NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: The CCRC publishes the Scholarship Bulletin and Newsletter approximately every two weeks. The Scholarship Bulletin lists all the scholarships that we have received information on, including scholarships that are offered by local organizations which are available to residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center or students who attend a District 279 school. Because these programs have restricted criteria, there is less competition and better “odds” for the student to be awarded scholarship monies. The CCRC Newsletter has information on events that are occurring in the area, testing information, and special programs that are being offered at Park Center PLUS helpful “Tidbits from the CCRC Staff”. These publications are distributed to the students’ advisory classes and are published on Park Center’s web site. If students and/or parents would like to have a copy of the Scholarship Bulletin (12th grade) and/or the Newsletter (all grade levels) sent directly to theire-mail, we are asking that you send a request to Jody Hansen at and we will add you to our distribution list.

The Minnesota National College Fairwill take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center on October 4th, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. This is the time to visit with college reps from other states as well as those from here in Minnesota.

Groves Academy's 15th Annual LD/ADHD College and Post-Secondary Opportunities Fair will be Thursday, October 6th, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. This fair is free and open to the public.

Next Saturday, October 8th, 1:00PM – 3:00PM, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will be hosting their annual Minnesota Performing and Visual Arts College Fairat Concordia University-St. Paul, Gangelhoff Center. Don’t miss your opportunity to talk to over 65 colleges and universities about their performing and visual arts degrees and programs.

The Admissions Office of Washington University in St. Louis invites in you to an Information Session on Thursday, October 13th, from 7:00PM-8:00PM at the Minneapolis Marriott West, 9960 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis. Reservations are not required.

The College of St. Benedict and St. John's Universityinvites students to their fall Admission Programs on Saturdays, October 15th and November 5th. Come to the admissions program and stay for the game. Or, go to Fall Campus Visit Days: October 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Go to to register.

Discover Red & Black Open House at St. Cloud State University will take place on October 20th – 22nd. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to tour the campus and explore their programs, classrooms, recreational facilities, residence halls, and much more! Register at

Visit Winona State University duringtheir Autumn Open House on October 20th and 21st. Discover the variety of academic programs and opportunities at WSU. No reservations are required, programs start at 9:00AM and1:00PM.

Augustana University is hosting multiple visit events: October 20th, 21st and November 11th – Explore Augustana, October 29th – Sneak Peak Saturday, April 7th and 28th – Junior Visit Day. To register for a visit event or to schedule an individual visit go to

Minnesota State University - Moorheadinvites you to their Preview Days onOctober 20th, 21st & 22nd, January 27th28th, February 16th, 17th & 18th, March 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

Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsinis offering an overnight bus tripfrom Minneapolis on Thursday, October 20that 11:00AM until Friday, October 21st, at 10:00PM. You can experience Lawrence on a Thursday evening and a full day of classes and special presentations on Friday! They supply the transportation (coach buses), wonderful company (other students from all over Minnesota), an informative college visit, and your overnight accommodations on campus. (They will feed you too!) The cost is $40. Register to attend at

It's College Knowledge Month at North Hennepin Community College! Monday, October 24th– Monday, October 31st is free application week. Apply online or on campus and get your $20 application fee waived.

Thursday, October 20th – Lunch and Learn (BHCC 108): 11:00AM– Lunch, 11:30AM – Information Session, 12:00PM – Campus Tour, 12:30PM – FAFSA Presentation, 1:00PM – FAFSA Completion.

Thursday, October 20th – Campus Tours are available every hour running from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.

Tuesday, October 25th – Dine & Discover (ES 01): 5:00PM – Dinner, 5:30PM – Information Session, 6:00PM – Campus Tour. RSVP at call admissions at 763-424-0724.

You are invited to the Bethany Lutheran College - Fall Getaway Weekend, Thursday, October 27th – Saturday, October 29th. This weekend experience allows you to dig deeper and spend a free weekend on the campus learning about the Bethany experience. To register go to The registration deadline is October 21st.

Explore Colorado State University Preview Day - Friday, October 28th. Explore CSU is a comprehensive visit day program designed for high school seniors, transfer students, and their parents and families to experience what it means to be a Ram. You’ll spend the day touring the campus and learning how CSU supports and promotes student success. This full-day program includes an admissions overview, walking tour of campus, lunch in one of our dining centers and two breakoutsessions of your choice. Before the day concludes there will be an information and resource fair featuring campus offices and representatives from all eight academic colleges. To register go to Fee waivers are available for the registration fee.

Attend College Preview Night at Hennepin Technical College on the Brooklyn Park Campus on Thursday, November 10th at 6:30PM. Meet faculty and staff, tour the campus, learn about programs and majors, and explore financial aid options.

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:

More Companies Wooing Potential Hires with Promises of Loan Repayment

Competition for highly-skilled graduates in accounting, finance, engineering, information technology, social media, and other in-demand fields continues to increase. In addition to the typical perks (e.g., health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, a 401k plan and company matching, etc.), a growing number of companies are offering to help new hires pay off their college loans.

Excerpt from CAM Report Volume 38, Number 17, 2016

Quick Guide: College Costs

There are five main categories of expenses to think about when figuring out how much your college education is really going to cost: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. You can control some of these costs to some extent. And when you know how much you'll need to spend on these expenses, it makes it easier to create a college budget.

  • Tuition and Fees – These are the price you pay for taking classes at your college. This amount can change based on your academic program, the number of credit hours you take and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student. Some colleges charge "comprehensive fees" — the total for tuition, fees, and room and board combined.
  • Room and Board – Colleges usually offer a variety of dorm-room options and meal plans to students who live on campus. The charges vary depending on what plan you choose. If you decide to live at home or off-campus, you'll have your own rent and meal costs to consider in your college costs.
  • Books and Supplies – You'll need books and other course materials. The yearly books-and-supplies estimate for the average full-time undergraduate student at a four-year public college is about $1,200. You may be able to lower these costs by buying used textbooks or renting them.
  • Personal Expenses – These include laundry, clothing, cell phone bills, eating out and anything else you normally spend money on. Figure out what you spend and add that amount to your budget.
  • Transportation – Whether you commute to campus or take the occasional trip home, you'll have transportation costs. Of course, these will vary depending on how you travel and how often. You may be able to find student discounts on travel costs. Don't forget to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and parking if you own a car.

Excerpt from BigFuture by the College Board