2013-14 Student Magazine

CREATRE YOU E FUTUR

Be What I Want To Be 2014–2015

Get ready for a

world of opportunity REALITY CHECK –

WHAT IT REALLY COSTS TO LIVE

Maryland Scholars— your key to college and careers Prepare now: your future depends on it

I N S I D E

WORKPLACE PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR TIPS AND ADVICE

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Why STEM Skills are important to you

Successful students in college have

a solid foundation in science, math, reading and writing.

Employers value workers who are able to reason &

STEM skills are required for jobs across many different industries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that at least

8,654,000 U.S. STEM jobs

PHOTOGRAPHY

solve problems using math, science and technology.

will exist in 2018, not including

self-employed STEM individuals.

NUTRITION

STEM CAREERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST PAID AND ARE IN THE GREATEST DEMAND.

MEDICINE

Not interested in a STEM career? Keep in mind that almost all jobs require some STEM-related skills.

A good way to get a jump-start on those skills is to take courses in middle and high school that prepare you to succeed in college and beyond.

COMPUTER OR VIDEO GAME DESIGN

Examples of courses that give you a solid foundation in STEM skills: ARCHITECTURE

• Algebra 1 & 2 • Biology

FORENSIC SCIENCE

ANIMATION

In the U.S., the average professional with a STEM degree earns about

$78,000 Annually

• Economics • Geometry • Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Geography

• Statistics

• Physics

• Trigonometry

• Environmental Science • Calculus

• Technology Education

The national average wage is $42,9 79 AERONAUTICS (EARTH & SPACE FLIGHT)

Mary M. Traviss G. Chief Technology Transition Officer Lockheed Martin Corporation

“

Explore your individual curiosity and always strive to create learning experiences both within and outside the classroom.

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”

Nuclear Medicine Technology Teacher Johns Hopkins Hospital

“

Start working now and never stop. Sure, work brings money, but it also builds character and demonstrates that you’re disciplined, motivated, responsible, and you have what it takes to be successful.

”

Life after High School :

afford it?

Will you be able to Paycheck PAY TO THE ORDER OF

What Does It Cost To Live?

Apartment Car Payment Car Insurance/Gas/Maintenance Gas/Electricity Phone/Internet/Cable Food Entertainment

Four-Hundred Six Dollars and Zero Cents Earnings

$ 1,000 $ 300 $ 450 $ 150 $ 150 $ 350 $ 200

Total Monthly Expenses

Jane Eyre Rate

Hours

Regular $15.00

40

Gross Pay

This period $600.00 $600.00

Deductions

Federal Income Tax

State/Local Income Tax

Social Security Tax Other

Health Insurance

- $102.00 - $36.00 - $36.00 - $20.00

Weekly Net Pay

$406.00

That’s Almost $1,000 over budGet!

PER MONTH

$ 2,600

Gross Wages (x4 weeks) Taxes Withheld

Other Deductions

- $408.00 - $144.00 - $144.00

-$80.00

$1,624.00

Monthly Net Pay PROJECTED OPENINGS IN 2015

$2,400.00

MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE

MEDIAN MONTHLY WAGE

466

$73.50

$12,733

11,440

$53.00

$9,166

$109,986

14,098

$52.25

$9,056

$108,652

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

3,560

$46.50

$8,055

$96,655

DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE

1,255

$45.50

$7,901

$94,811

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

560

$43.25

$7,506

$90,075

NURSE (REGISTERED)

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE

47,832

$34.04

$5,975

$71,100

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

2,307

$34.25

$5,916

$70,990

ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

25,303

$34.00

$5,888

$70,659

WRITER

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

968

$31.03

$4,965

$59,578

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

54,654

$28.25

$4,962

$58,539

POLICE OFFICER

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

14,795

$27.75

$4,829

$57,950

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

3,543

$26.00

$4,523

$54,279

TEACHER

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

1,018

$25.75

$4,446

$53,351

FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

674

$23.25

$3,720

$44,640

CARPENTER

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

11,202

$20.50

$3,556

$42,668

REAL ESTATE SALES AGENT

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

3,188

$20.00

$3,481

$41,777

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

CERTIFICATE

4,677

$19.75

$3,160

$37,920

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CERTIFICATE

5,499

$18.50

$3,216

$38,590

FITNESS TRAINER

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

6,378

$17.00

$2,926

$35,108

RETAIL SALES PERSON

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

72,038

$9.25

$1,592

$19,102

WAITER OR WAITRESS

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

43,892

$8.75

$1,521

$18,253

OCCUPATION

EDUCATION

PEDIATRICIAN

DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE

LAWYER

DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST VETERINARIAN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER

Jason P. Owner and Plumber Palmer’s Plumbing

“

MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE

$152,790

For more occupations, visit www.dllr.state.md.us and click on “2006 to 2016 occupational projections”

I always enjoyed mathematics because several of my hobbies, such as working on cars and building things, required me to use it.

”

thestemnet.com/careers 3

Are you on track to be college and/or career ready?

PUT A CHECK IN THE COLUMN THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU AND YOUR PLANS.

