Welcome to September! The weather is finally starting to turn, fall sports are in full swing with Friday night games and crisp afternoon practices, and there is a fresh buzz of energy in the air for everything this new school year has to offer.
For our high school seniors, this is officially your moment! Starting this month, keep a close eye on the Kaveman Compass for our dedicated Senior Section. Each edition will be packed with crucial dates, actionable tips, and insider tricks to help you navigate college applications, scholarships, and graduation prep.
Pro Tip: Your senior year moves fast, so make it a habit to regularly check the newsletter and stay on top of upcoming deadlines—keeping track of those key target dates early will keep your final year smooth and stress-free!
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Tuesday, September 8th | Army National Guard Lunch Table: Stop by the table in the commons during lunch to meet with an Army National Guard representative! Learn about tuition assistance, debt-free degree options, career pathways, and benefits while serving.
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Monday, September 21st | Army Recruiter Lunch Table: Head over to the commons during lunch to chat with an Army recruiter! Stop by the table to explore career opportunities, enlistment options, and military benefits.
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Tuesday, September 22nd | College of Southern Idaho Lunch & Learn: Join us for a Lunch & Learn with the College of Southern Idaho! Bring your lunch to learn all about academic programs, campus life, admissions requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Stop by the College & Career Center to join!
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Thursday, September 24th | University of Idaho Lunch & Learn: Join us in the College & Career Center during lunch to meet with Mikayla from the University of Idaho! Bring your lunch and learn about academic programs, admissions, campus life, and scholarship opportunities.
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This is your official hub for everything related to life after graduation! Each month, we’ll dive into key details about College Application Days, trade school pathways, military careers, financial aid, Idaho LAUNCH funding, and essential tools to ensure you graduate future ready.
🔥 Hot Tips for Success
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Watch Those Deadlines: Senior year moves fast! Mark application cutoffs, scholarship deadlines, and event dates on your calendar early to avoid last-minute stress.
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Memorize Your Social Security Number: You’ll need your SSN for college applications, the FAFSA (financial aid), employment paperwork, and military enrollment. Start memorizing it now—and keep it stored in a safe place!
🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates
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Thursday, September 17th & Friday, September 18th: Counselors and the College & Career team will be visiting senior Government classes! Counselors will run through your individual credit analysis to ensure you're on track for graduation, and College & Career will help get you set up and prepared for upcoming College Application Days.
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Did you know that local coffee breaks come with a student perk? Show your student ID at Latte' Da and score 10% off your favorite drink or treat! Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon study boost, don't forget to flash that ID card at checkout to save a little green while you caffeine. |
The U.S. Department of Education is inviting students and parents to participate in beta testing for the 2027–28 FAFSA® form.
Selected students can complete their official FAFSA early, get a head start on the financial aid process, and help improve the overall experience before the public launch on October 1st.
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Why Join? Get financial aid paperwork done early and help test the system. (Note: Completing the FAFSA early does not increase aid amounts, but it gives you a valuable head start!)
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Do you know a motivated high school junior eager to grow as a leader? Encourage them to apply for the Boise Metro Chamber’s Leadership Boise Academy (LBA)!
LBA is a fully funded leadership and civic engagement program running from January to April 2027. Selected 11th graders will participate in monthly, full-day sessions focused on local business, government, tech, and community issues, connecting directly with regional leaders.
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Who: High School Juniors (No formal leadership title required—just curiosity and drive!)
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Cost: 100% Free (Transportation provided to and from sessions)
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Application Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Students will need to complete their own registration online and arrange their own transportation.
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Interested in seeing what life is like as a BYU-Idaho student? Join us for BYU-I Campus Day! This is a fantastic opportunity to tour the campus, explore academic programs, check out student housing, and get a real feel for campus culture and student life. Check out the flyer in the College & Career Center for event dates, schedule details, and registration info!
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Students will need to complete their own registration and arrange their own transportation.
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Launch Your Fire Career: Frenchtown Fire District Resident Program 🚒
Looking for a fast track into emergency services? The Frenchtown Rural Fire District (FRFD) in Frenchtown, Montana, offers a three-year Resident Firefighter Program designed to train, educate, and prepare candidates for a full-time career in fire and EMS.
Key Highlights:
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Free Station Housing: Live directly in the station at zero cost while serving on active shift rotations alongside veteran firefighters.
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Earn Professional Certifications: Get hands-on training for Structure Firefighting, Wildland Firefighting, technical rescue, and EMT certifications.
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100% College Tuition Reimbursement: Earn an Associate of Science in Fire & Emergency Services (or pursue paramedicine pathways) through Helena College—with 100% of your tuition and materials reimbursed upon graduation.
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Real-World Experience: Respond to actual emergency calls, participate in wildland fire deployments, and access paid off-duty transport opportunities
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Interested in a future in healthcare or becoming a physician? The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is holding an On-Campus Open House! This event gives prospective students an inside look at life in medical school. You'll get the chance to meet current medical students and faculty, tour state-of-the-art facility space, explore hands-on simulation labs, and learn about academic pathways toward a career in medicine.
