College and Career Engagement Program

Overview of NACA’s College and Career Engagement Program

We require our 11th and 12th graders to take a Junior Seminar/ Learning Through Internship and Senior Seminar courses before they graduate. These courses expose students to career interests and opportunities with a required 80 hours of an internship in their Junior Year. In Senior Seminar, students are provided information, support and guidance as they learn about the college application process, financial aid and scholarships. These courses help us to fulfill our mission of supporting students as they pursue higher education and/or create a career pathway grounded in their passions and interests.

Information for Families

Our partnership with you is vital during these exciting, challenging years. The seasons ahead are surely months when the NACA words--“Growing Together”-- hold particular meaning.

We hope that you will take time to look through this information with your student. In addition, through family conferences, evening workshops and individual conversations, we are committed to providing you further information, resources and support as you move through your student’s Dual Credit and College Admissions process.

Once students reach the junior and senior year, it is natural and appropriate for parents to step back somewhat to give them the independence they seek. This being said, you remain central to your student’s success. Remaining present and engaged in a way that works for both you and your student is so important. This junior and senior years are distinct for many reasons, including the academic and emotional intensity students inevitably face. As such, we offer these core recommendations

Reflect upon—and share with your student—your thoughts on this question: What hopes do I hold for my student’s journey toward higher learning?
Set a specific time to talk with your student about how you will together keep regular communication about academic progress as well as your student’s college and scholarship planning process. It is wise to agree upon such a check-in plan together. For example, you may agree that you are going to check in briefly once a week during which time you will discuss progress on homework and other projects, take a quick look at the student’s planner to ensure that it is being used to keep track of time, commitments etc. and get any updates on college applications.
Keep in regular contact with your student’s adviser--even quick emails to check in or raise a question or concern on behalf of your student can be very helpful.
Given the stress often experienced during the college planning process, your support and understanding--especially during stretches when your student might be feeling overwhelmed—makes all the difference. If you have significant concern about your student’s emotional health, advisors and counselors are more than willing to talk further with you.
Talk with your student about how he/she can visit the campuses of colleges/universities that may be of interest. This may be a local opportunity such as UNM’s annual Senior Day or opportunities out of state when colleges assist with the cost of flying a student to visit a campus. Many of these programs have application deadlines in August or September. There may also be opportunities for your student to visit the campuses of the colleges to which he/she has been admitted later this Spring.
With your student, plan to attend the evening workshops we host each semester-including in the opening weeks of the school year. The workshops will include information on financial aid and scholarship planning. The College Engagement Office will inform parents of workshop details.
Set up a time to meet with the College and Career Engagement Team.

Useful Links

UNM Application	CNM Application	NMSU Application	NM Tech Application	NMHU Application
Sante Fe Community College Application	Institute of American Indian Arts Application

In NACA College Engagement we use Common App to help students applying to schools outside of New Mexico.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) - The FAFSA now opens in January each year. Students will learn it is important to submit their FAFSA every year in college. The provides financial support through Pell Grants, Work Study, and Loans (as a last option). Schools require the FAFSA to help students pay for school.

Davis NM Scholarship - The Davis NM Scholarship helps 1st generation college bound students earn bachelor's degrees. NACA is happy to be affiliated with the Davis NM Scholarship. Each Fall semester seniors can apply for this full cost of attendance scholarship. This is a great opportunity to attend a Davis NM partner college, such as University of Denver, University of Portland, Occidental College, University of Chicago, Southwestern University, or St. Edwards University.

American Indian College Fund

Legislative Lottery Scholarships

Daniels Fund

Gates Millennium Scholars

Dual Credit Support

At NACA our students take dual credit classes through IAIA, CNM, Navajo Tech, and UNM. Click on the previous links to see the dual credit information for each school. Be sure to check the application due dates and class start dates for each school.

Testing

PSAT/NMSQT - NACA students typically take this test in the 10th grade. The test can help you earn National Merit Scholarships and other scholarships through College Board. Click on the link to learn more.

SAT - In the junior year NACA students take the SAT. Some colleges are starting to require the SAT, but some are test optional. Please check with the Admissions Office of the school you are interested in to find out if the SAT is required. We typically take the SAT in April of the junior year.

ACT General Information

ACT Testing Dates

Summer Programs and Opportunities

CU Upward Bound - Starting in the 9th grade NACA students may start applying to be a part of this 6 week Summer program. We highly encourage students to find out more about this program where you get to live and learn what college is like over the Summer.

College Horizons - This six-day program helps introduce students to the Common App, financial aid resources, test preparation, and campus exploration.

Thank you!