Benton
High School
College and Career Readiness
Everyone’s pathway is unique in the St. Joseph School District. Take the first step today by using the Career Planning & Educational Guide to explore the world of possibilities that exist for you. St. Joseph School District will partner with you to create a personal plan of study to help make your goals a reality. We look forward to the journey ahead.
Career Planning and Educational Guide
- Assessments
- Career Exploration Opportunities
- Dual Credit Scholarship
- Labor Market Needs
- Local Employment Opportunities
- Military Contacts
- Missouri Seal of Biliteracy
- Registered Youth Apprenticeship
- Scholarships
Assessments
Missouri Center for Career Education
Missouri Connections
Missouri Connections is a web-based resource to help students determine their career interests, explore occupations, establish education plans, develop job search strategies, and create résumés.
WorkKeys
ACT WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. This series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. As part of ACT's Work Readiness System, ACT WorkKeys has helped millions of people in high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses, and government agencies build their skills to increase global competitiveness and develop successful career pathways. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information can lead to earning ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT NCRC), a portable credential earned by more than 2.3 million people across the United States.
Study Resources
March2Success
March2Success is a FREE website providing users access to online study materials to help improve their scores on standardized tests such as state exit exams, college entrance exams, the military entrance exam (ASVAB) and others.
Career Exploration Opportunities
Breakfast with the Experts
A partnership between the SJSD Counseling Department and the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, the Breakfast with the Experts program brings professionals into our high schools to expose students to a specific career pathway. Students enjoy donuts at the start of the day as they interact with professionals from industry.
Lunch & Learn
A partnership between the SJSD Counseling Department and the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, the Lunch and Learn program brings professionals into our middle schools to expose students to a specific career pathway. Students enjoy pizza for lunch as they interact with professionals from industry.
Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day is a national day set aside to recognize the importance of the manufacturing industry and the diverse, highly-skilled jobs that are available in our community. Held in October each year, community organizations and companies work together to lift up the industry and the possible career paths available.
Missouri Connections
Visit this portal from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to learn more about available career pathways in our state.
Missouri Target Industry Briefs
Visit the link above to review industry briefs from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Northwest Missouri AHEC Pipeline Events
Workshops offered to high school students interested in learning about various careers in the medical field. Workshops are open to all students. For more information, call 816-271-6769 or email questions to nwmoahec@mymlc.com.
Dual Credit Scholarship
The Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship covers tuition and fees for high school students taking dual credit or dual enrollment coursework from an approved provider. Changes to the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship, including changes to the eligibility criteria, will be effective beginning with the fall 2022 semester.
Labor Market Needs
The Department of Economic Development (DED) will annually identify occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in the labor market in the state and provide such information to the State Board of Education (SBE). Updates are available at this link.
Click on the links below for information related to critical need/shortage occupations.
- Information on obtaining industry-recognized certificates and credentials
- Information on obtaining occupation-related licenses
- Career assessment and interest inventories
- Skills needed for in-demand occupations
- Occupation salary trends
- Financial assistance for post-secondary education
- Information about college, school and apprenticeship opportunities
- Information about self-employment
- Job application resources
- Needed skills for various careers
Local Employment Opportunities
Military Contacts
Benton
|
MILITARY BRANCH |
RECRUITER |
|
OFFICE PHONE |
MILITARY CELL PHONE |
|
Air Force |
Katrina Smith |
816-232-6531 |
816-341-8227 |
|
|
Air National Guard |
TSgt Michael Seckman |
816-236-3583 |
816-262-3800 |
|
|
Army |
SGT Michael Cuevas | 816-673-6958 |
816-729-2987 |
|
|
Marines |
SGT Saulson Joash | saulson.joash@marines.usmc.mil | 816-351-5506 | 816-279-5854 |
|
MO Army National Guard |
SGT Rudy Sagun |
956-802-0906 |
||
|
Coast Guard |
Any at KC Office |
816-527-0441 |
Central
|
MILITARY BRANCH |
RECRUITER |
|
OFFICE PHONE |
MILITARY CELL PHONE |
|
Air Force |
TSgt Jeffrey Melton |
816-232-6531 |
816-341-8227 |
|
|
Air National Guard |
SSgt Adam Marek |
816-236-3583 |
816-344-8245 |
|
|
Army |
SSG Avery Messex |
816-729-2987 |
816-560-6904 |
|
|
Marines |
SSGT James P. Huges |
330-980-1807 | ||
|
MO Army National Guard |
SGT Rudy Sagun |
956-802-0906 |
||
|
Navy |
STSCS (SS) Cory A. Miller |
816-578-6632 |
816-573-2891 |
|
|
Coast Guard |
Any at KC Office |
816-527-0441 |
Lafayette
|
MILITARY BRANCH |
RECRUITER |
|
OFFICE PHONE |
MILITARY CELL PHONE |
|
Air Force |
Katrina Smith |
816-232-6531 |
816-341-8227 |
|
|
Air National Guard |
Danielle Dewey | danielle.dewey.1@us.af.mil |
|
|
|
Army |
SSGT Terry Jones |
816-729-2987 |
816-729-2987 |
|
|
Marines |
SSGT Tiernie Gayle |
|||
|
MO Army National Guard |
SGT Rudy Sagun |
956-802-0906 |
||
|
Navy |
Cody Kauffman |
816-578-6632 |
816-704-1176 |
|
|
Coast Guard |
Any at KC Office |
816-527-0441 |
Missouri Seal of Biliteracy
The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) promotes active participation in a global society and economy by incentivizing, recognizing and celebrating the acquisition of biliteracy skills and sociocultural awareness. The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy and Distinguished Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students in districts with a DESE-approved program, who have demonstrated achievement in English, a Language Other Than English (LOTE) and sociocultural competence.
