Welcome to the Opportunity Center

Welcome to the Opportunity Center!

What is the Career Center?

A hub of information available for all 9th - 12th graders to explore, develop and achieve post-secondary educational plans and goals.
Receive support on, browse through and take printed materials on pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeships, two-year degrees, four degrees and military branches. Attend presentations by representatives of these programs.
View current job openings and program opportunities.
Learn how to use online tools like Career Cruising or work on financial aid applications and scholarships.
Visit Career Center website for handbook guides complied by the Renton School District College and Career Specialists.

Meet Your High School College & Career Specialist

For further information and/or questions, contact:

Shedrick (Rick) Pitts, College & Career Specialist
Shedrick.Pitts@rentonschools.us
425-204-2146

Office Hours: Monday- Friday 9am-3:30pm

Please schedule time with Mr. Pitt's through bookings before or after school, or when you are available, as instructional time and teacher permission allows.

Additional Support

Ms. Nila Griffin

Academic Advancement Coordinator
Nila.Griffin@rentonschools.us
425-204-2149

Useful Student Handbooks

For 9th - 12th Grade: A Guide to Volunteering handbook is available online for the 2024-25 school year!
Junior/Senior Handbook provided by the 12th Year Campaign
Junior/Senior Handbook fillable provide by the 12th Year Campaign
Comprehensive Scholarship Guide
Washington College Access Network offers Complete College Knowledge Books, College Knowledge Glossary, packets by grade (9-12th) or by Chapter (Chapters 1-6) provided in English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Financial and Social Resources for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth In this guide, you’ll find state and national helplines, shelters and other organizations that can help, along with tips for how to avoid homelessness. If you are among the LGBTQ+ homeless youth in America, these resources can help you find support and a safe home.
2020-2021 Career Guide
ACT Tips & Tricks: How to prepare for the ACT

Admission Counselors from different colleges and universities visit the high schools in the Fall to share information about their school to perspective students. These visits are often presentations in the Career Center or tabling during lunch time.

This information may be updated throughout the school year.

College Exploration Videos

The Washington Council for High School-College Relations operates for educational purposes, and is organized to assist all Washington State students to access and engage in post-secondary opportunities at its member institutions."- The WA Council. They have provided the following videos:

More College Information

Central Washington University

Central Washington University On The Spot Admissions Event!

Calling high school seniors applying to CWU!

This event will allow students the opportunity to do the following:

Complete their application
Receive an immediate evaluation of their high school transcripts
If eligible, receive an offer of admissions
Ask questions about CWU and meet with the Admissions Counselors
Requirements for CWU “On the Spot” Admissions

How do I attend the event?
Go here! After reading the information provided, scroll to the bottom of the page, find the calendar, and click on the date your are available and find a time you can attend! That's it!

Note: These appointments are first-come, first-serve and are limited in availability.

Daily Admission Sessions and More!

Students can sign up for one of CWU's daily admissions sessions and are encouraged to explore CWU's online campus tours, chats with counselors, and more!

Watch a video about Central Washington University.

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University Virtual Presentation: Tuesday, October 20th at 4:00pm - 5:00 pm.

Students will hear a brief introduction (30 minutes long) of Gonzaga University and will be encouraged to stay after for the Q&A session (30 minutes).

Please join on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 982 2243 2035
One tap mobile:
+12063379723,98222432035# US (Seattle)
+12532158782,98222432035# US (Tacoma)

Green River College

Green River College Virtual Information Sessions
Join to hear from a Green River representative about their campus, academic programs, financial aid, and get answers to your questions.

Tuesday, October 6 & 20, 2020: 4-5 PM
Tuesday, November 3 & 17, 2020: 4-5 PM
Tuesday, December 1, 2020: 4-5 PM

Please RSVP to Austin Joy, Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, to receive the link for Zoom.

Green River Rep Connect Sessions offer prospective students the chance to collect information about getting started, applying, and learn about opportunities for financial aid.

