Counseling

The counseling office will be hosting Co-op info meetings during Advisory on Monday, Nov. 16 for current SENIORS not already involved in Co-op who are interested in learning more about the program for second semester. Co-op is on-the-job training at a worksite during the school year that can earn seniors high school elective credit. Please complete this form if you are interested in details about the Co-op application process and will have secured a job by December 4 that will continue through the 26-27 school year. The deadline to register for the meeting is Friday, Nov. 13 at noon. 

The counseling office hosted a “Financial Aid 101” information session during Advisory on November 2. This session was geared towards seniors and provided a general overview of the financial aid process and the FAFSA. Please find the slideshow from the presentation HERE. Reach out to your counselor with any questions. 

Ottawa Area Academy Internship Program: The futurePREP'd Academy Program is open for winter enrollment! This program provides 9th-12th grade students with opportunities to learn about the professional world and complete an internship. Students will meet at a business location in West Michigan and will immerse themselves in the business with a team of other students from around Ottawa County to solve a real challenge that the business is facing. The program runs 2 days/week from approximately 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Jan. 5 to Feb. 25 and students will need to provide their own transportation. First year participants can earn 3 free transferable college credits and second year participants earn 3 additional credits. For additional information, or to apply to participate in this program, please visit this link or email Nicole Gitler at ngitler@oaisd.org. The deadline to register is 12/1.

Juniors/Junior Parents: Here is the Slides presentation from the counseling office junior planning meeting held during Advisory on 10/1.  It contains important information regarding the junior year.  If you have not already done so, please complete the fall junior survey. Thank you.

Seniors/Senior Parents: The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is NOW AVAILABLE. Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to qualifying for student grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans for post-secondary education. It also helps determine eligibility for most state aid programs, like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which can cover up to $27,500 for college. Please follow the steps outlined in this letter.

GRCC will be hosting virtual dual enrollment information sessions this fall for students/parents interested in learning more about the opportunity to take college classes while in high school. Register through this link. 

Seniors/Senior Parents: Here is the slideshow from the fall senior counseling meeting. Please review the information in the presentation and utilize this senior year planning checklist for information relevant to your last year of high school. It is very important that you complete the senior survey in order to inform your counselor if you would like to schedule an individual meeting to review post-high plans and ask questions.