The St. Joseph School District is proud to participate in this exciting statewide program. The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is endorsed by a number of Missouri businesses and institutions of higher education including Evangel University, Missouri State University, Missouri Southern University, Northwest Missouri State University, Truman State University, and the University of Central Missouri.
Visit with your foreign language teacher to learn more about this program or visit the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy implementation guide.
Registered Youth Apprenticeship
Experience NWMO Regional Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship is an effective way to gain the necessary training to enter the workforce making a livable wage with ample opportunity for advancement. Registered youth apprenticeship combines related technical instruction (coursework at Hillyard Technical Center) and on the job training (scheduled with the partnering employer) to give students the opportunity to gain the technical and employability skills necessary to be successful post-graduation.
Scholarships
Due Date
Amount: $1,000
Due: June 10, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: October 8, 2025
Amount: Up to $5,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: December 31, 2025
Amount: $250
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount:
Due: March 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $10,000 renewable
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: $1,500-10,000
Due: May 3, 2026
Amount: $750 (2 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $1,000 (2 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $750 (3 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $750 (5 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $1,000 (2 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $750
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $500 (1 given)
Due: Return completed application to school counseling office by April 13, 2026
Amount: $2,500 - $10,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $2,000 - $8,000
Due: May 31, 2026
Due: $2,000 - $5,000
Amount: November 30, 2025
Amount: $2,500 - $20,000
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: Full Tuition and Fees at participating universities
Due: October 13, 2025
Amount: $5,000 renewable
Due: April 15, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: February 23, 2026*
*application must be received by Avenue City by March 1st
Amount: $2,000
Due: February 28, 2026
Due Date: May 9, 2025
Amount: $500
Due: June 19, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $1,000 renewable
Due: April 30, 2025
For Benton HS seniors only
Amount: $250 - $1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $1,000-$60,000
Due: December 15, 2025
Amount: $800 (renewable)
Due: February 6, 2026
Return application and any other required materials to your school Counseling Office!
Amount: $2,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: April 2, 2026
For Central students only - return application and other required documentation to CHS Counseling Office
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 24, 2026
Submit paper application and any other supplemental information to your school's counseling office.
Amount: $25,000
Due: October 28, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Amount: $1,000, $2,500, or $25,000
Due: October 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Amount:
Due: March 1
For Lafayette Students only
Amount: $2,000
Due: December 31, 2025
Amount: $20,000
Due: September 30, 2025
Amount: $500 - $40,000
Due: February 28, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - 2,000
Due: October 13, 2025
Students: Please return completed application to your school's Counseling Office by October 13, 2025. (This will give your counselor a chance to review your application, do the required counselor page, and print a transcript before submitting to the Cotillion committee.)
Amount: $10,000
Due: March 9, 2026
Amount: $5,000
Due: April 1, 2026
Scholarship opens on February 11, 2026
Amount: Full tuition or half tuition awards
Due: January 2, 2026
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Due: January 9, 2026
Amount: $20,000
Due: February 15, 2026
Amount: $250
Due: February 24, 2026
Return application and other required materials to school counselor office by the due date.
Amount:
Due: March 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 2
For Benton students only
Amount: $500
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $500
Due: March 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $500-1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $2,000
Due: February 10, 2026
Return application and letter of recommendation to your counseling office by the due date.
