Seniors: Stress No More!

From common applications to FAFSA, the Future Center is here to help.
by Christina Danek

     TJ’s new Future Center, coordinated by Cynthia Castillo in Room 114, is the place to get assistance with everything from college essays and applications to scholarships and financial aid.

    “The purpose of the Future Center is to help students figure out what they want to do after graduation, and what they have to do in high school to get there,” explained Castillo. “The goal is to get more kids to think about their futures, and to set goals, and plan accordingly.” All grades have access to the Center, and students can come in any time: during free periods, study halls, lunch, or after school.

    Castillo joined the TJ faculty this year, and has enjoyed the transition. “I’m new to TJ, but I’ve met some really great people, and I’m excited about being here,” said Castillo, who believes that the most important thing for students to know about college is that their decisions in high school will determine their options after graduation. “Do your absolute best in high school so that when you’re a senior, you can get to make the choice of where you want to go, rather than having the choice made for you,” she said.

    In 2006, about 40% of DPS graduating seniors had plans to go to college. This alarmingly low percentage prompted immediate action. Lincoln High School graduate Tim Marquez, now a millionaire oilman, wanted to give back to the DPS community, so with his wife Bernie he started the Denver Scholarship Foundation with a $50 million endowment. The foundation offers financial aid to DPS high school graduates who are looking to go to college but can’t afford the rising expenses of higher education.

    In 2007, scholarships were available to students at three pilot schools: Lincoln High School, Montbello High School, and South High School. The number of students who were attending college from those three schools rose to 69%, and more than 300 students received laptops and financial aid last year. With growing scholarship funds, aid is now available to every DPS high schooler in the graduating class of 2008, and Future Centers have opened in every high school with the goal of getting more students to think about their futures. To learn more about applying for financial aid, go to the Denver Scholarship Foundation website, which is also linked to on TJ’s website.

    Senior Emily McBride has already dropped by room 114 for assistance, and believes the Future Center is a valuable tool for students: “I think the Future Center is very helpful, as it pushes students to get a head start looking at colleges.”

    Vice Principal Scott Lessard also can’t say enough about the benefits of the Center. “The Future Center is exciting! The object is to make sure that every senior has applied to college and is better able to access schools.” Lessard explained enthusiastically, “More of our students will have the financial resources at their disposal to succeed in college.”

    Castillo recognizes that her job is helping students find their way into the real world, and she is very optimistic about the potential of the program and its impact on the school and the city. “I’m a firm believer that DPS can be a really good school district,” Castillo declared.