College &amp; Career Planning

|||

Facebook Instagram Facebook

- Ms. Abby Martin is our Don Bosco College and Career Coach. Contact her with your questions on graduation requirements, course offerings, and planning for careers or post-high school education. Ms. Martin is available to meet with students and parents.
  
  If you are new to high school, check out this Transition Guide. We'll also have orientation for you before school starts so you are ready to hit the ground running.
  
  To learn more about college and career opportunities at Don Bosco and beyond, visit the sections below and contact Ms. Martin for help with your plan.
  
  Ms. Abby Martin
  319-296-1692
college and career planning
at Don Bosco
Career Exploration via Bosco's CBE Program
- Explore careers through
  our CBE Program
  
  CBE stands for Competency Based Education. This program helps students plan their futures, whether they intend to go straight into a career, an apprenticeship, technical school, or a traditional college or university.
  In alignment with career and readiness standards, job shadowing and on-the-job work are available in a variety of career pathways. Students develop and master competencies and skills over the semester. Thank you to the businesses and organizations in our area who work with us to provide these learning opportunities. If your organization is interested in participating, contact our CBE Coordinator, Katie Duncan.
  The CBE Program can help students confirm their passions. Sometimes, however, students learn a specific career is not the the one for them, which can save a lot of time and money down the road.
  Benefits
  Improved understanding of the industry
  Clarity of career goals
  Networking
  New perspectives
  Increased confidence
  Enhanced problem-solving skills
  Some of Our Programs
  Construction
  Auto Mechanics & Repair
  Marketing
  Finance
  Instrumental Music
  Small Animal Care
  Welding
  Fall Season Farm Production & Management
  Wildlife and Natural Resources
  Natural Resources Management
  Child Care & Development
  Advanced Child Care
  Culinary Arts
  Exploring the world of education is one of many CBE options.
  Who may participate?
  Students must be able to provide their own transportation to the job site. Seniors do have priority, but we are adding additional opportunities each year.
  When do students go to their job site?
  Onsite learning occurs before or after school. The class is scheduled for 1st or 8th period so that students do not lose traditional academic instruction time due to transportation.
Classes at the Waterloo Career Center
- waterloo career center
  
  The Waterloo Career Center provides Career Technical Education (CTE) to students at schools in and around Waterloo, including students at Don Bosco High School. One of the only facilities of its kind in the state, the center allows students from area schools to experience real world training with industry experts. Students have the opportunity to explore careers with hands-on experiences in labs built to simulate real workplace environments.
  Contact Don Bosco College and Career Coach Ms. Abby Martin with questions about attending classes at the Waterloo Career Center.
  Course listings and descriptions for 2025-26 (starting on page 30)
Job Shadowing
- Job shadowing
  
  Want to experience a career by visiting a business and having a chance to ask questions?
  Hawkeye Community College can arrange job shadowing experiences for high school students. Let Ms. Martin know what you are interested and she can help set this up for you.
  Learn more >>
  
  We may also be able to connect you with local alumni who are always eager to help our students.
Use ICAN to Help with Career/College Planning & Financial Aid
- USe the ICAN website to help with your planning
  
  In addition to meeting with our Don Bosco College and Career Coach Ms. Martin, the ICAN Succeed website is a fantastic place to start planning your future–and it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to do and how to make it happen!
  
  The site includes a wealth of information and helpful links on these and more:
  career planning
  college planning
  financial aid
  
  Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to accessing grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans to fund your education.
  
  Did you know? You can
  schedule an appointment with an ICAN Advisor for help with college or career planning.
  schedule a session to get assistance in completing the FAFSA form
  meet virtually or in person (nearest location is Cedar Falls) by scheduling online
  
  Checklists from the ICAN website:
  Freshmen/Sophomores
  Juniors/Seniors. (see also making the most of your college visits)
Local Scholarships Through Bosco
- Local scholarships
  
  Local scholarships are awarded through Don Bosco/BCSS. Details on the application process are announced to seniors each January
  
  SCHOLARSHIPS THAT USE THE LOCAL APPLICATION
  To apply for the following scholarships, a senior will complete one Local Application and indicate the scholarships he/she is applying for. Return the single completed application to the College and Career Coach by the spring deadline (usually April 14).
  
  Curtis and Marie Bader Scholarship
  Steve Ludwig Memorial Scholarship
  Gene and Peg Mullen Scholarship
  Michael Mullen Scholarship
  Mary Alice Weber Memorial Scholarship
  Matthew Wilkerson Scholarship
  Jim Youngblut Memorial Scholarship
  Read the Scholarship Descriptions
  Access the Application (make a copy of the Google Doc to fill out)
  
  SCHOLARSHIPS THAT HAVE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS
  Turn in these applications to the College and Career Coach's office. We will submit these applications to the appropriate committees for review:
  
  Rita Weber Scholarship
  Application
  Deadline April 14
  Jesup Knights of Columbus Scholarship
  This scholarship is awarded by Council #8227 of Jesup, IA.
  Selection criteria: 1) financial need, 2) desire to obtain more education, 3) character, and 4) parish membership and participation.
  Complete the Application and write an essay on why you should be considered for this award including at least 100 words on what your faith means to you.
  Deadline April 14
  Gert and Charlie Hogan Memorial Scholarship
  Application
  Students must complete a short essay (one or two paragraphs) on the following question: "How has your Catholic education impacted the person you are today?"
  Deadline April 21
  Jake Knepper Endowed Scholarship (application coming soon)
Waterloo Area Scholarships
- Waterloo area scholarships
  
  Kenneth Meyerhoff Scholarship-Waterloo Schools
  This scholarship is through the Waterloo School System. Don Bosco Seniors are eligible to apply. The award ranges from $500 to $1000.
  ACT scores are required. The Don Bosco College and Career Coach must add your ACT score to your Don Bosco Transcript, which you send to them with your application. The ACT Score Report is not accepted.
  Mail your application before March 6 to Superintendent's Office, Attn: Meyerhoff Scholarship Application, Waterloo Community School District, 1516 Washington Street, Waterloo, IA 50702. It may be possible to email your application to the Waterloo School Administration Office.
  Application (2024 version, March 4, 2024 deadline)
  
  Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
  Community Foundation scholarships are offered annually for high school seniors and college students, as well as adults. Scholarships are for students who will be attending a college, university, trade school, or community college in the fall.
  Most scholarships are for one year, but some are 2-year, some 4-year, and some are renewable.
  Each scholarship may have its own eligibility requirements, but there is only one common application to complete. Visit their website to learn more. Details about the Scholarship Process are updated each January.

Some of Our Programs

SCHOLARSHIPS THAT USE THE LOCAL APPLICATION

SCHOLARSHIPS THAT HAVE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS