College & Career Readiness
AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID is an academic, elective program designed to provide support to students who are in the “academic middle." AVID prepares students to enter and be successful in college through career and college exploration. Detailed is an overview of the program, including student testimonials and information on how to apply.
Take a look at AVID in the classroom and learn about the AVID student experience. From middle school through high school graduation, students apply the principles and strategies of AVID to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
For more information, visit the AVID Office.
AVID Overview
AVID in the Classroom
AVID Achievers Stories of Success: AACC Partnerships
Career & Technology Education
AACPS is dedicated to preparing students to be career and college ready. Our Career & Technology Education office offers a wide range of opportunities to help our students explore career paths, acquire technical knowledge and skills and even earn college credits or vocational certifications.
Career and Technology Education (CTE) provides benefits beyond the diploma. CTE programs offer students an opportunity to get a head start on their career, as well as post-secondary education. Students can earn industry certifications and transcripted college credit while completing high school graduation requirements.
Learn more about CTE programs and the CAT Centers by visiting the Career and Technical Education site.
Centers of Applied Technology (CAT)
Early College Access Program (ECAP)
The Early College Access Program is a joint program between Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Anne Arundel Community College. ECAP allows AACPS students to take college classes while still in high school, for FREE! Earn college credits and get a head start on your college or career journey.
For more information including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.aacps.org/ecap.
Early College Access Program (ECAP)
How to complete the student ECAP Funding Request
One of the steps to getting started in the Early College Access Program is to complete the ECAP Funding Request form. Students will need their AACC ID to complete the form. Once the form is submitted, it will auto-generate a chain of approval emails (parent/guardian, counselor, principal). If approved, the funding request is automatically sent to AACC. This approval must occur before a student registers at AACC or funds will not be provided. For details on the ECAP process, visit www.aacps.org/ecap.
Student ECAP Funding Request
College Countdown Workshop
The college process is a journey! Join us for a road map of the college process from beginning to end. Topics included in this workshop are:
An overview of the college process
When to start looking at schools
How to plan a college visit
When to apply
Resources for parents and students
College Countdown Virtual Workshop Recording
This workshop was presented on November 30, 2023. Please view the information located in this topic for access to the links to the presentation and other resources from the workshop.
Links to Resources from the workshop:
Please visit the AACPS College and Career Readiness website for more information and resources on becoming college and career ready.
College Preparation
Many career opportunities require a college degree. College provides many opportunities for students to grow and learn. However, the college preparation, application and selection processes can be overwhelming - for students and their families. Caregivers and mentors can gain valuable information from the resources in this section. Remember, your student's school counselor can also provide excellent support and information!
The resources listed on this page will assist you and your student on their college-bound journey. For more information, contact your student's guidance counselor or visit the AACPS site for College and Career Readiness.
Reducing the Stress of the College Application Process
Naviance:
This platform is provided by AACPS. School counselors help students log in and create their own unique accounts. Once registered, Naviance can be used to search colleges based on a variety of areas (grades; location; size of school; cost; programs, etc.) and can use your student’s grades and test scores to provide an idea of how competitive they would be for a particular school. County students also use Naviance to request teacher and counselor recommendations and request transcripts. Ask your student to login in and show you!
Common Application:
Many colleges and universities accept the Common Application. Students can complete one application and apply to many schools at one time.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
The FAFSA for the next academic year becomes available in October of the previous year. In order to receive consideration for federal assistance, the sooner you complete this form, the better. Many states, colleges and other scholarship programs also require that the FAFSA be completed. Complete this form each year for aid consideration.
Common Black College Application:
By completing one application and paying a $20 fee, a student can apply to 66 HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)!
Myers-Briggs Personality Test and career suggestions:
Your student can take the free online quiz and get insights into their personality type, as well as some career ideas that match their strengths.
Roadtrip Nation:
Access thousands of videos and other resources in a huge variety of careers as your student explores possible major of study.
NCAA Student Athletes:
Students interested in playing sports at the Division I or Division II college level should learn about requirements and register for eligibility here.
Financial Aid & FAFSA Workshop
Applying for financial aid for college is an important step in the college application process. Learn everything you need to know about the FAFSA, financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students applying to college.
Ways to Pay Virtual Workshop Recording 2023
Links to Resources from the workshop:
Please visit the AACPS College and Career Readiness website for more information and resources on becoming college and career ready.
Anne Arundel Community College
There are many educational and career opportunities available at AACC for high school students and recent graduates. Students can pursue professional training, a credit certificate, or a two-year Associates Degree. Students can start their journey at AACC and transfer to a 4-year college or university! Visit www.aacc.edu to learn more and to explore your future!
