Please Note: Advertisement of these opportunities does not constitute sponsorship or endorsement of the sponsoring organization or the enrichment opportunity by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific FCPS school. This opportunity may utilize a technology tool that has not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review and agree to the Terms of Service and User Agreements for any technology platform that enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Ongoing Opportunities and Pre-Recorded Events to View 

September Events

September 26 -October 3  Sci-Fest All Access  - Free Virtual STEM Expo for students, parents, and educators.   Link to visit is here. 

October Events 

October 8 and 15, 2020 - Paying for College, Presentation by College Access Fairfax- an overview of the financial aid process and how to apply for aid (these presentations are being offered by region; however, families may attend any session which best fits their schedule) https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/events/2020-10/

October 7 and 24, 2020 - FAFSA Line-by-Line, Presentation by College Access Fairfax- a detailed description of questions asked on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/events/2020-10/

October 13 and 17, 2020 -Scholarship 101, Presentation by College Access Fairfax- a description of types of scholarships available and where to find opportunities-- https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/events/2020-10/

October 17, 2020 -  Fort Hunt HS Black Cultural Alliance Alumni (FHHS-BCAA) 5th Annual High School Career Forum ( Virtual via ZOOM)- Saturday, Oct 17, from 11am - 1 pm.  This year's panelists are:  A college graduate from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)   currently employed with The Smithsonian, Dispatch & Security from George Mason Univ., Office of Talent, Acquisition & Management, Fairfax County Public   schools who "recruits, selects and hires an outstanding & diverse   workforce", First Responder - Fairfax County Firefighter, Registered Nurse (RN) who took the  community college to four year   college path, STEM, a Realtor/Entrepreneur and member of the U.S. Navy. Last day to register is Thurs. Oct 15.  Students register at @email providing their first and last name, grade and contact information (email and phone number).   Registration is required to receive login information for the event.  Students who have registered will be emailed the link to the High School Career Forum (Zoom Webinar). 

October 19-23, 2020 - FCPS Virtual College Week- https://www.fcps.edu/resources/college-and-career-planning/college-fair-and-college-night   Links to the live sessions will be emailed out 24 hours in advance for the first 500 registrants. Student or parent emails may be used if email was entered incorrectly. 

October 19, 2020  6:00 PM - NOVA Financial Aid Essentials for Parents (ENGLISH) - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Parental information is required on the FAFSA for most students under the age of 24. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will talk with parents about the financial aid process. Parents will learn what is required of them, from securing their own FSA ID to completing the FAFSA and verification. Parents will learn how to communicate with financial aid staff, what staff members can and cannot share with parents, what to expect in your student’s aid notification, how your student can apply for scholarships, and the academic responsibilities for maintaining financial aid eligibility. October 19, 6:00 PM.  REGISTER HERE   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

October 20, 2020  6:00 PM - NOVA FUNDAMENTOS DE AYUDA FINANCIERA: PARA ESTUDIANTES NUEVOS, ESTUDIANTES QUE REGRESAN Y PADRES  -( Para las estudiantes que van a Northern Virginia Community College)  Los miembros del personal de Ayuda Financiera de NOVA guiarán a los nuevos estudiantes, estudiantes que regresan y padres a través del proceso de ayuda financiera y lo que se requiere: desde obtener una FSA ID hasta completar la FAFSA cada año, qué tipo de información de los padres se require en la FAFSA para la mayoría de los estudiantes menores de 24 años. Los estudiantes y los padres aprenderán cómo comunicarse con el personal de ayuda financiera, qué esperar en las notificaciones de ayuda, qué información puede y no se puede compartir, cómo solicitar becas y responsabilidades académicas para mantener la elegibilidad para la ayuda. También escuchará acerca de las apelaciones, el Progreso Académico Satisfactorio, y cómo aprovechar al máximo las Becas Pell y préstamos estudiantiles!  REGISTER HERE

October 21 and October 22, 2020 - Maker Bot Education: Robotics Series- "We hope you’re just as excited as we are for our second Lightning Talks & Virtual Lab Series where we’ll be spotlighting the Robotics industry". In this two-day event, you’ll hear from leaders in the robotics sector on how they are utilizing 3D printing in their field followed by a live hands-on workshop featuring a generative design CAD project in Fusion 360.  Join us live to get an exclusive look into both the world of robotics and 3D printing.   Time: 12PM Eastern  REGISTER HERE   If you can’t attend this Lightning Talk, a recording will still be sent to all those who register.

