MISSION, TEXAS (MAY 3, 2024) - Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) seniors are cashing in on their future with the help of dedicated college and career counselors.
Through Mission CISD’s College and Career Centers located within all three high school campuses, students are getting some much-needed one-on-one guidance in their post-secondary education and career pathways.
This district-wide initiative ensures that every student receives comprehensive support as they navigate the complexities of planning for college including SAT prep, meeting deadlines, and taking advantage of scholarship opportunities.
Dina Gallardo, the College and Career Counselor at Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS), highlights the collaborative approach taken by staff to not only maximize student success but also maximize scholarship opportunities for college.
"The college readiness teachers and I work closely as a team to guide the students through the life after high school process," Gallardo said. “We know college can be extremely expensive; we work with our students to assure they are taking advantage of all of the monetary opportunities provided through scholarships and grants.”
One student who has taken advantage of scholarship and grant opportunities is Leslie Garza, a senior at Mission High School.
Garza says she could not have navigated through the sometimes-daunting college application and scholarship process without Mission CISD’s College and Career Centers.
“I have received about $70,250 in scholarships so far, and I’m continuing to receive them,” Garza said.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
The effectiveness of Mission CISD’s College and Career Centers is underscored by the significant achievements in scholarship awards.
- Mission High School students have been awarded approximately $2.5 Million in scholarships this year.
- Veterans Memorial High School students have been awarded approximately $4.6 Million in scholarships.
- Mission Collegiate High School students have been awarded over $5 Million in scholarships.
That’s over $10 Million in scholarships granted to Mission CISD students.
Additionally, the district reported that over 4,000 college applications were completed this year by Mission CISD students.
Gallardo states that while this time of year is busy for the department, it’s all worth it so her students are successful.
“We know a lot of these students may be the first ones in their family to attend college, they may not have someone at home who understands all the steps needed to successfully apply for school,” Gallardo said. “That’s why we pride ourselves on making sure our students have the right tools to make it to the next step in their journey.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Mission CISD College and Career Centers offer additional resources for students, including implementing a requirement that all students must earn at least one credit in college readiness before graduating.
The course is devoted to preparing students for college, including filling out college applications, scholarship forms, and financial aid documents.
The college readiness teachers work collaboratively with the College and Career Centers to offer:
- One-on-one counseling for financial aid and college applications
- Standardized test prep
- Organizing financial aid clinics
- College tours through collaborations with programs like Talent Search, Upward Bound, and the UT Youth Engagement Center
These comprehensive efforts in college readiness classes and at each College and Career Center across the district underline Mission CISD's commitment to preparing students for successful transitions to college and beyond, setting a robust foundation for their future endeavors.
For more information on the College and Career Centers contact any of the Mission CISD High Schools to talk to a College and Career Counselor or visit online here: MCHS, MHS and VMHS .
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