Archived Information

What is Washington Opportunity Scholars?

Washington Opportunity Scholars Course of Study Four years of English, including at least three years of literature and composition Four years of math in high school (must include Algebra II) Three years of science (Biology, Chemistry, and preferably, Physics) Three years of Social Studies Two years of a Foreign Language

Washington Opportunity Scholars Course of Study 9 th 10 th 11 th 12th English Math BiologyChemistryPhysics Elective Social Studies Elective 2 years same Foreign Language

Why are these courses important?

Tacoma, WA Today, global competition is a fact of life

These “core” classes will also help you: Prepare for passing the 10 th -grade WASL Meet the new graduation requirements Do well on the PSAT and SAT

Four-Year College/ University Four-Year College/ University Workforce (Civilian & Military) Workforce (Civilian & Military) Two-Year Community or Technical College Two-Year Community or Technical College Better preparation for LIFE!

It’s about Choices The more prepared you are, the more choices you will have between colleges and different job opportunities. It allows you more freedom to choose how you want to live your life.

What do you dream of being when you grow up?

What will it take to get your dream job?

Did you know that in the workplace… 70 percent of the fastest growing jobs require some education beyond high school.

But colleges report that: 57 percent of Washington’s high school graduates enrolled in community and technical colleges require “remedial classes.”

What are remedial classes? You have to retake subjects you should have mastered in high school. This time you have to pay for them but you don’t get credit toward earning your degree. You’re paying for something you could have earned for free!

Congratulations. You’re hired! Starting salary: $24,000 a year/ $2000 per month

Paying for the “necessities” ItemMonthly Expense $’s Left Federal and Social Security Taxes$350$1,650 Medical/Dental Insurance$50$1,600 Rent (w/roommate(s))$400$1,200 Utilities$50$1,150 Phone Bill$60$1,090 Furniture/TV/Appliances$75$1,015 Clothes $100$915 Personal Items$25$890 Food$300$590 Bus pass$50$540

What if you want other “luxuries?” REMAINING INCOME$540 ItemMonthly expense$ Left Car Payment, Insurance,$400$140 Gas, oil etc. Internet Access/Cable TV$75$65 Entertainment$65$0

You compare the difference Starting Salary for a “Skilled” Job $11.54 (x) 40 hours/week =$462/week x 52 weeks TOTAL/YEAR = $24,000 Minimum Wage Job $7.16/hour (in WA) (x) 40 hours/week =$286/week x 52 weeks TOTAL/YEAR = $14,892

Average salaries for jobs requiring 2-year degrees or additional technical training: –Firefighter$34,000 –Dental Hygienist$35,000 –Web Designer$37,000

Average salaries for jobs requiring 4-year degrees: –Pharmaceutical Sales Rep.$45,000 –Accountant$47,000 –Software Engineer$48,000 –Aerospace Engineer$50,000

Average salaries for jobs requiring more than a 4-year degree: –Architect$58,000 –Lawyer$75,000 –Dentist$93,000 –Doctor (Family Practice)$120,000

What makes the difference?

What you learn affects what you earn

Changing Hats It’s predicted that you will change your career five or six times in your working lifetime

What things might hold you back from taking tougher classes?

When the going gets tough, remember: It is better to take tougher classes than to get A’s in easy classes There are people that can help you: teachers, counselors, principal and your families If you work hard, there is money available for college scholarships We want you to be successful!

What does this all mean? You need to: Go beyond the minimum graduation requirements. Take challenging classes throughout high school. Have a plan for your future.

Washington Opportunity Scholars Course of Study Four years of English, including at least three years literature and composition Four years of math in high school (must include Algebra II) Three years of science (Biology, Chemistry, and preferably, Physics) Three years of Social Studies Two years of a Foreign Language

What’s your best bet? Odds that you’ll win the lotto, play in the NBA or win a million dollars on Survivor…not great. Odds that by challenging yourself in high school and getting the help you need, that you’ll be prepared for life after high school…Great!

When you make your course selections for freshman year remember to sign up to be a Washington Opportunity Scholar!

WASHINGTON OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARS For more information go to: PR/Award (No. V051U02001) The work reported herein was supported under the Center for State Scholars Program, PR/Award (No. V051U02001) as administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.