• Announcements & Upcoming Events:

     

    Just a friendly reminder to check your school email for important/updated information from the counseling department.

    • Seniors!

      Applications for an Electrical Apprenticeship through the Reading Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee are being accepted starting December 1st through March 31st.

      *The apprentices have to complete a 5 year program that consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 1,000 hours minimum of classroom training.  The cost of this training is funded by a job effort from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).  The selected apprentices receive this training at little or no cost to them while receiving excellent wages and benefits.*

      They do not require prior electrical experience and feel that the apprenticeship program might be an excellent career opportunity for all students!

      Please see the attached flyer for the application information.

    • Please see the below information about an opportunity called The National Student Leadership Conference.
      The National Student Leadership Conference provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond middle and high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a campus, and experience living with roommates. Students are able to explore a career concentration they are interested in before going into college and declaring a major. Each NSLC program also contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life.  The NSLC was created to provide high school students with a space for academic and career exploration outside of the normal classroom.  Through this program you will: Test drive a future career, Develop critical leadership skills, Meet leading experts, Experience life on a college campus.  If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please go to this link for more information.  You can also view the programs cost, dates, and locations at this link.

    • The BCTC online portal is open, and the application process can begin!  The directions to apply to BCTC can be found on the high school website under Resources- School Counseling- BCTC or you can click here: BCTC Application.

    Attached to this email is the full BCTC application packet.  Please be sure to READ ALL DIRECTIONS on the front page of the packet.  Once you submit the online portion of the BCTC application, you are required to follow the application checklist, complete the essay, admissions agreement, and you must secure 2 teacher recommendations.  Again, all directions are on the website and the application checklist.

    You must return all documents to your school counselor to be considered as an applicant. Be sure that all completed materials are attached prior to your submission to the counseling office (the application checklist, the essay, and the admissions agreement). 

    Please reach out to your school counselor with any questions.

    • If you are considering a college major or career in the field of healthcare, you should consider applying to the Medical Health Professions program. The MHP Program application is now OPEN.  Applications are due December 1st, 2023. 

    What is MHP?

    Medical Health Professions for High School Seniors  (MHP) is a partnership of Penn State Berks, the Reading Hospital Tower Health, and the Berks Career & Technology Center.  You will take courses at Penn State Berks during your senior year as well as shadow medical health professionals at Reading Hospital.  This program is for senior year, but you must apply during Junior year if you are considering this as an option.

    To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

    Application Information:

    • Please click on this link for the steps to apply.
    • You will need to complete the BCTC online application
    • You will need 2 Letters of Recommendation.  1 from your School Counselor and 1 from a Science teacher.
      • If requesting a letter of recommendation from your school counselor, you will need to complete the BRAG SHEET.  It can be found at this link.  Please fill this out and turn it in to your school counselor.  This will help them write your letter of recommendation.  The brag sheet is only shared with your school counselor, not BCTC.
    • You will need to complete the essay
    • You will need to complete the admissions agreement

    *When ALL of these steps are finished, you then will turn in your application to your school counselor*

    Make sure everything is complete before submitting.

    If you have any questions or want further information, please contact Mrs. Christen Mazzie or your school counselor. 

    • Sophomores and Juniors,

    Please see the information below and attached documents about Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW).

    What is PFEW?

    Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is an intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system. Bringing motivated students together with business people from throughout the state. During PFEW, participants not only learn to appreciate our free enterprise system, but they also see from a practitioner's perspective what it takes to be successful in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Student companies simulate the actual operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years. Facing all of the decisions that real executives are confronted by, the student companies are mentored by dedicated business volunteers who serve as Company Advisors. Sharing their knowledge and expertise, Company Advisors address the most significant issues facing business today in straightforward, informal discussions with students.

    Accented with motivational speakers and interactive learning exercises, this one-of-a-kind program furnishes a real-life educational experience for eager students. Sponsorship winners grasp the value of teamwork, cooperation and leadership, and are provided with an invaluable opportunity to develop communication skills.

    What does PFEW accomplish?

    By the end of each student's week-long PFEW journey they will: 

    1. Understand the vital importance of the American free enterprise system and their role in it.
    2. Experience all facets of business operations, marketing, and finance as they unlock hidden strengths and talents and forge a path for the future.
    3. Develop marketable skills that prepare them for the workforce or post-secondary education.
    4. Learn the value of teamwork, compromise, ethics, communication, and more.
    5. Develop oral and written presentation skills.
    6. Interact with a wide variety of business and motivational speakers who will inspire them to greatness.
    7. Leave with an improved perception of business and its role in our economy.
    8. Meet and work with a diverse group of peers and develop a network of future colleagues and mentors.
    9. Realize that no matter what career path they choose, everything relates to business.

    Please see the attached Flyer for more information.  You can also click on this link to view their website: https://www.pfew.org/about-pfew

    To apply, please click here: https://www.pfew.org/student-application

    Dates listed below:

    They reached out to us about a special offer being offered to Boyertown Senior High School students!