October 21, 2020  10:00 AM - NOVA Filing the FAFSA STEP BY STEP (ENGLISH) -  (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) -  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has a reputation! Though improved instructions and the online process have somewhat simplified completion through the years, the form can still feel daunting, especially when done for the first time and just once per year. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will walk you through the process. Completing the FAFSA will be easier when you know what is expected, and we recommend that all students complete the FAFSA.   REGISTER HERE  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

October 21, 2020 12:00 PM (Noon) - NOVA Financial Literacy 101 - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) - The ability to manage money is a life-long skill that allows students to make prudent financial decisions that contribute to their financial well-being and overall success. Without it, students are at risk of making poor financial choices, of wasting the limited financial aid dollars available to them, or of borrowing more than they need or can repay. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will share the basics of financial literacy and the wealth of resources available to NOVA students. Building a strong foundation in money management will create a much healthier financial future throughout college and beyond. REGISTER HERE - After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

October 21, 2020 10:00 AM - NOVA COMPLETING FAFSA VERIFICATION- STEP BY STEP - For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Verification is the process of “proving” the data submitted on the FAFSA. Typically, about one in three student’s FAFSAs is selected for verification. Until verification on a selected file is completed, no financial aid is packaged for that selected student. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will walk you through the verification process, help you understand what is required and point out areas that cause problems. The sooner you complete the process, the sooner you will know what aid is available for you. REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

October 22,2020 12:00 PM (Noon) - NOVA UNDERSTANDING SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Many sources of financial aid are available to NOVA students from federal, state, VCCS, institutional and private resources. Almost all of these resources require a “return on investment”. Students must do their part and make reasonable academic progress toward program completion. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will explain the rate of completion and GPA requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), the extenuating circumstances that could be appealed and the process for doing so, the value of understanding an advisement report and of creating an academic plan. REGISTER HERE.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

October 23, 2020 12:00 PM (Noon)  - NOVA OPEN FINANCIAL AID QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College)  Come join this question and answer session with NOVA’s Campus Financial Aid Managers! This is your opportunity to ask any questions you want to ask about financial aid. No student-specific information can be asked or provided at this session, but you could schedule an appointment for personal questions. Your Campus Financial Aid Managers will ask each other about unusual circumstances and lesser known areas, as well. Some might apply to you! REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

October 22, 2020 - ALCANZA- This year’s virtuaAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. l ALCANZA welcomes students from across the nation to our annual college fair! Mason hosts ALCANZA each year to promote higher education opportunities to Latinx high school students in the greater DC community.  ALCANZA is one of the largest college fairs in Northern Virginia and annually welcomes more than 2,000 students. By going virtual this year, we are able to bring this fantastic event to more students than ever before!  https://events.admissions.gmu.edu/alcanza/ *

October 28,29 & 30, 2020 - The Virtual IEC Convention Expo - Student looking for a future career as an electrician who want to better understand the newest technology and products on the market today are invited to attend the IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) IEC Expo Hall to ask virtual questions and learn from the biggest and best companies in the business. Get to know the innovations that will revolutionize the electrical construction industry.  Visit  tinyurl.com/IECExpoPass to register for your Pass to attend. The Expo dates and hours are: Wednesday, October 28; Thursday, October 29; and Friday, October 30; between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

November Events 

November 9, 2020 - College Boot Camp, Online Webinar- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEbLuzIe_dPCHuDDoVkxH-D6lR4al6U9hvqgrEkff-8IjyXg/viewform

