Career Center

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What Is An Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship program trains you to become skilled in a trade or profession.  Apprenticeship training typically combines classroom learning with hands-on work.  Community colleges, technical training schools, and even employers provide these job-related educational courses.  This "learn while you "earn" model increases both skills and salary as they gain experience.

Apprenticeship US Facts

MD STATE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS AND TRAINING

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

BALTIMORE-DC METRO BUILDING TRADES AND APPRENTICESHIPS

north America's Building Trades Unions

U.S. APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

Construct Your Future!

STEAMFITTERS UA LOCAL 602

IUEC Local #10 Information and application

local 5 plumbers

boilermakers

If you are planning to attend college after high school, you should be taking the most challenging classes and earning the best grades you can. All four years of high school count when you apply to college.

College Planning Guide

Choosing A College

College Admission Process

College Application Process

Academics

• 9th – 11th most important for grades because you will be applying to colleges in the early fall of 12th grade
  • Every class, every credit matters. Even electives.
  • Would you want admissions offices to see those interims? If not, make sure they improve by the end of the year for final grades because the final grades are what get printed on your transcript!
• Discipline Record --> Counselor Page
  • Every college asks your counselor to check off whether or not you’ve ever been suspended. If yes, we have to explain why.
  • Cell phone violations look silly to college admissions reps --- it looks like you won’t be able to follow simple campus rules.
• Build a resume starting NOW! 
  • Volunteering/community service is more than just your SSL graduation requirement
  • Get involved in an activity and stick with it
  • DO something, anything that will make you more than a name on a page
  • Jobs and colleges want more than just grades!!!

Methods to apply to college

Common Application 

Coalition for College

Common Black College Application

College of Southern Maryland

Some Colleges you will apply directly through the college's official website.

Are you interested in a Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU)?
Check out this site:  https://hbcuconnect.com/

New Pre-Engineering Program at CSM:  For more information about the CSM Engineering Program, visit http://stem.csmd.edu/ or call Pre- Engineering Coordinator Jehnell Linkins at 301-934-7747.

BigFuture

Places to research colleges

If you already know the name of the college you want to learn about or apply to, you can google the college name or click below.

(More colleges will be added daily. Not every college will be listed below.)

Maryland Colleges

Bowie State University

Frostburg State University

Morgan State University

Salisbury University

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Towson University

xello

It is never too early to start making plans for what you will do after high school.  Not sure where to start??  Mrs. Hurley-Sisson is available to help you in the College and Career Center and every student has access to Xello!

Xello is the only K-12 online program that fully engages every student in building the skills, knowledge, and plans for future success regardless of background, ability, or pathway.  

Xello's award-winning program puts the student at the center of their planning experience.  Students document their journey as they build self-knowledge, explore post-secondary options, create plans, and continually reassess as they take in new knowledge, skills, and experiences. 

CLEVER APP
Each student has a personal username and password for accessing this information.  

 

 

www.fafsa.gov

Federal Student Aid is a government form that is used by colleges to award merit-based scholarships, need based grants and student and parent loans.  FAFSA open enrollment is December 1st for senior year students.  The state of Maryland deadline is March 1st of the student's senior year.  However, several schools even in Maryland require the form to be completed and submitted earlier.  Please check with universities in which you are interested.

Both students and parents must create a FSA ID before completing the form

Remember you are always completing the FAFSA for the college school year you are going into.  So, for High School Seniors Class of 2025, you will complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.

At the beginning of each school year, La Plata High School holds financial aid events in the months of September, October, November, December, January, and February.

 www.fafsa.gov

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
for Academic Year 2025-2026 OPENS DECEMBER 1st. 
ALL SENIORS planning to pursue ANY type of post-secondary education NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA!!!

(All Seniors planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college or a trade or technical school should complete the FAFSA!)

