Make your plans now to attend ASCA's Advocacy and Public Policy Institute, scheduled for March 8-11, 2009, in Washington, D.C. You'll learn about national issues that may affect you; effective ways to work with national and state leaders; and how to inform, train and educate school counselors in your area. Attendees also visit Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress and/or their staff.

Planning to apply for the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) this year? Applications are due Feb. 1, but you can get a jump start on them by listening to a new two-part ASCAway podcast on applying for RAMP. The podcast features an interview with Hilda Lopez, a RAMP judge, and details the 12 components of the RAMP application.

Looking for a way to connect online with other school counselors? Check out ASCA's newest member benefit - the ASCA SCENE. The SCENE, a social networking site, allows you to stay on top of school-counseling-related events, read or post blog messages, participate in message boards, share files and much, much more. Join today at http:/www.schoolcounselor.org/SCENE. You'll be asked to create a "CollectiveX account" to access the SCENE, and this is the log in information you will use each time you visit. We encourage you to use the same password you use for the main ASCA site. We hope you enjoy this new way of staying in touch with other school counselors.

Learning First Alliance Statement on Federal Education Role: The Learning First Alliance, of which ASCA is a member, recently released its statement on the federal role in K-12 education. The Learning First Alliance statement offers a framework to help a new president, administration and Congress align federal policies with the needs of America's more than 50 million public school students. Download the full statement.

$5 Million National Co-op Scholarship Program: The National Commission for Cooperative Education offers merit scholarships for high school seniors and community college transfer students. The National Commission will award 200 $6,000 merit co-op scholarships, most of which are renewable for up to $20,000 to $25,000. To be eligible students must be accepted and plan to enroll for the 2009-2010 academic year at any one of the following 10 NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities: Drexel University, Johnson & Wales University, Kettering University, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, Northeastern University, Pace University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, Wentworth Institute of Technology. Application deadline is Feb. 15, 2009. More info.

Encouraging Students Attend College: The U.S. Department of Education recently launched a Web site, College.gov, aimed at motivating students to go to college. The site, which features video testimonials from students, includes links to statistics about how much more money college graduates earn, pointers on how to find academic and financial support and a customizable checklist of steps for students to take.

Scholarships for Future Accountants: The National Conference of CPA Practitioners Inc. and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants are offering competitive, merit-based scholarships of $1,000 each for outstanding graduating seniors planning to pursue a career as a certified public accountant. Application deadline is Dec. 15, 2009. More info.

Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge Spill:The Virtual Team Challenge is an exciting digital learning program offered at no cost to schools. This fun, simulation team game teaches students business as they learn math, decision-making and environmental skills. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winning schools (or organizations), teachers and students, and donations to the local United Way will be made in the winners' honor. Funded through Deloitte as part of its pre-college outreach, this program is a great tool to teach students about careers in business. More info.

Awards Program Open: The Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program, one of the world's largest K -12 science and technology competitions, is now accepting entries for its 2009 competition. For the past 16 years, the ExploraVision program has provided an opportunity for students to envision a better future and has given educators a valuable tool for helping motivate their students to excel in science. The deadline for the 2009 competition is January 28, 2009. More info.

Be a Part of NT4CM in Your State: National Training for Counselors and Mentors (NT4CM) is a collaboration that works with states to help provide free training and support for high school counselors and mentors who assist students and their families in preparing financially for college. Professional trainers provide comprehensive up-to-date information, materials and resources regarding federal and state student aid programs, scholarship searches and financial aid fraud. NT4CM is sponsored by ASCA, Federal Student Aid (an office of the U.S. Department of Education), the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs. More info.

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing: Sponsored by Bank of America, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing recognizes high school women for their computing-related achievements and interests. Awardees are selected for their demonstrated, outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology/computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history and plans for post-secondary education. Each qualified awardee will receive $500 in cash; a laptop computer, provided by Bank of America; a trip, including airfare for nonlocal winners, some meals and lodging, all provided by Bank of America, for each awardee and one accompanying parent or legal guardian, to attend the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony, March 7, 2009, in Charlotte, N.C.; AND an engraved award for both the student and the student's school. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2008. More info.