Rep Connect Session Dates:
October 7, 2020:5-6pm
October 14, 2020: 5-6pm
October 21, 2020: 5-6pm
October 28, 2020: 5-6pm

For more information and to participate, please contact Austin Joy, Recruiting Specialist, via phone (253) 333-6041.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University Virtual Presentation: Wednesday, October 14th at 4:00pm - 5:00 pm.

Students will hear a brief introduction (30 minutes long) of UW Tacoma and will be encouraged to stay after for the Q&A session (30 minutes).

Please join on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 984 4057 1649
One tap mobile:
+12063379723,98440571649# US (Seattle)
+12532158782,98440571649# US (Tacoma)

Seattle University

University of Washington- Seattle

Rep Visit- College Application Workshop

Please join LHS and UW Seattle in one or both of the upcoming College Application Workshops:

October 26, 2020
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 952 7687 0132
https://washington.zoom.us/j/95276870132

One tap mobile
+12063379723,,95276870132# US (Seattle)
+12532158782,,95276870132# US (Tacoma)
October 28, 2020
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 913 3702 3094
https://washington.zoom.us/j/91337023094

One tap mobile
+12063379723,,91337023094# US (Seattle)
+12532158782,,91337023094# US (Tacoma)

Please note, Lindbergh High School is hosting this event, however, all Renton School District students are welcome to attend.

UW Application Webinars for Freshman

UW is hosting application webinars for freshman. Freshman can hear directly from an admissions counselor, learn how to complete the Coalition Profile, get tips for essay writing , and so much more.

All webinars are 4–5 p.m. Pacific Time.
•   Wednesday, September 30
•   Thursday, October 8
•   Tuesday, October 20
•   Monday, October 26
•   Monday, November 2
•   Friday, November 6
•   Tuesday, November 10
•   Thursday, November 12

Please create your Coalition account in advance and have questions on hand to ask! Click on a date above to register for the webinar of your choice.

UW Miscellaneous Virtual Information Sessions

All in-person events for the remainder of 2020-2021 school year have been halted, however, students are still able to connect virtually and UW has a number of resources online to help students learn more about opportunities at the UW, get a head start on their admission application, tour the campus from afar and find answers to all their questions. Some resources that might be useful to your students include:

Virtual admissions presentations: Hear more about the UW and the application process and get your questions answered by a counselor.
Coalition application webinars: Watch as our counseling team walks through the components of the Coalition Profile and what parts are required to apply to the UW. We’ll even demo how to self-report coursework.
Self-guided campus tour and virtual tours: Listen to student stories and see the sights, whether you’re on campus or miles away.

COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives but we are committed to ensuring that no student will be unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged within our application review process as a result. Please see our website for more information on admissions and COVID-19.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to connecting with you and your students soon.

Warmly,
HtooShar Mon
Admissions Counselor
Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment

Husky Preview: What will you learn?

Husky Preview, what will you learn? Read more.

University of Washington - Tacoma

University of Washington Tacoma is hosting tons of virtual events to fit the needs of their students and families. Visit their virtual information page to learn more.

Watch a video!

Virtual Presentation October 13th at 3pm

University of Washington Tacoma Virtual Presentation: Tuesday, October 13th at 3:00pm - 4:00 pm.

Students will hear a brief introduction (30 minutes long) of UW Tacoma and will be encouraged to stay after for the Q&A session (30 minutes).

Please join on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 918 9681 3854
One tap mobile:
+12063379723,91896813854# US (Seattle)
+12532158782,91896813854# US (Tacoma)

UW Tacoma Virtual Events

Campus Tour

We welcome you and your family to visit our beautiful campus in the heart of downtown Tacoma - virtually! Campus tours are student-led. You will see our campus spaces, including the library, University Y Student Center, and classroom buildings that used to be warehouses, furniture factories and grocery stores. Our Campus Ambassadors share their personal experiences in a way that help you walk away with a greater understanding of the UW Tacoma student experience.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays @ 4pm
2nd Saturday of every month @ 10am

Please RSVP

Husky Preview: What will you learn?

Husky Preview, what will you learn? Read more.