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 17, 2026
Due: March 23, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: November 22, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: March 31
Amount: Varies
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: January 23, 2026
Return all materials to your school counseling office by the deadline!
Amount: up to $1,000
Due: April 21, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - $7,500
Due: November 12, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT
Amount: $2,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: February 2, 2026
Amount: $5,000 (renewable)
Due: December 18, 2025 at 3:00 pm (CT)
Amount: Varies
Due: March 2, 2026
Amount: $1,500
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: March 22, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 31, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000-$2,000 (renewable)
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $10,000 (renewable)
Due: January 5, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: December 31, 2025
Amount: $500 - $6,000
Due: December 31, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: January 30, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: Up to $2,000 (renewable)
Due: January 16, 2026
Amount: $4,000 (per year for four years)
Due: February 13, 2026
Amount: Up to $60,000
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Up to $60,000
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: February 3, 2026
Submit application and other required documents to your school counselor's office
Amount: $500
Due: November 15, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: up to $3,000
Due: October 31, 2025
Amount: Up to $4,000
Due: November 2, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT
Amount: $500 - $5,000
Due: February 15, 2026
Amount: $2,500
Due: June 15, 2026
Application opens March 15th
Amount: $25,000 (for juniors)
Due: February 15, 2026
Amount: Up to $55,000
Due: November 12, 2025
Amount: Up to $35,000 (over four years)
Due: January 7, 2026
Amount: Tuition + $2,000
Due: February 23, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: April 1, 2024
For Benton and Lafayette students only!
Amount: $1,000 - $10,000
Due: January 12, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - $2,500
Due: October 28, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: February 1, 2026
Amount: Varies based on scholarship
Due: December 15, 2025, by 5:00 pm
Amount: $2,000 (renewable)
Due: December 18, 2025*
*Actual due date is January 10th, but please submit before Winter Break to ensure it is received by the deadline
Amount: Varies
Due: May 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000-3,000
Due: April 8, 2026
Amount:
Due Date: March 15, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $250
Due: March 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: Varies
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: February 28, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: March 25, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 2, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 15, 2026
Amount: $750
Due: March 4, 2026
Amount: $2,500 - 10,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount:
Due: March 31, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: October 1, 2025
Amount: no less than $1,000
Deadline: April 1, 2024
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $1,000 - $17,000 (renewable)
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000 (renewable)
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: Up to $25,000
Due: February 17, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: February 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 2026
Amount: Varies
Due Date: June 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due Date: October 13, 2025
Amount: $500-$2,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: February 23, 2026
Amount: $1,500 (4 awarded)
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $500 renewable
Due: February 11, 2026
Return application and any other required materials to your school Counseling Office!
Amount: Full tuition and fees (renewable)
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: $2,000
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: January 16, 2026
Amount: $2,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $250 - $1,000
Due: January 1, 2025 and January 31, 2025
Amount: $500 - $4,000
Due: December 17, 2025*
*Must be postmarked by January 1st so please submit all materials before Winter Break
Amount: $500 renewable
Due: June 1, 2025
Amount: $4,000 (plus $1,000 for on-campus housing) renewable
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - $2,500
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: $15,000 ($7,000 for tuition and $8,000 for on-campus housing)
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Up to $3,000
Due: April 1, 2026
Note: verification must be mailed in addition to the online application
Amount: Varies
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: Return application to your school's Counseling Office by March 3, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,500
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: December 16, 2025
Submit application and supplemental materials to Counseling Office by due date.
Amount: $200
Due: March 23, 2026
Return completed application to school counseling office by due date!
Amount: $6,000 - 50,000
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $10,000
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: Varies according to scholarship
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $20,000
Due: November 17. 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: Varies
Amount: Full tuition and monthly stipend
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $3,200 - $25,000
Due: November 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET
Amount: $1,500 - $2,500
Due: February 28, 2026
*You must go see the Activities Director by early February so he can nominate you and write a letter of recommendation!
Amount: Varies but typically covers remaining tuition/fees/room and board after all other scholarships
Due: March 26, 2026
Return application and other required documents to the school counseling office by the deadline.
Amount: $350
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: February 1, 2026
Amount: Tuition for 3 years
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount:
Due: March 1
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $1,000
Due: October 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Amount: $1,000
Due: February 28, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: August 31, 2025
Amount: varies
Due: November 20, 2025
Amount: $1,500 renewable
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Submit application to CHS Counseling Office and email art work samples.
