Maia Learning is our college/career planning tool that students use to explore and plan their postsecondary options. Students applying to 4-year college will use Maia Learning to request their application materials.

All students have access to Maia Learning using their PPS single sign-on. Find detailed login instructions with screenshots here. Students can reference this infographic to access a variety of instructional videos on how to use Maia Learning, as well as this quick guide to get started. 

Parents can be given a parental Maia Learning account to access their students' progress and activities in Maia Learning.  For instructions on setting up an account and to log in, click here. 

Please visit the Maia Learning section of our Counseling Department website for more in-depth instructions and videos on how to use Maia Learning.

What is a Trade? 

A trade is a skilled job that requires manual skills and special training. There are a variety of professions, including trades and careers in the military, in which employment eligibility requires a certificate, two-year degree, license, or completion of an apprenticeship program. 

Trade Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level trade professional in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. After completing an apprenticeship, workers are professionally certified and have the professional status of a journeyman. 

More Details:

• What do I need to get accepted? Individuals with a high school diploma or GED certificate are eligible. Some programs require completion of specific subjects such as algebra.
  
• How long are they? Apprenticeships are typically two to five years, depending on the program.
• Are they paid? Yes! The average starting wage of an apprentice is about 50 percent of a journey workers rate of pay. Apprentices usually earn a five- percent raise every six months if performance is satisfactory.
• If there a cost? The main cost of an apprenticeship is the expense of tools, safety equipment, work boots, and clothing; some programs supply or pay for these, while others do not. Apprentices must have reliable transportation, or the means to pay for public transportation to travel to and from job sites.
• Where can I find one? The State of Oregon offers a variety of apprenticeships for students interested in entering the trades. Students can visit the Oregon Apprenticeship or Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries websites to explore available programs. Students are also encouraged to work with our Career Coordinator to pursue trades opportunities.

Technical Programs at Community Colleges

Community Colleges are an excellent option for students interested in earning their associate’s degree as well as a certificate in a specific career or trade.

• Portland Community College Career Pathways: Technical certifications, Associate’s Degrees, and Apprenticeship programs in a variety of trades that qualify students for employment and serve as a stepping stone to continued education (if desired). Programs are 1-2 years in length and include criminal justice, computer applications, construction, family studies, electrical engineering, and more. 
• Mt. Hood Community College Career and Technical Programs: Technical certifications, Associate’s Degrees, and Apprenticeship programs in a variety of trades that qualify students for employment. Programs are 1-2 years in length and include administrative office work, cosmetology, automotive technology, medical office, early childhood education, dental hygiene, and more. 
• Clackamas Community College Career Technical Programs: 90+ technical certifications, career pathway certifications, and Associates degrees. Programs are 1-2 years in length and include landscape management, emergency management, wildland firefighting, automotive/auto body, dental assistant, digital media, and more.

The Common App is an online college application that students can send to multiple institutions at one time. There are currently 750+ institutions (public and private) in 48 states plus Washington, DC that participate in the Common App. 

How it works

Students apply to college via the Common App directly on the Common App website. Students can find out what schools accept the Common App directly on the Common App website, on the college's admissions website, or in Maia Learning (by entering the college name in their Applying List).

The application includes a detailed personal and educational profile, similar to any other college application. Students will go tab by tab through the application, entering information, uploading necessary documents, and/or completing essays. Common App has a general personal statement essay section, but some institutions will also have supplemental questions of their own. If schools have additional essays or requirements, it will appear on the student’s individual application as long as those schools are added to the student’s list in his/her Common App account. 

Even when applying through the Common App, students still need to sync their Common App to Maia Learning, which is the platform we use at FHS to send all transcripts, recommendations, and application related materials. Students will request transcripts and letters of recommendation in Maia Learning only (not on their common app account). Counselors walk students through the College Application Process, including how to sync Common App to Maia Learning and how to request transcripts, early in Senior year.

Once the application is complete, students can submit their application to schools on their list, either all at once or in chunks according to timelines or desirability. Students will pay an application fee for one or more schools, which may vary in amount, at the time of submission. To request a fee waiver, students can do so through their application in their profile section and will need to speak with their counselor.

For more information and details about common app, please visit the Common App website.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a regional tuition-reciprocity agreement that enables students from Oregon to enroll in participating institutions in states surrounding Oregon at a discounted tuition rate. Surrounding states include, but are not limited to, Washington, California, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and more.

WUE tuition rates, policies, and application procedures vary from college to college. Each college’s WUE policy can be found on the college’s Financial Aid page of their website.

A list of participating WUE schools can be found their website. Students are encouraged to connect with Admissions Representatives of participating colleges to learn more about that college's WUE process.

Students interested in learning more about participating in athletics in college should visit the NCAA Eglibility Center and create an account.

Students are also highly encouraged to connect with their coach and our FHS Athletic Director. 

Many college applications will require at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or educational professional. A letter of recommendation is a chance for the admissions committee to learn more about an applicant as a student, as an individual, and as a potential member of their campus community.. 

Who To Ask

When asking a teacher, students are encouraged to ask teachers of classes that are relative to the student's major/academic program. When possible, students should try to choose a current teacher, a teacher they’ve had more than once, or someone they have a positive relationship with.

Counselors can be a great option if the counselor has had an opportunity to get to know the student or has been involved with a student’s growth and success.  Depending on the student’s area of intended study, other educators and adults who have worked closely with the student and can speak well to the student’s strengths are also an option, such as club advisor.

Students should only request the number of recommendations that each institution asks for. Following the directions outlined by a college is the first step in demonstrating academic capability and responsibility.

How to request letters of recommendation

1. Students should talk to  the teacher well in advance.
2. Students will be expected to meet with and/or talk to their counselor early in senior year to discuss their recommendation plans and/or to let the counselor know if they will want a letter from them.
3. For a counselor's recommendation, students will be required to complete a brag sheet and turn it into their counselor THREE weeks prior to the due date for which they need the letter.
4. For a teacher's recommendation, students must submit an electronic request in Maia Learning THREE weeks prior to the due date for which they need a letter. 

Students will receive more details regarding letters of recommendation and the request process in their meetings/classroom visits with the counselors at the start of senior year. 

Other uses for letters of recommendation

Scholarship applications may have an option to include a letter of recommendation. Scholarships applications will have their own link, email address, or process for the recommender to upload and send the letter of recommendation. 

Jobs and internships may ask for references or letters of recommendation. For this type of recommendation, anyone that can provide a relevant recommendation can write the letter.

Please see the scholarships and financial aid sections of our College and Career Planning website.

FHS offers one in-school SAT to Juniors during the spring.

The SAT and ACT are offered ~7 times per year. Students can sign up for weekend SAT/ACT exams directly on the testing websites (College Board or ACT). Students who believe they are eligible for a fee waiver should see their counselor.

Students are highly encouraged to prepare for either exam; the Khan Academy is a convenient preparatory resource for the SAT that is connected to students PSAT scores to allow for a customized practice experience.

For more preparatory resources and information about the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, please visit the Standardized section of our Counseling Department website.

Many postsecondary institutions offer residential summer programs for high school students. Programs vary in academic focus, cost, and length of time (1 week to 6 weeks). Some are free, while others have a fee or college-like tuition. In some cases, scholarships are available. Many programs include on-campus living such that students take classes and participate in some form of experiential program, while also living in a dorm with other attendees.

Find a list of some programs here. Most programs require an application of some kind. If students have questions or wish to learn more about summer pre-college programs, they should visit our College & Career Center and connect with our College Coordinator.