Prospective Freshman Admissions

Prospective Transfer Admissions

Freshman Application Workshop

Running Start Admissions

UW Tacoma: Facts, Questions, Answers

3rd Friday of every month: 4:00pm

In this interactive webinar UW Tacoma Admissions Advisors and current UW Tacoma students will answer the questions that we get asked often and also give you time to ask questions of your own! The webinar will cover all things UW Tacoma with special topics like the differences between the UW campuses, admissions, student life, study abroad, internships and more!

Please RSVP

Q & A with the VMRC

Admissions en Español

Washington State University

Pullman Daily Virtual Presentations: Get to Know WSU Pullman

Life in Pullman
Housing and Residence Life (Take a virtual tour)
Academic opportunities Learn about all 200+ fields of study
https://admission.wsu.edu/tuition-costs/tuition-break-down/Tuition & Fees: Cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial information
How to apply
Next steps after college
The Honors College

All presentation times will take place in Pacific Time.

Western Washington University

Western Washington University Virtual Presentation: Friday, October 32rd at 3:30pm - 4:30 pm.

Students will hear a brief introduction (30 minutes long) of WWU and will be encouraged to stay after for the Q&A session (30 minutes).

Please register in advance.

Pullman Daily Virtual Presentations: Get to Know WSU Pullman

Life in Pullman
Housing and Residence Life (Take a virtual tour)
Academic opportunities Learn about all 200+ fields of study
https://admission.wsu.edu/tuition-costs/tuition-break-down/Tuition & Fees: Cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial information
How to apply
Next steps after college
The Honors College

All presentation times will take place in Pacific Time.

More Pullman Daily Virtual Presentations: Get to Know WSU Pullman

First year & transfer students Mon-Thursday: 11am & 3pm, Wednesday’s: 6pm
Transfer Students: Wednesday’s: 3pm
Academic Presentations, Varies days/times throughout October
Application Help, Tuesday’s: Drop-in hours from 2-5pm
First Generation Students, Tuesday’s: Drop-in hours from 2-5pm, 1^st Wednesday every month Presentations at 3pm
Inclusivity Panels, October 27^th & November 17^th, Times TBD

For more details visit Get to Know WSU Pullman.

2024 - 2025 MILITARY VISITS

US Army visiting Talley during lunch - November 12, 2024

Military recruiters from the United States Air Force, Army, Marines, National Guard, Navy, and more, visit the high schools once a month to share information with students. These visits may be in the Career Center or at a table during lunch. This information may be updated throughout the year.

Additional Resources for Youth

Financial and Social Resources for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth, created by MoneyGeek.
MoneyGeek worked with Selima Morrow, director of outreach and community housing at CHRIS 180, to write this resource page. It includes:
•   Facts about the issue of LGTBQ+ youth homelessness.
•   Information on housing and financial assistance at the national and state level.
•   Practical advice on how LGTBQ+ youth can navigate homelessness and find help.
Creating LGBTQIA+ Friendly Communities in Healthcare & Education:
This guide highlights the challenges LGBTQIA+ students and patients regularly face such as discrimination by healthcare providers and insurance, and the lack of proper training on LGBTQIA+ issues by teachers and doctors. It also provides some really helpful tips and resources for finding an LGBTQIA+ friendly healthcare provider and college.
Scholarships & Resources for African Americans:
At EduMed, we're always looking for ways to help students in healthcare and other fields achieve their college and career goals through the free resources we publish on our website. The latest example of our efforts is a new scholarships and resources guide we created specifically for African American students.
Our online guide showcases 20 scholarship opportunities (including many in the healthcare field) that can make all the difference in affording college. We've also provided a list of valuable academic and career resources that African American students can use to maximize their success during and after college.

Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health

Trans Lifetime

TeenLink

Teen Link is a help line for teens, by teens. You can call/text/chat with a teen volunteer 4 days a week from 6PM-10PM on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. They will listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever is on your mind. Adults will still be available other times so you can always have someone to talk to. Their number is 1-866-833-6546 or 1-866-TEENLINK.

Teen Line

Teens helping teens! Who better to go to then someone who is your own age and can relate to the issues and challenges facing your generation? Teen Line!