Amount: $1,500 - $2,500
Due: Submit completed materials and application to Counseling Office by January 15, 2026
Amount: $500
Due Date: February 1, 2026
Amount: cost of tuition
Due: December 15, 2025
Amount: Full Four-Year Scholarship
Due: September 26, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Submit all required information to your school counseling office by the due date!
Amount: $1,250 renewable
Due: April 30, 2024
For Benton HS students only
Amount: $10,000 (renewable)
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: Varies depending on scholarship
Due: March 2, 2026
Note: opens January 15th each year
Amount: $2,000
Due: February 11, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - $10,000
Due: December 8, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Due: January 19, 2026
Amount: $1,500
Due: March 31, 2026
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,500
Due: 2023-24 application not yet available
For Lafayette students only
Amount: $1,500 one time award
Due: March 31, 2026
For Central students only
Return completed application to CHS Counseling Office!
Amount: $2,000 renewable
Due: April 1, 2026
*Opens February 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: June 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: February 28, 2026
Amount: $1,000-19,000
Due: February 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Amount: $2.500
Due: March 29, 2024
Amount: $500
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 17, 2024
Amount: $500
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Amount: $500
Due: March 27, 2026
Return application and other required documents to your school counseling office by the due date.
Amount: $1,000
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
This scholarship is for current juniors only.
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 27, 2026
Return completed application to your school counselor's office by the due date.
Amount: $1,000
Due: November 12, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $500 - $5,000
Due: April 23, 2026
Amount: $5,000 - $25,000
Due: January 6, 2026
Amount: up to $5,000
Due: May 1, 2026
Amount: Full tuition, room and board, and required fees for four years of undergraduate study
Due: December 16, 2025
Note: for high school JUNIORS only
Amount: Full Cost of Attendance
Due: September 15, 2025
Amount: Up to $10,000 (renewable)
Due: May 15, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: April 24, 2026
Amount: $1,250
Due: application not yet available for the class of 2026
Submit all required information to the school counseling office by the due date!
Amount: Varies
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: January 9, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $500 - $4,000
Due: January 31, 2026
Amount: $1500
Due: January 7, 2026
Submit application and other required documentation to school counseling office by due date.
Amount: Varies based on eligibility
Due: February 1, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: November 15, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: February 15, 2026 (priority deadline)
Amount: Varies
Dues: December 1, 2025
Amount: up to $1,500
Due Date: April 15, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: January 7, 2026
Amount: Varies
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: $11,000
Due: December 1, 2025
Amount: Full-tuition
Due: November 15, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: February 1, 2026
Amount: $1,500 - $20,000
Due: October 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm CT
Amount: Varies up to $35,000
Due: October 28, 2025
Submit application and other required items to the school counseling office by the due date.
Amount: $5,000
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Due: April 15, 2024
For Benton students only
Amount: $1,000 - $3,500
Due: December 16, 2025
Amount: Varies
Due: Apply to WSU by December 1, 2025
Amount: $9,000 per year renewable
Due: March 1, 2026
Return application and essay to the counseling office by the due date.
Amount: $500 - $2,000 renewable
Due: May 8, 2026
Return application and required tax forms to your school Counseling Office by the due date!
Amount: $5,000
Due: March 16, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Due: March 23, 2026
Other Resources
Post-Secondary Checklists
Advanced Placement vs. Dual Credit
|
FAQ |
AP Courses |
Dual Credit Courses |
|---|---|---|
|
What is the course like? |
Advanced Placement (AP) is college level work. Students are expected to read, write, and reason at a college level. All curriculum for these courses are certified to be college level and by the college board. |
Dual Credit (DC) courses are college level. These DC courses are the same classes that you would take if you were in the college giving the credit. Students are expected to read, write, and reason at a college level. |
|
How will I receive credit? |
AP credit is given to students based on their score on the AP test at the end of the course. The test is scored on a scale of 1-5. A score 3 and above is passing. |
In DC, you are a student of the college that is certifying the class. You pay the college for the credit at the beginning of the class. You will receive both high school credit and college credit. |
|
How much does it cost? |
AP tests are a one time fee of $91.00 for each exam ($52.00 for students that qualify for free/reduced lunch) |
Costs vary depending on the class and the college you are earning credit from. Most of the time, taking a DC class through high school is roughly a 1/3 cheaper than taking a class as a college student. |
|
Will the credit earned from this course transfer to the college I would like to attend? |
You must check college admissions websites to find out what score you need on the AP tests to receive college credit. |
You will need to check with your college to see if the DC is a requirement. Most colleges do accept DC like you were transferring from another college. |