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When: Thursday, September 24th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Where: ICOM Campus (1401 E. Central Drive, Meridian, ID)
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Students will need to complete their own registration online and arrange their own transportation.
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Connect with representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation at the 2026 Boise National College Fair!
Whether you are beginning your college search or finalizing your application list, this free event gives students and families a chance to explore academic majors, campus life, financial aid options, and admission requirements all in one place.
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Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
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Sessions: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Location: Expo Idaho (5610 Glenwood St, Boise)
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Cost: Free & open to the public
Pro Tip: Save time at college tables by registering for a free barcode at nacacattend.org before you go so representatives can easily scan and send you personalized admissions info!
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Participants will need to complete their own registration and arrange their own transportation.
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The Women in Aviation Gem State Chapter is inviting students to attend the Girls in Aviation Day! This free event offers a great opportunity for students interested in aviation, aerospace, and STEM to explore career pathways, meet industry professionals, and engage in hands-on activities.
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
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Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Location: Western Aircraft at the Boise Airport (4300 Kennedy Street, Boise, ID 83705)
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Cost: Free (Parents and guardians are welcome to attend)
Activities Include:
- Static aircraft displays
- Hands-on STEM activities & aerospace exhibitors
- Opportunities to connect with aviation professionals
- Food trucks & a silent auction
Registration Information:
Space is limited to the first 250 registrants, so early registration is encouraged!
Feel free to reach out to the College & Career Center with any questions!
Laura Turner
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Participants will need to complete their own registration and arrange their own transportation.
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Are you interested in a future in law enforcement, public safety, or county government? The Ada County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is hosting a Fall Recruiting Open House on Thursday, September 10th, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the ACSO headquarters (7200 Barrister Dr, Boise).
This event is open to all interested students and families! Representatives from several ACSO divisions will be on-site to connect, share insights, and discuss education and hiring requirements, including:
- Patrol & Detention
- Dispatch & Communications
- Records & Human Resources
- Health Services & Food Services
- Misdemeanor Probation & Alternative Sentencing
Whether you are exploring potential career paths or getting a head start on future employment opportunities, this is a fantastic chance to meet hiring teams in person. Stop by, ask questions, and discover where a career with ACSO can take you!
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Are you ready to level up your leadership skills and invest in your future? Join us for the Magic Valley Youth Leadership Summit on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, hosted at the College of Southern Idaho!
Open to all students in grades 9–12, this inspiring event brings together high schoolers from across the region for a day centered on personal growth, motivation, and career development.
What to Expect:
- 🎤 Inspiring Keynote Speaker: Get motivated and learn how to lead with confidence.
- 💡 Interactive Breakout Sessions: Participate in 3 hands-on workshops tailored to your success.
- 🎓 Senior Scholarships: Exclusive scholarship opportunities available for high school seniors!
- 🍕 Complimentary Lunch: Enjoy lunch on us while networking with peers from around the area.
Important: Attendance is capped at 800 students region-wide, so seats will fill up fast! If you are interested in attending, visit the Magic Valley Youth Leadership Summit Page for registration. If you have questions, stop by the College & Career Center or meet with Ms. Turner.
Please note: This is not a Kuna High School sponsored event. Participants will need to complete their own registration and arrange their own transportation.
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Did you know you can complete your entire freshman year of college general education courses while still in high school? Through Idaho’s GEM (General Education Matriculation) framework, students can take 36 credits of core dual-enrollment classes that are guaranteed to transfer seamlessly to any Idaho public college or university! Earning your GEM Certificate allows you to knock out essential general education requirements early, saving you significant time and college tuition.
Interested in building a GEM pathway for your schedule? Stop by the College & Career Center or schedule a meeting with Ms. Turner to map out your courses and discuss using Advanced Opportunities funding to cover tuition costs!
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The TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program is a free college and career readiness program designed to help Kuna High School students succeed in their education and plan for life after graduation. Participants receive free academic advising, career exploration, college campus visits, SAT/ACT prep, and step-by-step assistance with college applications and financial aid.
Services Offered:
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Academic Advising & Tutoring Referrals: Stay on track for graduation and college readiness.
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College & Career Exploration: Experience guided college campus tours and learn about high-demand career paths.
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Financial Aid & Scholarship Guidance: Get hands-on help filing FAFSA forms and applying for scholarships.
How to Apply:
Kuna High School students can apply online using the TRIO ETS Student Application. Prefer a paper copy? Stop by the College & Career Center to pick up a physical application!
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Are you interested in architecture, engineering, or construction management? The ACE Mentor Program of Idaho offers high school students a hands-on, after-school experience to explore design and building careers alongside industry professionals.
What Is the ACE Mentor Program?
ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) pairs local high school students with practicing architects, engineers, and contractors. Participants work in teams on realistic design projects, take field trips to active job sites, and learn what it takes to bring modern building concepts to life.
Program Details & Benefits
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Hands-on Experience: Teams meet weekly after school to solve real-world design and construction challenges.
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Local Sessions: Program locations include Boise, Meridian, and Kuna.
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Scholarships & Externships: Returning participants gain access to exclusive scholarships, summer externships, and regional competitions.