CALL: (310) 855-HOPE same as (310) 855-4673
OR (800) TLC-TEEN same as (800) 852-8336
Toll-free in the United States and Canada
- Read What to Expect When you Call a Teen Line
TEXT: Text "TEEN" to 839863
- Peer counselors are available from 6:00PM TO 9:00PM PACIFIC TIME
- Text "STOP" to opt out. Standard message and data rates may apply. Read terms and conditions.
EMAIL: Visit Teen Line to send an email. Please note: TEEN LINE gets hundreds of emails, so we are not always able to get to each one. If you do not receive a response from us within 5 days, please call our hotline, text us, email us again, or pursue one of the other resources on this page.
TEEN TALK APP: TeenTalk
Teen Talk is a free iPhone app where teens can get support for whatever they may be dealing with from a trained teen. It is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can anonymously post your issue at any time and get support.
Teen Talk peers are available from 6:00PMT TO 10:00PM PACIFIC TIME
MESSAGE BOARD:
Visit the Teen Talk message board to read what other teens are going through and share your own!

Trevor Project

Are you a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk? The TrevorLifeLine is here!

TrevorLIFELINE: 866-488-7386
- This crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service is available 24/7/365.
TrevorCHAT: Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7.
- (Access is better through a computer, as you may have technical difficulties if using a smartphone or tablet.)
TrevorTEXT: Text START to 678-678
- Confidential text messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7/365. Standard text messaging rates apply.

WA Listens

WA Warm Line

WA Warm Line is a peer support help line for people living with emotional and mental health challenges. Calls are answered by specially-trained volunteers who have lived experience with mental health challenges. They have a deep understanding of what you are going through and are here to provide emotional support, comfort, and information. All calls are confidential.

If you are in crisis or considering suicide, call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1-866-427-4747

24- Hour Crisis Hotline

Crisis Text Line

Safe Place

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Homeless Assistance

Job Search

CTE Career Guide

Explore the CTE Career Guide, 2024-2025 Edition, to explore dozen of great career pathways including:

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Business, Management and Administration
Finance
Hospitality and Tourism
Marketing, Sales, and Service
Health Science
Education and Training
Government and Public Administration
Human Services
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
Information Technology
Architecture and Construction
Manufacturing
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Job Search

Search for job and career opportunities!

Job Search Engines:

Google, “Jobs near me"
Glassdoor allows you to find the right job, research companies, compare salaries, and apply to jobs.

Job Postings

More Career Exploration & Videos

PNW Education & Workforce Summit Virtual Panel & Career Fair

The Virtual Panel & Career Fair aired April 30, 2020 from 11 am-1 pm. Missed it? The PNW Education and Workforce Summit Virtual Panel and Career Fair is now available on online. Watch videos from:

AA Asphalting- No video available
- Contact: Tanya Kroum, Recruiter
Aerotek
ANEW
City of Seattle
Green River College
Neighbors Relocating Services: No video Available
- Contact: Guy Battaglia, Human Resource
PCL Construction Services, Inc.
Pedalheads Bike Camps
Port Jobs
Pudget Sound Window Maintenance
Seattle Colleges
Seattle Goodwill Industries
Seattle Recruiting Company / US Army
Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority
Success Foundation - Southside Argonauts
- Offering two student summer programs- All students welcome.
  - STEM Focused Challenge, "NASA's Roads on Mars Road Style challenge."
  - Window into Work Program
Washington National Guard

Questions, please send an email.

Career Connect Washington Career Exploration at Home

Everyday in May, 2020 at 3:30 pm (Starting May 4th)
Career Connect Washington career exploration at home

New Career Explore program kicking off for middle and high school students statewide: CareerConnect@Home, sponsored by Career Connect Washington. CC@H is an opportunity to provide students with critical career exploration that they may not otherwise receive given the COVID-19 school closures.

Here are the high-level details:
• Businesses, labor organizations, and industry associations are hosting live, online discussions about their industry and their work
- Discussion topics will vary from day-to-day and may include employee panels on different careers at an organization, industry panels describing a job sector, specific work skills important to a career, and / or a current challenge an organization is working to solve