    Any student who attends PFEW 2024 is eligible to attend at a reduced rate!  The standard registration fee is $295. However, you can attend for only $150.  Please note, in order for you to receive this special offer, you MUST enter Berks in the referral section when submitting your application. 

    You can apply directly online at www.pfew.org/student-application.

    • Juniors- Please see the opportunity below.

      The Pennsylvania Department of Education is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University is now accepting applications from talented high school juniors for the summer 2024 program. PGSS is an intensive, five-week summer residential program that emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research for high school juniors pursuing careers in science and mathematics. 

      With the support of Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Carnegie Mellon University and its alumni, the program offers an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The goal of the program is to encourage Pennsylvania’s youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. 

      Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship to the program. Costs are underwritten through matching funds provided by PGSS Campaign, Inc., the school’s alumni, Carnegie Mellon University, parents, and corporations. 

      Awarded scholarships will cover the costs of housing, meals, and all instructional materials. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the university, personal items, and spending money. Students must commit to living on campus at Carnegie Mellon University throughout the duration of the program. 

      Details – Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences 

      When:  June 23, 2024 - July 27, 2024

      Where:  Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 

      Who May Apply:  The program is open to high school juniors at time of application who attend a public, nonpublic, or private school or are homeschooled. 

      Deadline to Apply:  Completed applications must be emailed per instructions on the website http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org no later than January 31, 2024.  Applications emailed after this date and time will be disqualified. 

      For additional information about the program and to complete an application, visit http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org.

    • Juniors and Seniors!

      The Reading Civic Theatre has held an event that is the organization’s annual major fundraiser while providing an opportunity for talented Berks County high school students, particularly those involved in theatre or music programs to compete for scholarships. They are offering three scholarship awards totaling at least $1200.

      Please see the attached flyer for more information.

    • Seniors!

      Would you like a weekly email regarding available scholarships you could apply to? Click HERE and sign up. StudentScholarships.org can send you weekly scholarship information on programs that are accepting applications.

      Be sure to check our School Counselor Webpage for any scholarship updates. Click HERE to go to the BASH Counselor webpage.

    • Seniors- Kutztown University is offering a fee waiver code that works on the Common Application and Kutztown’s application.

      The fee waiver code is: GOLDEN.

    • Please see the opportunity below called SEARCH.  SEARCH stands for Students Exploring And Researching Careers in Health.  If you are interested in the healthcare field, please read below.

      The SEARCH Academy holds virtual information sessions on various health careers and topics. Students are eligible to participate in six sessions within the month of November and February (students also have the option to attend only the sessions of interest to them). In each session, students will learn about a variety of health professions and the academic paths to those careers. Students meet with health professionals and have opportunities to ask questions as they explore their interests.  

      But wait – there’s more! Students will also have the chance to engage in fun hands-on learning activities. As students confirm their participation for each session, they will be provided with the zoom link for the session, as well as any additional materials at no cost. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

      Registration opens September 1, 2023. Here is the direct link to register: https://www.paahecsearch.org/registration

      To learn more about the program, please visit www.paahecsearch.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at msaunders@ecpennahec.org or (201)965- 3463.

    • Hello Class of 2024!  Please review this Senior Letter which includes important information to help your post-secondary applications and planning for the upcoming year.
    • If you have requested an AP/DE/Honors course for next school year, you must join the Summer Work 23-24 Google Classroom. This is where all of the summer work will be listed for your course. The Google Classroom Code is: 2vxi3dk.  After you have joined the classroom, please go through the classwork tab and look for the topic with your course name. Within that topic, you will find the summer work that is required and a note or video from your teacher with class-specific instructions. Please email the teacher directly with any questions you may have.
    • Attention Seniors,  Do you need help with The Common App?!  Check out these YouTube videos, featuring members of the Common App team! Topics include a full application overview of first-year students, how to approach each essay prompt, and the most popular questions we hear about the application process.  You can view more information and helpful videos/resources at the Common App’s YouTube Channel.  They will be posting more videos throughout the season.  Other helpful Common App Resources can be found below (click for link):
    • Upcoming PHEAA Financial Aid Webinars!
    • Great resource for parents- Remake Learning Parent Webinars: CLICK HERE for more information.
    • Find the college that fits you at an upcoming NACAC Virtual College Fair.  It's easy! Just drop in on Zoom sessions offered by hundreds of colleges. It's one day to explore your options and get started on your college dreams.  Hear about student life, majors and programs, financial aid, scholarships, and more, plus ask questions and text chat. Sign up now for free at virtualcollegefairs.org and start exploring. Families invited, too!  Click this link to register:  https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/attend-virtual-college-fairs/students/
    • Please review the Student Aid Guide as it provides a complete overview of the financial aid process with information on most of Pennsylvania’s financial aid programs and services.  We hope you find it helpful as you navigate how to pay for college (2 year, 4 year, Technical): https://www.pheaa.org/college-planning/student-aid-guide/pdf/student-aid-guide.pdf