Big news for those planning their next steps after high school: we have a new college and career coordinator here to help you navigate your future! You may have seen a new face around campus or in the future-ready center. Willy Lepori is ready to help you manage everything from college applications and deadlines to exploring career options to ensure you are prepared for life after high school. If you’re unsure about your next steps and are looking for guidance, he’s the person to go to for the tools and resources to help you stay on track to achieve your goals.
Willy Lepori grew up in Valley Ford and graduated from Tomales High before going on to Santa Rosa Junior College. During his time there he was also a member of the Bearcubs football team. He transferred to Sonoma State and graduated with a degree in communications and started working at a non-profit organization that had awarded him a scholarship when he was in high school. This job was where he started advising high school and community college students. That experience, as well as the great school mentors, is how he found his career passion. Willy likes to spend time with his family. He enjoys being outdoors as much as possible, including snowboarding, golfing, and fishing. He’s also a big sports fan, so come by and talk with him about the latest games!
If you’re interested in meeting with Mr. Leopri, make an appointment by scanning the QR code on his flyers all around the school. Sending him an email or just simply stopping by his office are also great. The future-ready center is located inside the library. When you arrive for their meeting, come prepared with your Chromebook, have your applications ready, prepare questions ahead of time, and have an open mind. When you come to meet with Mr. Lepori, he will give you lots of information, and answer any questions you have.
With applications for CSUs and UCs now open, and financial aid applications opening soon, Mr. Lepori can help you stay on top of your timeline and complete the necessary steps. The deadline for both UCs and CSUs is December 1st, although a few of the state schools have extended their deadlines to December 15. For students planning to attend SRJC, they have a rolling deadline so applications are more flexible. The window to apply for FAFSA is December 1st to March 2nd. You will have to fill out the FAFSA every year you are attending college. For those unable to complete the FAFSA application, there is the CA Dream Act. The key to whatever you’re applying for is to stay organized and Mr. Lepori can help you with that!
Mr. Lepori is also a valuable resource for students who aren’t planning on attending college. He highly recommends the certificate program at the JC which awards certificates in fields such as firefighting, auto mechanics, construction, and many others. Mr. Lepori will recommend that you do less school, and more hands-on work-study if you want to go straight into a field. Working with Stacy Fortin, our work-based learning coordinator, is also a great way to help you reach those professional goals. College applications may seem like a faraway world for juniors, but it’s all going to happen sooner than you think! Creating a college list, and starting to form ideas about what you may want to study makes it easier when you are going through the application process. Dual enrollment classes are an amazing opportunity to get a head start in college and explore subjects that interest you. And for seniors–organization is key! Keeping a notepad with information such as logins and a calendar with key dates comes in handy. Support from teachers is important too because they can write you letters of recommendation, help with your college essays, and just offer encouragement and insights.
Although this whole process may seem intimidating no matter where you are in your school journey, the future-ready center is there to help you make the future-ready center is there to help you make the process as easy as possible through every step. There will be a dual enrollment workshop on October 29th at 6 pm, and a Cash for College event taking place on December 9 from 6 pm to 7:30. Be sure to check your emails and Student Square for all of the important updates on college and career information. You don’t need a reason to stop by the future-ready center. Feel free to come by to meet Mr. Lepori, grab a snack, and chat. His door is always open!