November 10, 2020   - Careers in Administration of Justice, Human Services, Criminology and Legal Affairs 1:00 - 2:00 PM  REE Online Session for HS students grade 11 and up and college students. hosted by NOVA SySTEMic   Go here to find the registration link:  Then scroll down to the session with the title Careers in Administration of Justice, Human Services, Criminology and Legal Affairs.  Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) STEM Outreach Program, NOVA SySTEMic, is offering a STEM Careers Virtual Workshop – Career & Technical Education. This session will utilize the Zoom platform. In this session the panelist will share information with participants about educational programs, careers and current issues for individuals interested in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security and Human Services. Some sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the NOVA SySTEMic YouTube Channel with Subtitles. Please register if you would like to receive information  to view the recording, even if you are unable to attend the session in real time.

November 14- 18, 2020 - Girls in Tech Days  - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is hosting a free virtual opportunity called Girls’ Tech Days for female students to explore Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Virtual Reality, Robotics, and more. The virtual event is free and will motivate girls and young women, ages 8-24, to develop personal interests in technology. The activities are designed to be self-paced, and you can revisit them as many times as you like. Participants can join the event any time between November 14 – 28, 2020.  A parent or guardian must register participants under 18. Girls’ Tech Day Registration Portal

AWS-GTD-REGISTRATION-FLYER%5B2%5D%5B1%5D.pdf

November 16, 2020 6:00 PM - NOVA FINANCIAL AID ESSENTIALS FOR PARENTS (ENGLISH) (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College)  Parental information is required on the FAFSA for most students under the age of 24. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will talk with parents about the financial aid process. Parents will learn what is required of them, from securing their own FSA ID to completing the FAFSA and verification. Parents will learn how to communicate with financial aid staff, what staff members can and cannot share with parents, what to expect in your student’s aid notification, how your student can apply for scholarships, and the academic responsibilities for maintaining financial aid eligibility. REGISTER HERE  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 17, 2020 6:00 PM - NOVA FUNDAMENTOS DE AYUDA FINANCIERA: PARA ESTUDIANTES NUEVOS, ESTUDIANTES QUE REGRESAN Y PADRES  (Para las estudiantes que van a Northern Virginia Community College) Los miembros del personal de Ayuda Financiera de NOVA guiarán a los nuevos estudiantes, estudiantes que regresan y padres a través del proceso de ayuda financiera y lo que se requiere: desde obtener una FSA ID hasta completar la FAFSA cada año, qué tipo de información de los padres se require en la FAFSA para la mayoría de los estudiantes menores de 24 años. Los estudiantes y los padres aprenderán cómo comunicarse con el personal de ayuda financiera, qué esperar en las notificaciones de ayuda, qué información puede y no se puede compartir, cómo solicitar becas y responsabilidades académicas para mantener la elegibilidad para la ayuda. También escuchará acerca de las apelaciones, el Progreso Académico Satisfactorio, y cómo aprovechar al máximo las Becas Pell y préstamos estudiantiles! REGISTER HERE After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 17, 2020 10:00 AM - NOVA FINANCIAL AID ESSENTIALS – FOR NEW & RETURNING STUDENTS (ENGLISH) - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College)  NOVA Financial Aid staff members will walk new & returning students through the financial aid process-- from securing an FSA ID, to completing the FAFSA each year, and verification. You will learn how to communicate with financial aid staff, what to expect in your aid notification, how to apply for scholarships, and your academic responsibilities for maintaining financial aid eligibility. You will also hear about appeals, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and making the most of limited Pell Grants and student loans. REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 18,2020 10:00 AM - NOVA FILING THE FAFSA – STEP BY STEP (ENGLISH) - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has a reputation! Though improved instructions and the online process have somewhat simplified completion through the years, the form can still feel daunting, especially when done for the first time and just once per year. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will walk you through the process. Completing the FAFSA will be easier when you know what is expected, and we recommend that all students complete the FAFSA. REGISTER HERE  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 18, 2020 12:00 PM - NOVA FINANCIAL LITERACY 101 - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) The ability to manage money is a life-long skill that allows students to make prudent financial decisions that contribute to their financial well-being and overall success. Without it, students are at risk of making poor financial choices, of wasting the limited financial aid dollars available to them, or of borrowing more than they need or can repay. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will share the basics of financial literacy and the wealth of resources available to NOVA students. Building a strong foundation in money management will create a much healthier financial future throughout college and beyond. REGISTER HERE After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 19, 2020 10:00 AM -  NOVA COMPLETING THE FAFSA VERIFICATION -STEP BY STEP - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College)  Verification is the process of “proving” the data submitted on the FAFSA. Typically, about one in three student’s FAFSAs is selected for verification. Until verification on a selected file is completed, no financial aid is packaged for that selected student. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will walk you through the verification process, help you understand what is required and point out areas that cause problems. The sooner you complete the process, the sooner you will know what aid is available for you. REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 19,2020 12:00 PM (Noon) - NOVA UNDERSTANDING SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) - (For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Many sources of financial aid are available to NOVA students from federal, state, VCCS, institutional and private resources. Almost all of these resources require a “return on investment”. Students must do their part and make reasonable academic progress toward program completion. NOVA Financial Aid staff members will explain the rate of completion and GPA requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), the extenuating circumstances that could be appealed and the process for doing so, the value of understanding an advisement report and of creating an academic plan. REGISTER HERE  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 29,2020 12:00 Pm (Noon) - NOVA OPEN FINANCIAL AID QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS - For students headed to Northern Virginia Community College)  Come join this question and answer session with NOVA’s Campus Financial Aid Managers! This is your opportunity to ask any questions you want to ask about financial aid. No student-specific information can be asked or provided at this session, but you could schedule an appointment for personal questions. Your Campus Financial Aid Managers will ask each other about unusual circumstances and lesser known areas, as well. Some might apply to you! REGISTER HERE  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

