WELCOME TO THE COUNSELING CORNER
We're thrilled to welcome you to our Virtual Learning Program, where we embark on a journey of academic growth, personal development, and success together. At our program, we prioritize providing comprehensive guidance and support to students of all grade levels. That's why we've assigned experienced counselors to each grade band – elementary, middle, and high school – ensuring that every student receives tailored assistance and encouragement throughout their educational journey.
- Meet the Counselor
- Mission & Vision
- Academic Support
- College & Career Readiness
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Testing & Test Prep
- Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Crisis & Support Services
- Parent & Family Resources
- Student Resources & Forms
Meet the Counselor
Penny S. Holloway, EdS
Professional School Counselor
Supporting Grades 2 - 8
Email: penny.holloway@clayton.k12.ga.us
Office Phone - (770) 473-2933 extension 700217
Schedule an Appointment: https://calendar.app.google/
Request Student Withdrawal: https://forms.gle/
Report an Absence: Attendance Link
Dr. Sheryl Neely
Professional School Counselor
Supporting Grades 9-12
Email: sheryl.neely@clayton.k12.ga.us
Office Phone - (770) 473-2933 extension 700275
Request Student Withdrawal: https://forms.gle/
Report an Absence: Attendance Link
Report Absences Here
If your child is absent from any class(es)for any period of time, please select the link below to submit the excuse.
Mission & Vision
VLP School Counseling Mission
The mission of the school counseling department is to provide all students access to a comprehensive program and to equip them with the skills necessary to achieve academic, personal/social, and career excellence. The ultimate goal of the program is for each student to graduate with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to be lifelong learners who are able to make self-directed, realistic and responsible decisions. The School Counselor will collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and the community to ensure the academic and personal potential for all students is achieved.
VLP School Counseling Vision
The School Counselor will help provide an atmosphere of security, warmth, encouragement, and empowerment as students work to reach their fullest potential in the areas of academic, career, and social/emotional development. The School Counselor will also commit to establishing a solid foundation to help students successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, and productive citizens who will respect not only themselves but others as well.
Academic Support
Academic Support
Scholars should meet regularly with their School Counselors for:
· Academic Support as Your Navigate Through Your High School Journey
· Support on the 4 E’s (Enrollment. Enlistment, Employment and Entrepreneurship)
· Course and Career Planning & Graduation Requirements
· Guidance on credit requirements, scheduling, and promotion policies.
· And Much More.
Clayton County students (K-12) have access to several free homework help and tutoring resources, including Tutor.com through their Rapid Identity Portal, which offers 24/7 online tutoring in various subjects and study skills. Other options include the C.L.A.S.S. Act Tutorial Program, which allows parents to choose a tutoring vendor, and potentially free services from partners like Study Smart Tutors or the Clayton County Library System (via Brainfuse HelpNow)
College & Career Readiness
College & Career Readiness
Class of 2026 College and Career Readiness Goals:
· Enrollment: Class of 2026 is to apply to three colleges or more by September 30th.
Class of 2026 Should Apply for the FAFSA by November 1, 2025.
· Enlistment: Class of 2026 Candidates for Military should speak with your zone school Counselor to sign up for the ASVAB or speak with your recruiter to take the ASVAB prior to September 30, 2025.
· Employment: Increase your employability skills by completing at least 10 career activities using EVERFI, Youth.gov, or ACT Career resources by February 28, 2026.
· Explore high demand jobs by accessing at least 5 online career resources such as GAFutures, CareerOneStop, GADOE Career Resources, GA Department of Labor, and the Wall Street Journal, by April 30, 2026.
· See Your VLP Work-Based Learning Coordinator to assist with finding a career, and on how to work concurrently as you pursue your high school diploma.
· Entrepreneurship: Explore the online resources such as Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the Young Entrepreneurship offered by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce, and Command Education: https://www.commandeducation.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Prepare
Apply Now to Colleges and Universities by visiting Commonapp.org
Common App will allow you to apply to multiple colleges all at once.
Create an FSA ID (opens in a new tab)Links to an external site.
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is a username and password that you need to start the FAFSA.
Apply
Submit the FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid.
Fill out the Parent Section of the FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
After you complete the student section, the parent contributes their information.
Submit the CSS Profile by going to cssprofile.collegeboard.org
This online application is for institutional aid used by some colleges and scholarship programs.
Scholarships
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships
Big Future $40,000 Scholarship
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
There are scholarships available for all grade levels at the link below.
https://jlvcollegecounseling.
