GTG Education Resource

Start Early – Applying For Scholarships

Obtaining money for college can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. The key is to plan ahead and apply early. Get an idea of how much money you will need to obtain a four year degree, add costs due to inflation, and obtain a total. Look for scholarships that will meet your need.  Consider also applying for many smaller amounts i.e. $500 – $1000. Most are overlooked because prospective students are attracted to the mega scholarships.

Additionally, remember to complete the application process to be considered for all state-funded scholarships and grants, which includes Florida Bright Futures Scholarship as well as 11 additional programs.

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Career Assessment – What Career Is Right For You?

If you aren’t sure what career you are interested, make a list of the type of work that makes you happy. Take note of job factors that appeal to you, such as working outside, flexible hours or interaction with people. Next, take that list to your friends and family. Sometimes, an outside perspective can yield insights you never expected. You may also consider taking an assessment test. The links provided in this newsletter will connect you to websites that will give you a free assessment. Some also provide information on salaries and projected needs for the future.

Source: myfuture.com

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College Exams – Designing a Study Plan

Preparing early for college exams yields several benefits including familiarity with the format of the various tests, higher tests scores, and more scholarship opportunities. Whether you are a freshman in high school or a rising senior, it is important to develop a plan. Utilize the tips below to develop an individualized plan of action for yourself.

Make Your SAT Study Plan Specific

It’s not enough to just tell yourself that you’re going to study for the SAT whenever you have free time. Inevitably you’ll procrastinate and won’t get as much done as you could have with a better study plan. Write down where, when, what, and how you are going to study for a week. Work SAT prep into your routine and make it a priority.

Here’s a sample study schedule:

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U.S. Military

Commissioned Officer or Enlisted

There are two distinct career paths in the military, Commissioned Officers, and, Enlisted. The minimum educational requirements for enlisted members is a high school diploma (or GED), while a bachelors degree is required for commissioned officers.

Many high school graduates enter the military as enlisted members and utilize their educational benefits to earn a degree and a commission!

Commissioned Officer

Are you ready for the challenge of leadership? Then maybe you should consider a career as a commissioned officer in the military!

Earning a commission requires, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. You must be a U.S. citizen, and meet physical, moral, and mental standards.

There are several pathways to becoming a commissioned officer. Some people already possess a degree and enter the military through one of the Officer Candidate Schools, while some are high school graduates and attend a service academy or a civilian college while participating in an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program.

While those who already have a degree are commissioned upon graduation from a short Officer Candidate School, ROTC and Service Academy students must first complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

So what’s the advantage of ROTC or a Service Academy? How about scholarship funds? ROTC and Service Academy students pay little to none of college costs!

ROTC

The Air Force, Army, Navy (and Marine Corps through Naval ROTC) all offer ROTC programs at many college and universities throughout the country. Competition for scholarships is high, but you may also enroll as a non-scholarship recipient and still earn a commission upon graduation.

Service Academies

If you are up to the challenge of a rigorous and disciplined four-year college program, you may be interested in one of the military service academies.

The Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy all run their own academies, Marine Corps officers are also commissioned at the Naval Academy. The Merchant Marine Academy is another option, although instead of a commission in the Active Duty Military, graduates are commissioned into the Naval Reserve.

All service academies (with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy) require that applicants compete for nominations from their Congressman or Senator.

Applicants must also meet SAT requirements and meet other academic, physical, and moral standards. In addition, participation in high school sports, and service organizations is essential.

Enlisted

The enlisted force makes up the majority of the armed services and is often thought of as the backbone of the military. They are generally the technicians and mechanics, the administrative staff and, of course, the bulk of the combatant troops.

Most enlisted members enter the military in the lowest pay grade (E-1) and work their way up the ladder to positions of leadership and greater responsibility. There are literally hundreds of different jobs for enlisted military members. Many of the jobs available for enlisted members are similar between the services. For instance, a firefighter in the Army and a firefighter in the Air Force.

Enlisted Rank

Each service has its own names for the various enlisted ranks (Navy and Coast Guard are the same). Although they are called by different names each pay grade is the same throughout all the services. Enlisted pay grades go from E-1 through E-9 (the “E” represents Enlisted)

Because they are equivalent, the base pay for each pay grade is the same throughout the military branches.

Enlisted Occupations

Click the links below to get information about the hundreds of enlisted occupations. Remember that most Active Duty occupations are also available in the Guard and Reserve!

• Air Force Enlisted Occupations
• Army Enlisted Occupations
• Coast Guard Enlisted Occupations
• Marine Corps Enlisted Occupations
• Navy Enlisted Occupations

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FBI Tour

On Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at 2:00 PM, a tour will be conducted at Tampa FBI Headquarters for high school and college students that are interested in pursuing a career with the FBI. In addition to receiving a tour, you will have the opportunity to chat with employees as they share their backgrounds and expertise of their specific roles at the FBI. You will be engaged for approximately two hours. Space is limited for this tour and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Full names, date of births and social security numbers, and telephone numbers are required and should be forwarded to Vincent Jones by Wednesday, July 18. Also, please provide your area of study/major.