2025 Best and Brightest Award

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The PA Media Group – The Patriot News and Penn Live – will honor 20 high school seniors as the Best & Brightest to represent the potential of the class of 2025.

Students nominate themselves; must be a current senior with a B average or a 3.0 minimum GPA.  Applications are due by March 5, 2025.

APPLY HERE

Elmer Hafer Youth Camp

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The Elmer Hafer American Legion State Police National Guard Youth Camp is a six day program for students ages 15-17 interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or the military.

WHEN: June 8-14, 2025

WHERE: Messiah University

COST: $225 which includes meals and lodging, however the fee is paid by a sponsoring post or unit

Elmer Hafer Youth Camp

Click here for more information

2023 Best and Brightest

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The PA Media Group – The Patriot News and Penn Live – will honor 20 high school seniors as the Best & Brightest to represent the potential of the class of 2023.

Students nominate themselves; must be a current senior with a B average or a 3.0 minimum GPA.  Applications are due by March 6, 2023.

Apply here

Optimist Club of York County Photo Contest

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The photography contest is open to students in middle and high school under the age of 19 as of September 30, 2022.

Students are asked to submit a photo that illustrates one of the ten points of the Optimist Creed.

The deadline for all entries is January 31, 2023.

The local Optimist Club will award $125 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place.

The top 3 winners will have their photograph forwarded to the district contest.

Please review the application and rules and regulations here: 2023 Optimist Photography Contest Information

YCAL Spring Career Exploration Programs

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York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) has released its schedule of Spring semester career exploration programs.  These programs allow York County students in grades 10 – 12 to attend one day programs on a variety of careers.  Students can visit a business, hear from professionals, and (in some programs) engage in activities and simulations.  These one day programs are free of charge.  They serve as a great way for undecided students to “try out” a career or two of interest for a day.   There are 21 different day programs this Spring including:
Skilled Trades — Sports Management — Cosmetology  — Education — Hospitality & Tourism — HVAC and Plumbing — Artistic careers — Natural Science careers — Psychology & Human Services — Architecture and Construction — Court Reporter — Water and Environmental Technology — Finance — AND MORE!
There is something for everyone! Please take time to review the list of YCAL programs listed on the YCAL website.
YCAL programs do require parent/guardian permission for the student to miss a day of school.  Information on permission will be shared with students who sign up for individual programs.
For some programs, district transportation will be provided.  For others, students will need to provide their own transportation.  Transportation decisions are based on the number of South Western students in each program and availability of staff/drivers.  Students should make a plan for self transportation “just in case.”
YCAL programs tend to fill up quickly, so apply now!  Questions?  Reach out to Mrs. Berkebile, Career Counselor

Financing College

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Understanding the Offer Letter and Balances  12/6/22 Tuesday @ Noon  and 12/15/22 Thursday @ 6:30 pm

The Offer Letter, or Financing Plans, that you receive to provide an idea of the costs associated with attending post secondary education can be confusing as each school formats their information differently.  PHEAA representatives Linda Pacewicz and Daniel Wray will assist you, in this 1 hour webinar, in understanding and navigating through the types of Aid that are listed, what you are being offered and identifying the balances and next steps needed so you can make knowledgeable and affordable decisions.  Q&A interaction is encouraged.

Financial Aid and Planning Q&A with PHEAA  12/8/22 Thursday @ Noon and 12/13/22 Tuesday @ 6:30 pm

Articles related to funding a higher education are in the news almost every day, and it can lead even the most knowledgeable of us into information overload.  Have you ever wanted to simply ask a few specific questions, yet couldn’t find anyone to ask?  Maybe you have questions about planning for college, finding the right school, applying for scholarships, applying for federal and state aid, understanding aid offer letters, completing loan applications, comparing federal loans to private loans, repaying/refinancing loans after graduation, etc.  Join Linda Pacewicz and Daniel Wray of PHEAA for a wide open one-hour Q&A session.  Ask your questions in an open forum or privately via the chat.  Hope to see you there.

REGISTER HERE

Career Center Round Up – November 7, 2022

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Today, Day 5, the Career Center sent out the email below to all students in grades 9 – 12.  Them Round Up comes out each day5 and provides a summary of current opportunities, reminders, and useful info for students.  
 
Career Spotlight – Special Veteran’s Day Focus
Military Careers – Members of the U.S. military service maintain the U.S. national defense. Although some service members work in occupations specific to the military, such as fighter pilots or infantry, many work in occupations that also exist in the civilian workplace, such as nurses, doctors, lawyers, mechanics, translators, IT specialists, etc. Members serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or in the Reserve components of these branches, and in the Air National Guardand Army National Guard
Career Exploration
Armed Forces and Emergency Services Career Fair – During all lunch waves, this Friday, November 11, 2022.  Representatives from various branches of the military and local police, fire, and EMTs will be at SWHS this Friday.  Stop by their tables during lunch to learn more about careers in the protective services AND to say “thank you” for their service to our community and nation!
Summer Internship
The School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology is offering a paid virtual summer research program for high school juniors. In this six-week program, students will have the opportunity to work alongside a faculty member from the School of Business and assist them with research in their area of study such as management, leadership, or finance.  The program will run from July 1, 2023, through August 12, 2023, and students will receive a $500 stipend after completing the program.