College Match w/Scholarships – On the Spot Scholarships
Create an account and complete a profile. Request to be certified by me (Dr. Neely). Schools will find you and offer scholarships on the spot. First rounds open up soon, so please create an account.
https://discover.
Appily-Meet-Appily-
Scholarships - Seniors Please Apply! Urgently!
Competitive Scholarships
· Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Awards 150 students $20,000 based on leadership, service, and community impact.
· The Gates Scholarship: Provides a full ride to 300 low-income, minority high school seniors.
· Dell Scholars Program: Gives $20,000 scholarships, a laptop, and other support to 500 Pell Grant-eligible students who have participated in a college readiness program.
· Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program: Offers up to $55,000 per year to high-achieving seniors with financial need.
· GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: Awards up to $40,000 to students who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and citizenship.
· Burger King Scholars Program: Provides multiple awards ranging from $1,000 to $60,000
"No-essay" and easy-to-apply scholarships
These scholarships require minimal effort and often involve a monthly drawing:
· Niche No Essay Scholarship: A monthly $40,000 scholarship open to high school and college students.
· ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to four applicants each month.
· $25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship: A monthly scholarship awarded to the applicant with the "boldest" profile.
· Sallie Mae $2,000 Scholarship: A monthly $2,000 scholarship that requires no essay.
Merit-based scholarships
These awards are based on achievement in a specific area:
· Regeneron Science Talent Search: Awards between $2,000 and $250,000 for high school seniors conducting individual STEM research.
· Ayn Rand Essay Contest: Offers cash prizes for essays on Ayn Rand's novels like Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, and Anthem.
· Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship: Awards up to $20,000 to Black students pursuing a degree in computer science, engineering, or business.
· Generation Google Scholarship: A $10,000 scholarship for students pursuing computer science or engineering, with a preference for women and underrepresented minorities.
More Scholarships All Grade Levels
1 “College Here I Come Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors Links to an external site.
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 31, 2026
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2026 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2026.
2. $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2026
Grade Level All Grade Levels
The Scholarships 360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students seeking additional financial assistance for their education.
3. $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie Links
Offered by Sallie
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Sallie will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.
4. $40,000 BigFuture Class of 2026 Scholarship
Offered by The College Board
Sponsored
1 award worth $40,000
Deadline Aug 31, 2025
Grade Level High School Senior
Open to US-based high school students in the Class of 2026 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.
5. SoFi $2,500 Scholarship Giveaway Links to an external site.
Offered by SoFi
Sponsored
1 award worth $2,500
Deadline Aug 31, 2025
Grade Leve lHigh School Seniors & College Freshmen
SoFi is giving away $2,500 for school every month! To apply for this easy, no essay scholarship, simply fill out the form on the SoFi
6. Niche $40,000 No Essay Scholarship Link
Offered by Niche
1 award worth $40,000
Deadline Oct 15, 2025
Grade Level High School & College Students
Niche is giving one student $40,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!
7. “Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students Links to an external site.
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Nov 8, 2025
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Our $1,000 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are looking for ways to fund their education.
8. "Scholar Dollars" Essay Scholarship for Black Students Links to an external site.
Offered by Scholarships 360
Exclusive
1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 1, 2026
Grade Level All Grade Levels
In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students.
9. “Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship Links to an external site.
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Sep 30, 2025
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Testing & Test Prep
The Virtual Learning Program Counseling Page provides information on:
- Standardized Testing Support – PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ASVAB prep, registration info, and fee waiver assistance.
- Dual Enrollment & Advanced Programs – Guidance on dual enrollment.
- Tutoring & Academic Support – Referrals to after-school tutoring, study skills workshops, and online resources.
- Applying to Colleges and Universities through CommomApp.org
- Using Naviance to Navigate your college and career readiness journey
SAT Practice Test
https://www.khanacademy.org/
ACT Practice Test
ASVAB Practice Test
· https://www.
ACT Test Information
SAT Test Information
https://satsuite.collegeboard.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an approach that helps students to comprehend their emotions better, to feel those emotions fully, and demonstrate empathy for others. These learned behaviors are then used to help students make positive, responsible decisions; create frameworks to achieve their goals, and build positive relationships with others.
The Five Social Emotional Learning Competencies
According to Cagel, the organization that leads Social and Emotional Learning nationally, SEL involves five core competencies that can be applied in both the classroom, at home, and in students’ communities. These five core competencies are:
1. Self-Awareness
To recognize your emotions and how they impact your behavior, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses to gain confidence in your abilities better.