MOSTLY TRUE

1.

I get A’s and B’s in my classes.

2.

I show up to class on time.

3.

I do more than what’s expected of me in class.

4.

I plan to take high levels of math and science in high school.

5.

I know what I need to do to qualify for scholarships and grants.

6.

I plan to learn a world language in high school.

7.

I am involved in extracurricular activities.

8.

I currently/plan to volunteer in my community.

9.

I am careful about what I post online (Instagram, Twitter, etc.).

10.

SOMETIMES TRUE

NOT TRUE

I know what I want to do after high school.

S C O R I N G :

0 TO 6 POINTS: You have the potential to be college and/or career ready but you will need to step up your game.

Employers say that high school graduates that they hire need the same skills and knowledge that colleges require of incoming freshmen! Talk to your family and school counselor — set up a plan. They will help you get — and stay — on the right track.

NOW is the time to start taking control of your future.

MOSTLY TRUE = 2 points

_____ Points

SOMETIMES TRUE = 1 point

_____ Points

NOT TRUE = 0 points

_____ Points _____ TOTAL

high school, you will be twice as likely to graduate from college and earn 13% more in wages a year! Meet with your school counselor at least one time each year to make sure you’re on track with your courses.

14 TO 20 POINTS: Congratulations!

You are well on your way to being college and/or career ready. You will likely complete all the right courses to get a good job with benefits, succeed in college AND qualify for scholarships and grants to help pay for college. Studies have shown that high school graduates who have completed higher levels of math and science classes earn $1 million more over their lifetime than those who did not.

Talk with your school counselor about taking Honors and AP classes, and begin researching colleges you are interested in to make sure you know what they require from you.

7 TO 13 POINTS: With some effort, you could become college and/or career ready. At a minimum, make sure you take and complete Algebra 2, Chemistry, Physics and at least 2 years of the same world language during high school. By completing these courses in

Anthony L. Mechanic Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority

“

A lot of people believe math is not that important, but when you get into the real world, you end up using it a lot. Sometimes you don’t even realize you are using it, but you actually are.

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So Now What?

Become a Maryland Scholar!

A GOAL is what you aim or strive to accomplish.

Whether your goal is to go to college, the military or get a job after graduation, getting the best possible foundation in high school is essential! You don’t have to know what you want to do after high school right now; however, taking the right courses now will allow you to follow any path you choose later on.

Being a Maryland Scholar will help you: • Get a good job that pays more WHY SET GOALS?

• Succeed in college-level courses

Setting goals for yourself lets you get more out of life by deciding who you want to be and what you want to do. It is not just a process to identify your dreams, but it helps you achieve them.

• Qualify for scholarships and/or grants to help you pay for school By taking these courses, because of the skills and knowledge gained from them, you will have a greater chance in getting into schools that you apply for, whether it’s in state or out of state.

HOW DO YOU SET A GOAL? • Make it SMART! • Be SPECIFIC: what is it that you would like to accomplish?

• How will you MEASURE your success?

• Is it ACHIEVABLE? What actions will you take?

Maryland Scholars Course of Study

• Set REALISTIC results that you hope to see.

• And how much TIME will you give yourself to reach the goal?

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I SET A GOAL? Within 3 – 5 days — • Share your goals with a teacher, school counselor and/or parent/guardian so they can help support you.

4 4 Credits of English 4 4 Credits of Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) 4 3 Credits of Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics*) 4 3 Credits of Social Science (U.S. History,

• Go to www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com, create an account and enter your goals.

Within 2– 4 weeks — •R eview your goals to see if you are on target.

•M ake adjustments to your goals or actions if needed.

REWARD YOURSELF WHEN YOU REACH YOUR GOAL — CELEBRATE!

World History, Government)

4 2 Credits of same Foreign Language

Students must attain a 3.0 GPA to Qualify

* a third lab science may be substituted for Physics

Ramon L-R.

Lydia H. Lawyer Tydings & Rosenberg

“

The business place is becoming increasingly international, and mastering a second language will give you a competitive advantage.

”

Biological Oceanographer The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab

“

My job gives me the opportunity to be at sea, finding ways to protect the environment and develop a better understanding of how oceans function.

”

thestemnet.com/careers 5

Countdown

to College

q Check the box as you complete each step, to keep on track

Sophomore Year q Take and complete geometry or algebra 2. q Take and complete a lab science, such as chemistry. q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Check in with your school counselor to make sure you’re on track.

q Take a leadership role in your extracurricular activities. q Take the PSAT or ACT PLAN tests to help prepare yourself for SAT and ACT tests.

q Earn college credits by registering for a dual-enrollment program at your local community college.

Junior Year q Take rigorous math and science courses, such as pre-calculus and physics.

q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Maintain good grades and challenge yourself. Junior-year

8th Grade q Take algebra 1 if possible. q D evelop your leadership skills — join clubs/activities, play a sport or volunteer.

q W ork hard to get good grades — it will make a difference in your options for high school.

q S ign up for Maryland Scholars courses in your high school plan — include algebra 2, chemistry, physics and 2 credits of a world language.

