Sessions & Speakers

Session IA and IIG Show Me the Money! How financial aid can help.

Presented by: Kari Gribble - Director of Financial Aid, Edgewood College

This program will start at the beginning and show you the basics of what financial aid is and how to apply for it. No matter what you think you know about aid, this session will teach you how to make it work for you. Topics will include:

• The financial aid application process
• The federal grant and loan programs
• How to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Session IB and IIIH ACT Prep + Study - Stress = Academic Success

Presented by: Sid Truckenbrod, President, ACT Prep Plus

The high school junior year is very important in preparation for college. Students and parents want to know: “Why do some students score high on the ACT college entrance test and others crash?” This session will address the 8 components of success for scoring high on the ACT test ranging from how to take the test, subject knowledge in each tested academic area, and stress reducers. This timely information will be very helpful to students who plan to take the ACT test scheduled for October. Sid has helped students prepare for ACT for over 20 years.

Sid Truckenbrod is the President of Act Prep Plus, a company that conducts classes and provides private tutoring for students planning to take the ACT, PSAT, or SAT.

Sid retired in 2005, after 39 years in education working as a math teacher, Principal, and Director of Human Resources for the School District of Menomonee Falls. He now spends his time teaching ACT prep classes at a number of high schools in Southeastern Wisconsin and doing private tutoring.

He first noticed the advantage of prepping students for college entrance test in the 1980’s when he worked with a girl who improved from a 28 to 32 on the ACT. "She went from a scholarship of $1000/year to $5000/year because of that score. She correctly calculated that she made $ 16000 for 12 hours work!", Sid said. He also tutored a talented football player with reading problems who improved from an 11 to a 15. That score enabled him to receive a Division I football scholarship,graduate from college, and go on to pro ball.

He sees greater pressure to score high on the ACT and SAT for admission and scholarships. "I love to help students improve. They see measureable results when they work hard to prepare for the tests."

Session IC Desperately Seeking the Right Fit?

Presented by: Denny Roark - Student Services Coordinator, UW Help; Brooke Konopacki - VP for Student Access, Wisconsin Association for Independent Colleges and Universities; Terry Simmons - VP Student Success, Gateway Technical College

Do you prefer public or private, large or small, or maybe a technical school is for you. These are all choices you have to make when considering college. An expert panel will discuss the distinct differences between public, private and technical schools.

Session ID Understanding College Athletics

Presented by: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletic Staff

Are you interested in college athletics - then this session is for you! UW-Whitewater’s athletic staff will discuss the process of getting recruited by college sport teams, applying to school and knowing the difference between junior college, Division I, II and III athletics. In this session, you will gain a clearer understanding of what the process is all about and how you can position yourself for opportunities.

Note: UW-Whitewater claimed the national championship title in football for Division III this year!!

Session IE Know How To Go

Presented by: Ryan Eisner, COMPASS Guide Advisor

College doesn’t just happen. KnowHow2Go gets you started. Planning for college takes time. There are lots of things you need to know and do. NOW is exactly when you need to think about what you want to do after high school. Getting into college takes self-discipline and hard work. But each year, more than 16 million students attend colleges across the U.S. - so don’t get discouraged or scared off! Let us walk you through the steps to college so you will KnowHow2Go.

Session IF and IIIG Hablamos Espanol Session

Presented by: Eva Martinez - Admission Counselor, Multicultural Outreach: Marquette University

Join us! This bilingual panel presentation will give you an overview of the college admission and financial aid process. You will leave the session with a better understanding of what colleges look for and how you can get scholarships for college. Don’t miss this great opportunity. ¡Hablamos español!

Session IG Creating Career Connections: State of WI Youth Apprentice Program

Presented by: Terri Salzer - District Youth Apprentice Coordinator, Milwaukee Public Schools

Terri will describe the State of WI Youth Apprenticeship Program offered at Milwaukee Public Schools. Youth apprenticeships combine related instruction with paid work experience that provides exposure to multiple aspects of the industry. High school juniors or seniors who are enrolled in programs of study related to any of the following areas may be considered for the competitive program: Drafting & Design, Financial Services, Health Services, Hospitality/Tourism, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Printing/Graphic Arts and Transportation. Students who successfully complete a youth apprenticeship will have a better understanding of the benefits and requirements of various career pathways and will be better prepared for post-secondary options.