2. Self-management
To take control and ownership of your thoughts, emotions, and actions in various situations, as well as setting and working toward goals.
3. Social Awareness
The ability to put yourself in the shoes of another person who may be from a different background or culture from the one you grew up in. To act with empathy and in an ethical manner within your home, school, and community.
4. Relationship Skills
The ability to build and maintain healthy relationships with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. This competency focuses on listening to and being able to communicate with others, peacefully resolving conflict, and knowing when to ask for or offer help.
5. Making Responsible Decisions
Choosing how to act or respond to a situation is based on learned behaviors, including ethics, safety, weighing consequences, and the well-being of both yourself and others.
The Virtual Learning Program offers Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and activities throughout the year in the classrooms and during advisory. Teachers and support staff support SEL each day.
Crisis & Support Services
Crisis and Support Services
Immediate Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, and confidential support.
- Georgia Crisis and Access Line: Call this toll-free hotline for 24/7, free, and confidential assistance with mental health, addiction, and crisis services.
- Crisis Text Line: Text "GA" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for 24/7 support.
School and Community-Based Support
Students can contact their school's counseling team for help accessing various resources, including mental health services.
Georgia HOPE's School-Based Mental Health:
This program offers school-based services like diagnostic assessments, individual and family therapy, psychiatric care, and crisis support.
This program supports regional behavioral health systems to provide services to communities and students.
Broader Mental Health Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine:
For information and referrals, you can call the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640.
Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCCs):
These centers offer 24/7 walk-in access to crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services for those in acute mental health crises.
They offer a 24/7 Adolescent Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) for short-term psychiatric and behavioral healthcare for adolescents.
Parent & Family Resources
Parent and Family Resources
Clayton County Schools’ Parent/Family Engagement Resources
Includes transportation information, Edulog Parent Portal, bus safety tips, community events, and more to keep families informed and involved.
https://www.clayton.k12.ga.us/
Clayton County Schools’ Parent Center
A central hub for parents: access student handbook, testing dates, Infinite Campus, summer reading, college-bound planning tools, and more.
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Resources
GaDOE Parent Page
Comprehensive statewide K–12 resources: guidance on curriculum, testing, homeschool, virtual school, special needs scholarships, and more.
Parent Guide to GaDOE
A downloadable PDF that helps parents navigate the GaDOE website, find curriculum standards, study guides, assessments, CCRPI data, and use tools like LearnZillion (video lessons for grades 2–12).
Georgia Milestones Assessment Resources
Overview of the statewide assessment (grades 3 through high school), with materials to help students and parents understand testing and readiness.
Student Resources & Forms
Visit the Virtual Learning Counseling Page for Valuable and Updated Resources
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)
- Resources for K‑12 Students – A central hub with links to opportunities and tools to support success in school and beyond.
- SuitCASE Framework – Searchable database for Georgia Standards (GSE) and instruction resources.
College Planning & Financial Aid
- GAfutures – College Planning Toolkit
- Georgia MATCH – See which colleges you’re eligible for based on your HOPE GPA.
- Plan & Pay 4 College GA – Compare college costs and financial aid options.
- Scholarship & College Search – Explore colleges and scholarships, apply, request transcripts, and plan using the College Decision Guide and timeline.
- Financial Literacy Guides – Budgeting, debt avoidance, saving, investing, and credit.
- HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships – Georgia’s merit-based aid programs funded by the lottery; covers public and private tuition based on GPA and test scores.
Advanced & Enrichment Programs
- Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) – A free, four-week summer enrichment program for gifted juniors and seniors, fully funded and held at Georgia Southern University.
- Dual‑enrollment and early‑college program for Grades 10th-12th. Students earn an associate degree and high school diploma concurrently. Speak with your VLP counselor.
- Work-Based Learning: Students can work and complete your high school diploma concurrently. Speak with the VLP Work-Based learning Coordinator.
Career Guidance Tools
- Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) – Offers career assessments, occupational and educational exploration, and planning resources. Accessed statewide via schools.
Enlistment/Military
This is a free, public resource from the Department of Defense to explore military careers, filter jobs by service branch, and understand career paths.
- Individual Branch Recruiting Sites:
Visit the official recruiting pages for each service branch below to find detailed information. See your VLP Counselor to connect with a local representative/recruiter.