Career Center

Phone: 775-321-3923

Mr. Cabada

My name is Lupe Cabada, and I am a proud native Nevadan, an avid runner, coach, and outdoor enthusiast. I graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno. Since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of working at Damonte Ranch High School, initially as the Graduation Specialist and now as the Career Center Facilitator.

In addition to my role in guiding students academically, I have served as the Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track programs, where I have dedicated myself to building and enhancing these programs over the years. This position has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to assist students and their families in exploring paths for life after high school. Having navigated the complexities of college applications, FAFSA, and scholarships myself, I take pride in being a trusted resource for our Damonte Mustang families.

I look forward to collaborating with you and guiding you toward a successful future!

Senior Stats and Tips Presentation

GET YOUR MONEY HERE!! 

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TO HELP YOU ATTEND COLLEGE!

 DAMONTE RANCH IN-HOUSE SCHOLARSHIP

• Opens Oct 29, 2025 for Current Seniors
• Closes Dec. 20, 2025 @ 3pm

• Exclusive to Damonte Ranch High School students for post-secondary support. Can also be used for accredited trade, vocational, certificate programs as well.

• Requirements:
  • Fill out application
  • Complete the Essay
    • Example
  • Submit your Academic Resume
    • Example

Submit all applications to Mr. Cabada in the Career Center

OCTOBER:
 VFW Voice of Democracy – Due: Oct 31, 2025
National audio-essay contest for grades 9–12. Students record a 3–5 minute patriotic speech. Top award: $35,000.

 Nevada Promise – Due: Oct 31, 2025
Tuition assistance (“last dollar scholarship”) for Nevada students attending community colleges.

 The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarships-Due: Oct 31, 2025

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, with the support of the American Academy of Chefs (AAC), is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships annually to students:

·       Apprenticeship program - up to $1,500

·       Certificate programs - up to $1,500

·       Postsecondary degree programs - up to $2,500

 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE SCHOLARSHIP- Due: OCT 31, 2025

The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is a creative/essay-based contest scholarship offered through Unigo (and hosted on related scholarship platforms) that asks students to imagine and describe how they would survive a zombie outbreak. Award Amount: $2,000 (one winner)

EA Madden Scholarship- Due: October 31, 2025

Here are the details for the EA Madden Scholarship Program (administered by UNCF and Electronic Arts): A scholarship opportunity for students at select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pursuing majors in areas like business, computer science, data science, game design, cybersecurity, interactive media, etc.

• Recipients receive up to $12,000 for the academic year, plus career-readiness support, mentoring, and access to EA’s facilities.

Eligibility highlights:

• You must be a freshman, sophomore or junior at one of the eligible HBCUs.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5.

Major should align with tech, business, interactive media, game design and related fields.

 The Walt Disney Company UNCF Enhanced Scholars Program- Due October 31,2025

Not for HS Students, but wanted to let you know it’s available when you are in college.

The Walt Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars Program is providing both scholarships and internships to high-achieving college students across the country. This program offers career readiness tools to assist students in achieving their goals in the entertainment industry through experiential learning, internship and mentorship with The Walt Disney Company during the spring semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.

NOVEMBER: 

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship – Due: Nov 12, 2025
Highly competitive scholarship for high-achieving students with financial need.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship- Due: November 12, 2025

Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

Rumba Meats Hispanic Students Scholarship- Due November 30^th, 2025

$1,000 scholarships (about 25 awards) for Hispanic high school seniors. Requires at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry, minimum 2.5 GPA, community service, demonstrated financial need; DACA/undocumented students are eligible. Application includes a short essay about how your heritage shapes your goals.

December 

Alliance for Young Artists and Writers: Due: December 1, 2025

·       Deadlines typically fall between December and January. Specific date: The first regional deadline is December 1, 2025. Some deadlines can be as late as January 6, 2026.