December Events 

December 3,2020  - NOVA PAYING FOR COLLEGE - (for students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will host a live webinar to provide students with information on options to pay for classes. Students are invited to participate in these online sessions to learn more about the new payment plan and financial aid, including grants, scholarships and student loans.  REGISTER HERE   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  This webinar will also be repeated on Jan 5, 2021 at 5:00 PM   

January Events 

January 5, 2021 - NOVA PAYING FOR COLLEGE - (for students headed to Northern Virginia Community College) Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will host a live webinar to provide students with information on options to pay for classes. Students are invited to participate in these online sessions to learn more about the new payment plan and financial aid, including grants, scholarships and student loans. REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

February Events 

February 20,2021 HBCU Festival is coming!  Alfred Street Baptist Church will host the 19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Festival on Saturday, February 20, 2021.  In response to COVID-19 concerns, this Festival will be VIRTUAL.  Registration has not yet opened. 

All high school students (grades 9-12) who are considering/planning to attend an HBCU college or university should participate in this virtual college festival. It is never too soon to prepare for college!!  The HBCU festival will offer a host of seminars, admissions directors and recruiters, and exhibitors to assist with your preparation.   This festival was the largest HBCU College Festival in the nation with over 70 HBCUs  attending in 2020 to recruit students with approximately two-thirds offering on-site interviews and immediate acceptance to college!  During the 2020 HBCU Festival, many colleges and universities conducted on-site interviews resulting in over 1,700 offers for admission on the spot. In addition, approximately $5.4 million in scholarships and waived application fees were offered to those accepted. Also in attendance were several band and chorus directors who conducted auditions.  

*Festival Benefits*

• HBCU virtual Drumline competition!
• Over 70 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• On-site Interviews and Admissions by some schools
• Band and Chorus auditions by some schools 
• Application Fee Waiver by some schools
• Seminars for students, parents/guardians (sign up when you register)

If you have questions about the upcoming 2021 HBCU Festival, please email: @email