February 2024 Newsletter
Mrs. Amy Reinmuth 
Director of College Career Advising & Registrar

253-475-7226 x106
areinmuth@soundchristianacademy.org

Class of 2024

  • FAFSA Issues - Most of you are probably aware or are following many of the issues that are arising with the updated FAFSA.  This is creating several delays and information is changing daily.  Please make sure you are checking the FAFSA website (https://fafsa.ed.gov/) for the most critical updates. It is also important to stay in contact with the schools you are waiting to receive financial aid awards from. Make sure you are reading emails and updates from their financial aid offices to keep on top of their deadlines.

  • Filling out the FAFSA: Even if you think you "don't qualify", most schools will require you to fill out the FAFSA before you are qualified for financial aid.  So make sure to get it done asap and send it to all the schools you are wanting to get financial aid awards from!   Here is more information to help with the process: 
    • Deadlines: Most schools also have a financial aid deadline so make sure you know what those are for the schools you are most wanting to attend in the fall
    • Fill out your FAFSA today but clicking this link: https://fafsa.ed.gov/.  
    • Need more FAFSA help?  Check out the 2024-25 Financial Aid Toolkit from the Department of Education.
    • Need someone to help walk you through the process?  Wyatt, a free, digital FAFSA advisor, is available on-demand 24/7 for students and families to text their FAFSA questions and receive immediate answers
  • Scholarship Season is in FULL SWING for seniors! My motto is that you won't receive scholarship money if you don't apply!  Several upcoming scholarships are currently located on our website.  Make sure to check back often. So many scholarships have been added recently!

  • VOLUNTEER HOURS! Don't forget that a requirement for all seniors is to complete and turn in a minimum of 20 service hours. These hours need to have been completed starting June 10, 2023 and must be served somewhere in the community (outside of your family).  Please make sure to turn in your hours to the front office. Forms available in Mrs. Reinmuth's office or on our website. Reminder - if everyone has their hours turned in by May 1, Mrs. Reinmuth will throw you a root beer float party!

Class of 2025

  • Expert College Admission AdviceWhether seeking advice on something important like health or finances, or a less serious decision like what book to read, movie to watch, or restaurant to patronize, we all want expert input. But just what does that mean? How does one identify an expert? Click here and take a few minutes to read this GREAT article about advice from experts related to college admissions.

  • SAT Prep - Khan Academy® has partnered directly with College Board to help students focus on the exact skills they need to succeed on the digital SAT. With Khan Academy's digital SAT test prep course, students can sharpen their skills with thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints, plus test-taking tips and strategies. Don't miss out on this FREE opportunity to prep for the upcoming SAT test!

  • Visit a College! Even if you just visit a college here in Pierce County, you won't regret stepping on campus to learn more about what college life is about.  So, take the time to visit a college today or plan a trip to visit a college out of state soon.

  • Ever considered a job shadow?  Not sure what career path you might want to take?  Job shadowing involves spending time following a professional as they work. By observing the professional for anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, you can get a better understanding of their particular career. Here at SCA have a couple students setting up their job shadow experience.  This is a great article about what job shadowing entails.  Feel free to contact Mrs. Reinmuth if you want more information.

  • VOLUNTEER HOURS! Don't forget that a requirement for all juniors is to complete and turn in a minimum of 15 service hours. These hours need to have been completed starting June 10, 2023 and must be served somewhere in the community (outside of your family).  Please make sure to turn in your hours to the front office. Forms available in Mrs. Reinmuth's office or on our website.

Class of 2026

  • Headed to college? Read this article for a AWESOME checklist on what you should be working on during your sophomore year.  Now is the time to start planning your future!

  • VOLUNTEER HOURS! Don't forget that a requirement for all sophomores is to complete and turn in a minimum of 10 service hours. These hours need to have been completed starting June 10, 2023 and must be served somewhere in the community (outside of your family).  Please make sure to turn in your hours to the front office. Forms available in Mrs. Reinmuth's office or on our website.

Class of 2027

  • Headed to college? Read this article for a AWESOME checklist on what you should be working on during your sophomore year.  Now is the time to start planning your future!

  • VOLUNTEER HOURS! Don't forget that a requirement for all freshmen is to complete and turn in a minimum of 5 service hours. These hours need to have been completed starting June 10, 2023 and must be served somewhere in the community (outside of your family).  Please make sure to turn in your hours to the front office. Forms available in Mrs. Reinmuth's office or on our website.

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  • Ever considered a Military pathway to college?  Read this article!  'So many pathways': Military recruiters tout broader opportunities to get a college education -- even through part-time military service.