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No Cost: The program is free for all participating high school students.
How to Join & Questions
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For students interested in an accelerated academic path, the CWI OtterBound program offers the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree concurrently with a high school diploma. This is a rigorous option designed for highly motivated students with clear academic goals.
Key Program Information:
Because this is an official College of Western Idaho degree, CWI manages the program guidelines and tracks all academic progress. Your first step is to meet with a CWI Advisor to build your college plan. They will then coordinate with your high school counselor to ensure your college courses align with your high school graduation requirements, pathways, and electives.
Is OtterBound Right for You?
To be eligible, students must have:
- A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5+.
- A chosen CWI major/degree program.
- Completed (or in progress) at least one CWI course.
How to Get Started:
If you meet these requirements, your first step is to reach out to CWI to begin the planning process:
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Financial Aid & Scholarships |
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. It covers the full cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, housing, food, and books—not already covered by financial aid and family contribution.
Eligibility Requirements:
- High school senior planning to enroll full-time in a 4-year degree program
- Pell Grant-eligible with financial need
- Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3
- U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Strong academic record, leadership ability, and personal perseverance
Application Deadline:
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September 15th (Phase 1 Application)
How to Apply:
- Create a profile and submit the Phase 1 online application directly at The Gates Scholarship Portal.
- If selected as a Semi-Finalist in December, you will be invited to submit additional materials, recommendations, and essays.
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Scholarships will open in February and are due by March 1.
These scholarships are exclusively for Kuna High School students and will be awarded in May during Senior Awards Night.
- Matthew Scanlon Memorial Scholarship
- Tracy Edwards Memorial Scholarship
- Dual Language Scholarship
- E.P.I.C Scholarship
- Financial Responsibility Scholarship
- Stephen Newton Memorial Scholarship
- Zane Newman Special Education Memorial Scholarship
- Wellness and Resiliency Scholarship
Applications can be dropped off in the Career Center with Ms. Turner.
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- Closing Soon
- Idaho Scholarships
- Scholarship Idaho
- 2-Year College Scholarships
- 4-Year College Scholarships
- Career Technical Scholarships
- And more!
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Rising juniors and seniors: the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) lets eligible students from participating Western states pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at 170 public colleges—opening more out-of-state options at lower costs!
Check out these free tools:
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Looking for ways to pay for college and gain valuable experience? The Idaho Army National Guard can help you do both!
✅ Tuition Assistance & Scholarships — Up to $20,000 toward your education
✅ Monthly Pay — Earn $350+ while serving
✅ Commitment — Only 2 days a month and 2 weeks in the summer
✅ Full-Time Student — The rest of the time, focus on your studies—without student debt!
Interested?
📞 Contact SSG Michael Torres at 208-576-0535 (text or call)
It’s a smart way to build your future, gain experience, and graduate debt-free!
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Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or free college programs—a great way for high school seniors to earn income and support their education.
National Options: Starbucks, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, FedEx, Comcast (tuition coverage up to 100% or $5,250+ per year).
Boise-Area Opportunities: Starbucks, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Target, Albertsons/Safeway, WinCo, Fred Meyer, Saint Alphonsus, Saint Luke’s Health System, and some local gyms/spas/salons.
💡 Tip: Ask about tuition assistance or scholarships when applying—some start on your first day! Check company websites for eligibility and application details.
🔍 Want to find more companies that pay for school?
Students can research online by searching for “tuition reimbursement programs”, “employee scholarships”, or “employer education benefits”. Check company websites or career pages for eligibility and application details.
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Next Step Idaho is a one-stop resource for students and families exploring life after high school. From career exploration and college planning to financial aid and scholarships, the site offers tools, guides, and information to help students make informed decisions and take actionable steps toward their future. Regularly visiting Next Step Idaho ensures families stay up-to-date on opportunities, deadlines, and resources to support postsecondary success. |
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When creating your account, do NOT use the single sign-on option.
- Use a personal email to create your account.
- Use your school email only as the backup email.
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NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
- Log in to NSI
- Click the green person icon at the top
- Select My Dashboard
- Click My Pathway Bundles
- Choose 12th Grade
- Open Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan Bundle
- Complete the Work Values Assessment & Reflection
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Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
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NSI Navigation
- Log in to NSI
- Click the green person icon at the top
- Select My Dashboard
- Click My Pathway Bundles
- Choose 11th Grade
- Open 11th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
- Complete the Interests and Career Development Pre-Reflection
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Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
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NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
- Log in to NSI
- Click the green person icon at the top
- Select My Dashboard
- Click My Pathway Bundles
- Choose 10th Grade
- Open 10th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
- Complete the Khan Academy actvity
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Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
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NSI Navigation – Idaho LAUNCH Career Pathway Plan
- Log in to NSI
- Click the green person icon at the top
- Select My Dashboard
- Click My Pathway Bundles
- Choose 9th Grade
- Open 9th Grade Pathway Plan Activities
- Complete the Interests Profiler Assessment & Reflection
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Save your work to the Pathway Plan Portfolio in NSI
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College, Military & Career Contacts |
Set up a meeting with the College & Career team to discuss you or your student's specific goals.
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