Session IH Where Do I Begin? Steps to a Successful Career and College Choice

Presented by: Bonnie Weiland Hare, IECA Consultant, Hare Career & College Consulting

"Where do I begin?" The career and college decision process is very encompassing. This session will focus on the "step by step" process that will help students make these important decisions. Students will be receiving handouts that will help them develop timelines, track community and volunteer activities and a booklet on how to get good grades in college. In addition, assessment instruments to assist students in evaluating their interests, learning styles and personality type will be shared.

Bonnie Weiland Hare is President of HARE Career and College Consulting and a member of the Independent Education Consultants Association. As a consultant, Bonnie works with high school students and families in the career and college decision process. Bonnie provides a full-range of services that guide a student through career assessment, college listings, college application completion and scholarships. You are invited to visit our website at: www.hareconsulting.com for complete services.

Session II Transitions to College for Students with Disabilities

Presented by: Deb Jilbert - Learning Specialist, Waukesha County Technical College

Students with Disabilities have numerous options for college and training programs after high school. In this session, information will be provided of how to make the “transition” from high school to these institutions and the services available that will help the student be very successful. In addition, the session will provide information on what an "accommodation plan" is and how a student can attain a plan.

Session IIA How to Get Financial Aid to Work for You

Presented by: Brad Baldridge, CFP®, Baldridge College Solutions, LLC

This session will go beyond the basics and provide useful information on the financial aid process and how it all works! We will discuss:

• Sources of Financial Aid
• When & how to apply for aid
• Strategies to get the maximum amount of aid
• Best practices when filling out the FAFSA
• What you should and should NOT do before applying for aid
• Why parents of juniors and sophomores need to plan ahead

Brad Baldridge is a College Funding Consultant that specializes in providing customized planning using the latest tax reduction, cash flow and academic strategies to reduce a family’s college expenses. He is a uniquely trained specialist in late stage college funding planning – planning when families no longer have time to save. Brad’s proprietary planning process has the potential to save a family tens of thousands of dollars per child over four years.

Brad lectures extensively, conducting numerous workshops each year on college funding. Past workshop sponsors include the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin School Counselor Association, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin Association of College Admission Counseling, the Milwaukee Bar Association and community park and recreation departments.

Brad is a registered representative of Securities America, Inc. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a member of the local and national chapters of the Financial Planning Association. Brad received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Platteville in 1990.

www.BaldridgeCollegeSolutions.com

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC and Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. An SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Brad Baldridge, Representative. Baldridge College Solutions and the Securities America companies are unaffiliated. 02/10

Session IIB and IIIA Scholarships 101! Jumpstart to Success

Presented by: Brooke Konopacki - VP for Student Access, Wisconsin Association for Independent Colleges and Universities

Are you wondering if you are scholarship material? Do you want a competitive edge as you apply for private scholarships? This introductory session delivers street smart advice on how to approach the scholarship process like a pro. Families will get the facts, learn the best scholarship tactics and review the six most common mistakes.

Session IIC To Admit or Not Admit-that is the question

Presented by: John Huegel - Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Concordia University Wisconsin; Katie Riordan - Admission Counselor, Lawrence University; Peg Pomplin - Student and Enrollment Services, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Jennifer Machacek - Associate Dean of Admissions, Marquette University; Tom Reason - Interim Director of Admissions, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Discover everything you wanted to know, but where afraid to ask. Learn what admissions counselors look for when they read your application and gain a better understanding of the entire admissions process.

Session IID Apprenticeship - Check out ALL the options!

Presented by: Jon Waldhuetter - Dean Apprenticeships, Moraine Park Technical College

This presentation will cover the various educational and career options available to young women and men entering today’s work force. We will focus on careers, training and future opportunities and trends in the skilled trades. Participants will learn what they need in terms of education, knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s job market and they will assess the skills and qualifications needed to be employable. Special attention will be directed at Apprenticeship as a viable option for many individuals seeking employment in the skilled trades. Students will be made aware that employment in the trades can provide a great career that will provide knowledge and skills that will sustain them for a lifetime. They will also understand that workers in the skilled trades are true professionals in their chosen professions and that the opportunities in the trades are only limited by their individual desire to succeed.

Session IIE It’s all about YOU!

Presented by: Gia P. Euler - Admission Counselor and African American Recruiter, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Latrice Harris-Collins - Admissions Counselor/Multicultural Outreach, Marquette University

Tips and secrets for writing strong application essays and submitting applications that will get you noticed. Learn how to make your college application and essay a strong representation of all your best qualities and achievements.