  • CLEP Testing - Ever heard of CLEP testing?  Did you know this is a great, inexpensive way for students to check off some of those college credits?  For over 50 years, the College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) has offered exams at a fraction of the price of a college course, saving you hundreds of dollars. CLEP exams let you test out of introductory courses and move to more advanced courses sooner, saving time toward your degree. Learn more at clep.collegeboard.org/.
  • Find a Career Role Model!  Here is a great article about finding a career role model and the difference it can make if your student is planning to pursue a job in a technical field. Internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships are great ways to find those career role model.

  • Looking for an alternative to college?  We want all our students to have a great career path when they leave SCA and for some students that does not involve college!  Here is a great article about some alternatives to college and how to decide which one is right for you. Alternatives to a 4-Year College: What to Know (usnews.com)

  • Did you know you can explore future careers based on what kind of eduction  your want to pursue after high school, or by pay level, or a multitude of other options?  Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information. 
  • FREE MONEY! My motto is that you won't receive scholarship money if you don't apply!  Several upcoming scholarships are currently located on our website.  Make sure to check back often. So many scholarships have been added recently!

  • Scholarship Search Engines: Remember, you should never have to pay for a scholarship search! A few good searches include Big FutureFastwebScholarships.com, and Going Merry 

Each year, the Rotary Club of Tacoma # 8 awards college and technical school scholarships to seniors graduating from Tacoma high schools. 

Three candidates may be submitted by counselors from each high school to be considered for two-year or four-year awards. The Rotary Scholarship Committee selects two scholarship recipients from each school after reviewing their applications and interviewing the students.

The scholarships are made payable directly to the institution the student has chosen to attend and can be used for tuition and/or academic supplies. Our goal is to select students who can demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. 


Applications are due TO MRS. REINMUTH by February 22, 2024.
Click here for a fillable application or see Mrs. Reinmuth for a paper copy.
The WA State Baccalaureate Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $22,500 in scholarship dollars and access to career-launching support services for high-demand STEM and health care majors. Funding can be used for any eligible STEM or health care major at any eligible public or private college or university in Washington state.

Eligibility: 1) Washington State Resident; 2) Have a family income that does not exceed 125% of Washington state median family income. Review the document on the website to confirm your income eligibility. 3) Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) and have it processed by the Baccalaureate Scholarship deadline. 4) Plan to enroll in an eligible STEM or health care major at an eligible Washington state college or university. 5) Have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree; 6) Have earned or will earn a high school credential in Washington state by June of the year that you apply. 7) By the application deadline, you must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale), demonstrated on either a current high school or college transcript.  

2024 Applications are due by February 29, 2024.

The Kelly Foundation of Washington is pleased to offer the $2,500 Ewing C. Kelly Scholarship. High school seniors in the state of Washington are eligible.

Applicants will be judged on citizenship, academic achievement, and financial need. Winners will be notified in April.

Eligibility: 1) Applicant must be accepted, or have an application pending, at an accredited institution of higher learning, public or private and including community and technical colleges; 2) must be a senior-level student at a public or private high school; 3) IF the college you are attending requires ACT/SAT scores, you must have an ACT composite score of 20 or a composite score of 1030 on the SAT. NO test scores required for 2-year schools; 4) must be a US citizen or have a green card.
2024 Applications must be postmarked by March 8, 2024.
Click here for a fillable application form or see Mrs. Reinmuth for a paper copy.
The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship was created by the Legislature in 1984 to emphasize the importance of career and technical education, and the value of real-world, hands-on learning.

WAVE recognizes high-performing career and technical education (CTE) students at both the high school and college level. There are up to 147 potential award winners each year.
2024 Applications are due by March 10, 2024.
Visit https://wtb.wa.gov/wave/ for more information.
The Ben B Cheney Foundation Student Athlete scholarship recognizes student athletes in Pierce County with plans to further their education. 
Eligibility: 1) Current high school senior; 2) Graduating from an eligible WIAA recognized high school in Pierce County; 3) plans to attend a vocational, technical, 2-year, of 4-year college in the United States; 4) Have a cumulative GPA that meets minimum college requirements; 5) Have participated in at least one varsity interscholastic high school sponsored WIAA athletic team in Pierce County; 6) Exhibit high qualities of attainment in academics, leadership, character, citizenship, and motivation; 7) Be an American citizen.  
2024 applications are due by March 15th, 2024.
The WIAA is proud to partner with Gesa Credit Union, the Dairy Famers of Washington and LesSchwab Tires to present the Smart Choices Scholarship Program.  The 2024 Smart Choices Scholarship Program awards three $5,000 scholarships and 12 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from WIAA member high schools for excellence in athletics/activities, academics, leadership, and community service throughout their high school careers.  
2024 applications are due by 11:59pm on March 15th, 2024.
Visit https://www.wiaa.com/smartchoices/ for more information.
Interested in Playing Sports in the College?
The new 2023-2024 NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Athlete has arrived.  Makes sure you download a copy to reference for everything needed for D1, D2, and D3 college athletics.  
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