Deadline: Applications due March 1, 2023.

More Information:  Request an appointment with Mrs. Berkebile, Career Counselor

College Bound Info
Virtual Financial Aid Night – Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30pm
This web based presentation will cover different types of financial aid including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans.  Special attention will be given on how to complete the FAFSA.\   Register here

 

November’s Period 5 College Visits 

11/14 – Kean University
Sign up: College Visit Google Form.  All visits are held during 5th period in the Counseling Office.
Recent Scholarships Posted 
-Traditions Bank – Her Traditions Scholarship Program
-2023 EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL PA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Details about the scholarships above have been emailed to students AND posted to SWHS scholarship blog: https://swguidance.edublogs.org/

Career Center Round Up – October 28

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On Day 5, the Career Center will send out a brief email summary of current opportunities, reminders, and useful info for students.  The following information was emailed to all students on October 28.  Please encourage your student to check their email *daily* for these and other great opportunities.

Career Spotlight 

The automotive industry comprises a wide range of careers in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and repair of motor vehicles.

Right out of High School:  Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics   OR   Auto Body and Glass Repairers

Even more Auto options:  15 Auto Careers to Explore

STEM Focused: Industrial ENGINEER or  Industrial DESIGNER

Green Jobs in the Auto Industry:  Careers in Electric Vehicles

Career Exploration

WORKFORCE NOW CAREER FAIR – November 2nd, 11 AM – 12:30 PM at the Wyndham in York

This Fair is for York County juniors and seniors looking to start a career right after high school.  Local businesses and employers in construction, masonry, excavation, HVAC, and more will be in attendance and looking to connect with you.  Juniors and Seniors who wish to attend will be taken by SWHS bus to the fair on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd.  Interested students must hand in a permission slip to Mrs. Berkeible by Monday, October 31.  Stop by the Counseling Office TODAY to pick up a flyer with more info and a permission slip!

UPMC HEALTH CAREERS NIGHT – November 2nd, 6 – 8 PM, UPMC Outpatient Center, Mechanicsburg

Open to students (and their parents) who are considering a career in the Health field.  15+ health care departments will be represented, as well as local colleges and universities with health care majors.  See the UPMC Health Careers Nightfor more details and to register.

Pre Apprenticeship Programs

Student Banker Apprenticeship Program (Sponsored by People’s Bank). 12th grade only. Deadline approaching – October 31 – See Mrs. Berkebile ASAP

  • Requirements: minimum GPA of 3.0 and strong interest in business/finance/banking.
  • Eight, daytime sessions (January 2023 – May 2023).  Some sessions virtual, some on site @ the bank.
  • Must provide your own transportation.
  • This experience will help Seniors learn about the banking industry, develop their resumes, explore possible career opportunities, and collaborate with PeoplesBank professionals.
  • If interested, email Mrs. Berkebile to set up an appointment.

Local Job Listings

Giant Foods (Baltimore Street) – Visit giantfoodstores.com, scroll down to the bottom, and click on “Careers,”

Sign of the Horse – Recent increase to hourly wage!  Free meal with each shift.  Dishwasher needed ASAP.    Minimum age: 16.  Pick up an application at Sign of the Horse ( 979 York Street). Ask for Kari.

College Bound Info

Seniors – Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are just around the corner (usually Nov 1 and Nov 15).  Students applying Regular Decision should also be working in earnest to get everything submitted as early as possible.  We know this is a stressful time of year!  Take a breath, make a list, and stay in communication with your counselor.  You can do it!

Juniors ONLY – LENFEST SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION

  • WHEN: November 4th, 9 AM
  • WHERE: Counseling Office
  • Eligibility: High school junior who excels academically, displays leadership qualities, and has financial need  Lenfest FAQs
  • Registration:  Click here

All students: 

NCAA College Athletics & Recruiting Seminar – Wednesday, November 30th, 7:00 PM, SWHS Auditorium

Open to parents and students.  Learn about athletic scholarships and the college recruiting process.  Speaker: Mr. Rick Wire from Dynamite Sports will present this one-hour seminar entitled “Guiding the College-Bound Athlete”

Next Week’s 5th period College Visits 

Tuesday, November 1 – West Virginia University – WVU

Wednesday, November 2 – Marywood University

Sign up: College Visit Google Form.  All visits are held during 5th period in the Counseling Office.

Recent Scholarships Posted 

United Steelworkers Scholarship

H.O.P.E. / Jeanette Cartwright Memorial Scholarship

Lenfest Scholarship Info (Juniors Only)

Details about the scholarships above have been emailed to students AND posted to SWHS scholarship blog: https://swguidance.edublogs.org/