·       The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers scholarship is a collection of scholarships and awards, ranging from $500 to over $12,500, offered through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for high school students

Ron Brown Scholarship Program- Due: December 1,2025

Amount: Up to $40,000 (typically $10,000 per year for 4 years) for high-achieving African American high school seniors.
Eligibility Highlights:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be Black/African American.
• Current high school senior at time of application, planning to attend a four-year U.S. college.
• Demonstrate leadership, community service, academic excellence & financial need.

USHLI (Hispanic Leadership Institute) – Denny’s – Due: Dec 8, 2025
Supports Hispanic/Latino students with leadership and academic achievement.

NVBDC – JROTC Students – Due: Dec 8, 2025
For high school seniors active in JROTC programs, linked to veteran/military pathways.

Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship – Due: Dec 9, 2025
Helps students overcome financial barriers to higher education.

Dell Scholars Scholarship – Due: Dec 15, 2025
Offers financial, mentoring, and support services to low-income, first-generation college-bound students.

Burger King Scholars – Due: Dec 16, 2025
Recognizes students with strong academics, community service, and work experience.

Damonte Ranch In-House Scholarship – Due: Oct 20 – Dec 20, 2025
Exclusive to Damonte Ranch High School students for post-secondary support. Can also be used for accredited trade, vocational, certificate programs as well.

Science Buddy Scholarship – Due: Dec 31, 2025
STEM-focused scholarship supporting science research and projects.

January 2026

Nevada Women’s Fund – Due: Jan 5, 2026 (11:59 pm)
Provides scholarships to women in Nevada to support higher education and empowerment.

Live Más Taco Bell Scholarship – Due: Jan 8, 2026
For students who show passion and purpose in academics, community service, and leadership. Applicants submit a short video sharing their story and goals instead of grades or test scores.

February 2026

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) – Due: Feb 17, 2026
Multiple scholarships nationwide for students showing patriotism, academic excellence, and civic engagement. Merit, Political Science, History, Government, economics, Medical and Nursing are the types of scholarships that are offered through DAR.

March 2026

P.E.O. Marguerite Sisterhood Scholarship – Due: March 1, 2026 (midnight)
Supports women pursuing higher education. Awarded by P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Human Trafficking Scholarship- Due: March 1, 2026

·  Target: Youth in Washoe County (Nevada) who are either high-school seniors (Class of 2026) or ages 16-19 with a GED.

·  Project Submission: Create either a creative media project (video, podcast, digital story) or a “peer education toolkit” around the theme of how empathy can prevent or heal unhealthy relationships.

·  Key due date: Applications open October 20 2025, and project must be submitted by March 1 2026.

·  Materials required: Application, project files & artist statement, eligibility proof (transcript or GED).

Army ROTC 4-Year Scholarship – Due: Mar 4, 2026 (midnight)
Covers tuition and provides stipends for students who commit to Army leadership training and service.

Reno Rodeo Scholarship – Due: Mar 28, 2026
Local scholarship supporting students, often tied to agriculture, livestock, and community service.

Ray Roberts Play Ball Scholarship – Due: Mar 31, 2026
For baseball/softball student-athletes, supporting academics and athletics.

🎓 Attention College-Bound Students!

• Did you know you can start earning college credits as early as your sophomore year at Damonte Ranch High School
• Dual Enrollment means you’re enrolled at both DRHS and TMCC or UNR at the same time — getting a head start on college while still in high school!
• 👉 Seniors: Even if you’ve already been taking college classes, you must re-apply your senior year to continue earning credits.

_________________________________________________________________________

Dual Credit Options in Reno

 University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) – Collegiate Academy

🔗 unr.edu/collegiate-academy

• What it is: Take UNR classes at your high school and earn up to 15 college credits.
•  Who can join: Available at participating Washoe County School District high schools.
• Sample courses: English 101, History 102, Sociology 101, and language courses.

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Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) – Jump Start Program

🔗 tmcc.edu/jump-start-program

• What it is: Enroll in college-level TMCC courses while in high school.
• Registration: Submit a Permission to Enroll form each semester.
• Payment: Fees are due by the end of the first and/or third quarter.