 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PART TIME – AFTERNOONS

protoCAD Corp

Engineering, 3D printing, Urethane Molding Service Bureau.

www.protocad.com

6390 Crain Hwy, Ste 101

La Plata, MD  20646

Days and Hours are Flexible:  Monday – Friday,   11:30 pm – 5 pm            Job Title:  Manufacturing Assistant

Job Description: We offer flexible hours that can work well with your school schedule.  It is a manufacturing job where you would help make prototypes for many engineering companies.  .Applicants would assistant in casting plastic parts made from silicone rubber molds using MCP vacuum casting equipment.  No experience required.  protoCAD will provide training.  For a detailed description of our services, please review the information given on our website, www.protocad.com, or contact us to set up an interview.

Qualifications: Likes Science and working with their hands.

Starting Date: immediately    Salary:            starts at $13.25 hour                                                        

Application Method: Call or email to set up interview,

Contact: Brian Edwards

Phone: (301) 934-1750          

E-mail: brian@protocad.com 

 Juniors and Seniors who are thinking about ENLISTING in the MILITARY,
MUST take the ASVAB Test.

The ASVAB Test will be offered two times at La Plata High School. Once in the fall and again in the spring. More information about the dates and how to sign-up to take the ASVAB will be announced at school. Students are encouraged to use the RESOURCES available below to prepare for the ASVAB.

Military Recruiters will be visiting La Plata High School to provide information about their branch. Juniors and Seniors may also contact military recruiters to schedule a time to talk to them about enlisting in the military and the benefits of joining the military. Recruiter contact information can be found below.

La Plata High School Spring ASVAB Test Date

On Friday, March 7, 2025, the ASVAB will be given to students here at LPHS in the computer lab, upstairs next to the media center.  The exam starts at 7:30 am.  Students will need to bring their laptops.  The student will need to sign up with Mrs. Sisson in the Career Center.  

COUNTY WIDE ASVAB TEST DATE

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the ASVAB will be given to students who are interested in a career in the military.  Students must be at least 16 years old, and a current 11th or 12th grade CCPS student. The test will take place at Maurice J. McDonough High School. Students should arrive at 8:45 am. Testing starts at 9:00 am will last approximately until 12:30 pm. 

Please see Mrs. Sisson in the Career Center if you would like to register for the ASVAB test.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP)

• The ASVAB is also a tool to figure out where to find career satisfaction, you need all the facts about your skills and interests, the world of work, and your post-secondary options to make informed decisions. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) includes a validated aptitude test and interest assessment. The results are used to guide career exploration using our career planning tools.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP)

• Careers In The Military and Benefits... All service members receive health care, housing and food allowances, as well as educational opportunities and special home loans.   

WHY CONSIDER THE MILITARY

BENEFITS

PAY

• ASVAB Official Website...This website provides information about the ASVAB.  Once on the site, students need to CLICK on ENTER AS AN APPLICANT link.  Students will find:  What to Expect When You Take the ASVAB, Preparing for the ASVAB, Sample Questions....and MORE!!!

ASVAB OFFICIAL WEBSITE

• Practice Tests & ASVAB Information... The link below contains an explanation of what the ASVAB is, what is tested on the  how the ASVAB can help you find a career, and website links which contain practice tests to help students study for the ASVAB. 

ASVAB INFORMATION

• Military recruiting contacts, ROTC scholarship information, and military academy contacts.  Apply for ROTC Scholarships during Spring of your junior year.

MILITARY RECRUITING CONTACTS, MILITARY ACADEMY CONTACTS AND ROTC SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

• Military Academies and Nominations- To be considered for admission to the Air Force Academy, U.S Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy, a student must have a nomination either through a Member of the House of Representatives or United States Senate or a military service connection.  Also, most Military Academies have a summer camp during the summer after your junior year that can help boost your application. You should apply to military academies your Junior year.  Applications open up in February.  Open and file as early as possible. 

Military Academy Nominations-FAQ

• Seniors...U.S Senator Chris Van Hollen is taking Military Academy Nominations .    Click the link below to apply.