Freshman Year q T ake and complete algebra 1 or geometry. q W ork hard to get good grades — colleges review your transcript including freshman grades — ALL 4 YEARS COUNT!

q A sk for help when you need it. q Take part in extracurricular activities. q T alk with your school counselor about which classes to take next year.

grades are especially important for college admissions.

q Register for, study and take the SAT or ACT test. q Take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities offered at your school.

q Check out, in person or online, the colleges that interest you — know their admissions criteria.

q Explore scholarship opportunities — start early so you can build a record that allows you to qualify.

Senior Year q Make the most of your senior year. It is important! q Take a rigorous math class. It will help you pass the college entrance exams.

q Know and meet the deadlines to submit college applications. Start early to write essays and get teacher recommendations.

q Submit your college financial aid application (FAFSA) by March 1. Do it whether you think you need it or not.

q Be recognized as a Maryland Scholar. Celebrate!

Zuly G. Co-Owner Light Point Security

Jason H. Orthopedic Surgeon Union Memorial Hospital

“

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing; instead, get involved with hobbies that will allow you to do what you like to do, without being afraid to crack the mold and come out of the box.

”

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“

A key choice for me was seeking intern positions early on. At a college job fair, I met a recruiter from the National Security Agency looking for interns. I applied and was accepted for a position — I would not be where I am today had I not made that one decision.

”

Doctoral Degree What is required for a Doctoral Degree?

The doctorate, or Ph.D., takes at least • two full-time years of study, or 30 credits,

•

Examples: Mathematician, Astronomer, or Medical Scientist

•

beyond the master’s degree.

In many cases students need four or five years of study, or 90 credits, after the master’s degree.

Associate’S Degree wo years of full-time • Tcoursework, or 60

What is required for a Professional Degree?

usually takes at least six years of college work.

• I At cademic • ments mustrequirebe

•

•

•

Certificate

Master’s Degree

What is required for a Certificate?

What is required for a Master’s Degree?

can take just a •fewCertificates weeks or up to two years

• It usually takes one or two years after earning a

bachelor’s degree.

It often requires very specific undergraduate courses.

Many students need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be accepted to a graduate school.

•

Bachelor’s Degree What is required for a Bachelor’s Degree?

Four or five years of • full-time coursework,

•

credits, are needed.

Associate’s degrees are offered by community colleges.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are available.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are for technical or career programs.

completed to become licensed in careers such as law, medicine or architecture.

Examples: Students generally Veterinarian, spend four years Pediatrician, or working on a bachelor’s Lawyer degree plus another few years on their professional degree.

Examples: Environmental Scientist, Statistician or Physical Therapist

•

Examples: Dental Hygienist, Web Developer, or Registered Nurse

What is required for an Associate’s Degree?

Professional Degree

•

as liberal arts degrees) require courses in art, culture, history, English, social and life sciences and languages.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees often prepare people for careers in engineering, physical sciences and other technical subjects.

or 120 credits are needed.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees (also known

Examples: Financial Advisor, Forensic Science Technician, or Computer Software Engineer

to earn.

•

Six

They are awarded by community colleges and private career schools.

•

They also can be earned by completing job training or even in a high school program.

Degrees

of EDUCATION

Examples: Electrical Technician, Real Estate Broker, or Occupational Therapy Assistant

James Biomedical Engineer, Project Manager The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab

“

If you know what you want to be, figure out what steps you need to take to get you there, what skills and experience you need and who you need to interact with in order to meet your goals.

”

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PAYING FOR COLLEGE The basics

Tips for paying for college

It is possible for everyone to go to college. There are many ways to pay for school and to get help paying for it. There are four main types of financial aid students can get:

Start saving for college.

1. Grants 2. Scholarships 3. Student loans 4. Work study What do I do now to prepare?

Consider your goals and what education you need to reach them.

Enroll in high level courses while in high school.

College isn’t easy. The more you learn in high school, the better you will do in college, and the more college options you will have.

Take Advanced Placement (AP) or

International Baccalaureate (IB) classes during high school. Earn college credits now!

Get involved in school

and volunteer activities. Many scholarship programs, especially private scholarships, look for these activities when selecting students for scholarships.

Regina S. Director, Corporate Engagement & Education Outreach Battelle Memorial Institute

High school graduation is an accomplishment, but it’s just one of your first achievements in life.

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Work with school

counselors to find scholarships or search the internet on your own.

LOANS

Many community

groups and employers have scholarships available. But it’s up to you to find these sources of money.

FAFSA

SCHOLARSHIPS

GRANTS

What is FAFSA? When and how do I file the FAFSA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine if you are eligible for financial aid from federal and state aid programs and financial aid programs offered by colleges and universities. You should apply whether or not you think you need financial aid.

The FAFSA should be filed during the spring semester of your senior year between January 1 and March 1.

This will ensure you are considered for most types of financial aid.

Explore the possibility of dual

enrollment (high school and college).

“

SAVINGS

”

find even more advice and start planning for life after high school at www.theSTEMnet.com/careers