College & Career Exploration
Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) offers students opportunities in college and career exploration to help them prepare for life after high school. On this page, you can find links to some of IDVA’s college and career support pages.
Planning Your Next Steps
For more information on college and career exploration, contact your high school counselor or college and career advisor Lisa Stein at: lstein@idahova.org.
To learn about college and career resources for middle and high school students in Idaho, visit Next Steps Idaho sponsored by the Idaho State Board of Education.
Book a College & Career Appointment
Book an appointment with our career counselor to discuss your future prospects.
Explore hours of advice and presentations geared towards informing students seeking career advice.
College & Education Pathways
See our facts at a glance or dive into our college resources like Apply Idaho, The Common App or the Western Undergraduate Exchange.
Explore campuses, plan your visit, or take a video tour of Idaho’s many colleges and universities.
Educate yourself on the best ways to tackle each, visit verified test prep options, and mark important dates.
To apply for college courses, you’ll need to order your official high school transcript. If you’ve taken a college course, make sure you’re requesting a transcript from the college as well.
Letters of Recommendation
To request a letter of recommendation from your counselor to submit with your college application or a job application, please click below and complete the request form. Please be sure to complete your request several weeks before your deadline to give your counselor time to write a quality letter of recommendation for you.
Request a Letter of Recommendation – College
Request a Letter of Recommendation – Employment
Paying for School
Filing out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your key to getting all kinds of financial aid for school – federal, state, and school aid. If you want to qualify for the most free money you can, and pay less out of your own pocket, make sure to file a FAFSA.
Check out notable scholarships, funding search tools and how you can apply to make your next educational step a smooth one.
With no GPA or FAFSA requirement, Idaho LAUNCH is a great way to help finance your degree or apprenticeship.
Careers, Jobs & Real-World Experience
Assess which careers might fit you best and take tests to discover options you may not have considered. When you’re done, review job titles and what skills you may need to pick up.
Apprenticeships, Trades & Career Training
The best way to learn is by doing! With more than 100 apprenticeship opportunities in Idaho, employers and vocational schools are ready to help you launch your career.
Prep job search essentials like your resume and cover letter using step-by-step tools. When you’re ready to go, review the best ways to stand out during your next interview.
Browse military career options or take an aptitude test to see what might fit your future.
See what you can do for your community, and how connecting with local volunteer organizations can open doors for your career.
Workforce Training
- The State Department of Education Advanced Opportunities program includes workforce training options for high school students. Workforce training helps students to pursue college credit in technical programs, while still in high school, allowing them to get a jump-start on their career or college education.
- Courses are offered through the workforce training centers at NIC, LCSC, CWI, CSI, ISU and CEI and are aligned to regionally in-demand occupations.
- Most courses can be fully paid for with Advanced Opportunities funding.
- Advanced Opportunities workforce training can help students develop a career path that can lead to rewarding, high-wage, high-demand careers in less time and with less cost.
- Workforce training programs can be started in high school and continue on post high school. The length of study depends on the program.
- Reach out to your counselor if you are interested in exploring this option.
View approved courses covered by AO funds.
Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education (CTE) provides skills-based learning opportunities aligned with in-demand careers. So, if learning by doing and gaining the skills employers are looking for appeals to you, explore your CTE options!
Talk to you counselor and make a plan for your future.
CTE pathways for IDVA students include:
Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career technical student organizations (CTSOs) provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and career skills through real-world experiences, competitions, and community involvement.
Our school currently offers two CTSOs connected to our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs:
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Focus: Business, technology, and leadership
Who Can Join: Students who are enrolled in our business, marketing, computer applications, Adobe, or leadership development courses.
BPA members can:
- Compete in events related to business, finance, and digital communication
- Develop leadership and professional skills
- Participate in service projects and leadership conferences
- Build connections with students and professionals nationwide
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Focus: Family and consumer sciences, leadership, and community service
Who can join: Students enrolled in courses such as culinary arts, early childhood education, interior design, or fashion design
FCCLA members can:
- Explore career pathways related to family & consumer sciences
- Compete in STAR events (Students Taking Action with Recognition)
- Lead community service and school projects
- Attend state and national leadership conferences
Why Join a CTSO?
- Make new friends and have fun
- Build career and leadership skills
- Enhance your college and career readiness
- Participate as much or as little as your schedule allows
For more information about joining a CTSO at IDVA, please contact Andrea Wells | awells@idahova.org| 208.954.3185