U.S Senator Chris Van Hollen Academy Nominations Deadline September 28, 2023

• How Does Active Duty Differ From Reserve Duty...Some people choose to enlist as a full-time active duty service member, while others decide to enlist as a part-time, reserve duty service member.  Active duty is comparable to working at a full time job.  Reserve duty is similar to a part-time job- you keep your civilian job while receiving military training near where you live, and only serve part time.  ​​

 

 

 Current Newsletter

 

School Procedures Following Receipt of Parent Request for Excused Absence (Code 13)

CODE 13: Other emergency or set of circumstances which, in the judgement of the Superintendent or designee, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school for up to five school days per school year, including an educational trip or unique life experience. A vacation is not considered an educational trip or a unique life experience. Make-up work will be allowed for approved absences and must be returned to the school three days from the date of return.

An educational trip is one in which either the student is actively receiving instruction through a structured program directly tied to the curriculum, or the student is actively visiting another school, program or college in preparation for potential future enrollment. Siblings may also be excused.

A unique life experience may include an educational field trip, athletic competitions not sponsored by the school, unique family circumstances (i.e., deployed parent visit) and/or career or alternative work experience.

A "vacation" is not an educational trip or unique life experience.

To request an extended absence due to an educational trip or unique life experience, parents can submit a Parent Request Excused Absence (Code 13*) application to the school attendance secretary, Mrs. Alcorn no later than two (2) weeks prior to the student's first date of absence.

SAT - ACT:  School Code, CEEB Code, ETS Code - 210685

The best way to prepare for these college entrance exams is to participate in the daily schoolwork, and homework, then prior to the test to study to refresh already learned knowledge.  It is recommended that Juniors take an exam during May or June and Seniors take an exam during August or October. To learn more about each test, free study material or to register go to www.collegeboard.org for the SAT and to www.act.org .  If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver, please see Mrs. Sisson in the Career Center. Also see Mrs. Sisson, College & Career Advisor or you School Counselor for information.

SAT/ACT Score Conversion chart: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/act-to-sat-conversion

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines

ACT Registration & ACT Testing Dates | The ACT Test

MARYLAND SCHOLARSHIPS

Maryland is home to a range of colleges and universities. Probably its most famous academic institution is Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876. However, there are over 60 other colleges, including St. John's in Annapolis, the University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland.

Explore the link below to learn more about the exciting possibilities of a college scholarship in Maryland.

https://www.collegescholarships.com/local/maryland-scholarships

MARYLAND COMMUNITY PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship that is available for the 2025-2026 academic year​​ to students who enroll at a Maryland community college. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 to cover any remaining tuition and mandatory fee expenses after Federal or State financial aid has been applied.

Who May Apply?

A Maryland high school graduate or GED recipient eligible for in-state tuition who is planning to enroll or is currently enrolled full time or part time ​​at a Maryland community college in:

• A credit-bearing vocational certificate/certificate/associate degree program
• A sequence of credit or non-credit courses that leads to licensure or certification
• A registered apprenticeship program

How do I apply?

• Submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR MHEC One App (for students who are not eligible to submit a FAFSA) and contact their local community college in order to apply.

Community College Promise Scholarship

CHARLES COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Charles County Scholarship Fund Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Charles County high school seniors.  Interested students can visit the CCPS website for eligibility criteria and additional requirements. The application opens Wednesday, January 15th and closes on Saturday, March 1st at 11:59 pm.  Click the link below to apply. 

Charles County Scholarship Fund

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS

 Scholarship & Financial Aid 

Do you know about the Selective Service System?  Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. 

Registering is the law.  

Learn who must register

Learn why you should register and the benefits

Summer Internships

summer Internship Opportunities

There is a large selection of vocational and technical trade schools in this area. They take anywhere from six months to two years to complete, with either a certificate or an Associate’s degree. There is no room and board at most of these schools. They usually concentrate on just the major classes with very few other courses offered. . You will want to make sure the school is accredited for the program you are considering. You will need to complete an application.

Were you just hired?  Did your new manager tell you need to submit a work permit?
For important information and to start your work permit:

Work Permit Information