Session IIF In a league of their OWN! Advantages of an All-Women’s College

Presented by: Erin Ortiz - Admission Counselor, Mount Mary College; Holly Schwoerer - Assistant Director for High School Recruitment, Alverno College

Alverno College and Mount Mary College represent Wisconsin as the only all women's colleges! Discover their history and learn about the advantages of attending a college devoted to the education of women.

Session IIH Extra Credit!! Academic options that will benefit you now & later.

Presented by: Caroline Williams - Office of School Counseling, Milwaukee Public Schools

Enhance your academics through Youth Options and AP/IB classes. Learn how these options will also be beneficial to you in college.

Session III Opening Doors to College for Foster Youth

Presented by: Denny Roark - Student Services Coordinator, University of Wisconsin HELP; Christine Lenske - Independent Living Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Let’s swing the doors of college open to foster youth! Join us to learn about ways we are making strides in Wisconsin to encourage youth in foster care to prepare for and pursue higher education. This session will highlight precollege activities, admission, financial aid, scholarships, campus contacts, and much more!

Session IIIB Beyond Financial Aid! More Great Strategies to Reduce Your College Costs!

Presented by: Brad Baldridge, CFP®, Baldridge College Solutions, LLC

This session offers many tips and techniques that may save you thousands of dollars even if your family does not qualify for need-based financial aid. You will learn:

• How to use tax planning so the IRS can help pay for your college expenses
• How to reduce your out-of-pocket college expenses
• Great strategies to use in your freshman, sophomore and junior years
• How to maximize the aid from the colleges
• How to effectively use Edvest and other 529 plans
• How to attend a private college for less than the cost of a public

Brad Baldridge is a College Funding Consultant that specializes in providing customized planning using the latest tax reduction, cash flow and academic strategies to reduce a family’s college expenses. He is a uniquely trained specialist in late stage college funding planning – planning when families no longer have time to save. Brad’s proprietary planning process has the potential to save a family tens of thousands of dollars per child over four years.

Brad lectures extensively, conducting numerous workshops each year on college funding. Past workshop sponsors include the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin School Counselor Association, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin Association of College Admission Counseling, the Milwaukee Bar Association and community park and recreation departments.

Brad is a registered representative of Securities America, Inc. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a member of the local and national chapters of the Financial Planning Association. Brad received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Platteville in 1990.

www.BaldridgeCollegeSolutions.com

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC and Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. An SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Brad Baldridge, Representative. Baldridge College Solutions and the Securities America companies are unaffiliated. 02/10

Session IIIC College Application "Tip" Factors

Presented by: Bonnie Weiland Hare, IECA Consultant, Hare Career & College Consulting

Students and parents often wonder, "What do colleges look for in a college application?" "Why are some students with the same background denied admission?" This session will focus on the "TIP" factors, those things that can "tip" an application for acceptance.

Bonnie Weiland Hare is President of HARE Career and College Consulting and a member of the Independent Education Consultants Association. As a consultant, Bonnie works with high school students and families in the career and college decision process. Bonnie provides a full-range of services that guide a student through career assessment, college listings, college application completion and scholarships. You are invited to visit our website at: www.hareconsulting.com for complete services.

Session IIID Freshman Year & Beyond: What to expect during college (everything you want to know, but are afraid to ask!)

Presented by: Students from local colleges, universities & technical schools

A panel of real college students will talk about the mysterious world of college. The classes, the studying, the ways to get involved, and even the ability to study in another country!

Session IIIE Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Oh My!!

Presented by: Jesse Augustine - CPT, EN, Recruiting Operations Officer, Marquette University Army ROTC

Discover the many military options! Learn how they can enhance your college experience and challenge your life after college.

Session IIIF Be on the cutting edge….Beauty School

Presented by: VICI Beauty School Staff

Considering a career in the world of cosmetology? The VICI Beauty School offers the tools and hands-on experience you will need to be successful. This session will provide you with some insight on how to pursue a career in the world of cosmetology.

Session IIII Plan Ahead to Get Ahead --- Starting Now!

Presented by: Annette Cleary - Director of College Counseling, Marquette University High School; Curt Cattanach - School Counselor: Whitefish Bay High School

College preparation starts long belong you visit a school or fill out an application. Learn how to prepare yourself for college while still in High School!