_________________________________________________________________________

 CTE College Credit Program (TMCC)

🔗 https://www.tmcc.edu/cte-college-credit

• What it is: Earn college credit for completing approved CTE programs.
• How to qualify:

         1. Complete the CTE program with a B average or higher

          2. Pass the State Technical Skills and Workplace Readiness assessments

_________________________________________________________________________

✅ How to Get Started

·       Meet with your school counselor – They’ll explain which dual credit options are available and guide you through the steps.

·       Check requirements – Some programs require a minimum GPA or placement scores for English or math.

·       Register & pay on time – Follow the deadlines carefully to secure your spot!

* Military 2025-2026 Contact Information: 

US ARMY National Guard

SGT. Gonzalez

luisenrike.g.gonzalez.mil@mail.mil

Cell: 775-350-5782

_________________________________________________________

US. ARMY

• Al Pattin- Damonte Ranch HS student recruiter- US ARMY

Alexander.r.pattin.mil@army.mil

775-433-3983

 ______________________________________________________

US Navy- Forged by the Sea

• Jacelyn P. Rodgriguez- Navy Recruiter
• jacelyn.p.rodriguez.mil@us.navy.mil
• Cell: 541-321-5188

__________________________________________________________

Nevada Air National Guard

SSGT Kristina Bloodgood- Production Recruiter

Cell: 775-813-8760

__________________________________________________________

US Air Force 

TSgt Robert E. Abernethy- Special Warfare Recruiter

robert.abernathy@us.af.mil

Office: 775-722-6409

___________________________________________________________

Marines 

SSGT Tufts, Brandon- Recruiter

Brandon.Tufts@marines.usmc.mil

Cell: 775-225-4735

_______________________________________________________

* QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

o What basic information should I know about the military?

o Do I qualify to join the military?

o What is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)?

o What is the difference between officers and enlisted personnel?

o How do I become an officer?

o What are the admissions requirements for the: U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy?

o What is basic training?

o How can the military help me continue my education?

o What kind of job training does the military offer?

o What employment benefit does the military offer?

o What are the wages and ranks in the military?

o What are the Reserve and National Guard?

o What opportunities exist for women or minorities in the military?

o What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

o How do I leave the military?

o What do I need to know about the transition from military to civilian life?

o What basic information should I know as a military spouse?

Ask counselors or go to the College and Career Center and pick up information on recruiting, military academies, college ROTC programs. ASVAB surveys are given annually in the fall semester at the school free of charge and without recruiter involvement.

Please follow the link below to start an Army ROTC National Scholarship. This scholarship is for anyone who wants to be an officer for the Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserves. The scholarship can be used at any Army ROTC program across the nation as long as you are accepted into that university. https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html

Below are the deadlines for the scholarship:

  1-Oct-17        1st National High School Selection Board Deadline for Documents.
 16-Oct-17       1st National High School Selection Board.

  7-Jan-18        2nd High School Selection Board Deadline for Documents.
  22-Jan-18       2nd High School Selection Board.

  4-Feb-18        4-Year High School Application Deadline to open an application for school Year 18-19.

  4-Mar-18        Final (3rd) High School Selection Board Deadline for Documents -- Missing Items.
19-Mar-18       Final (3rd) High School Selection Board.

 Ideally you want to meet one of these scholarship boards to be eligible for the scholarship. To be competitive, we recommend the following accolades:

1200 SAT or 27 ACT

Clubs, Sports, and other Organizations (Leadership Positions are Bonus)

3.6 GPA Unweighted preferred

*ASVAB Career Exploration http://asvabprogram.com/

*Military Career Guide www.militarycareers.com

*Army www.army.mil

*Navy www.navy.com

*Air Force www.airforce.com

*Marines www.usmc.com

*Coast Guard www.uscg.mil

*Merchant Marine www.usmma.edu

*Register for the Selective Service www.sss.gov

2025-2026

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION & COLLEGE RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

Jason Pinto-Maldonado

Damonte Ranch HS students and parents,

please contact Jason for any TMCC related questions

 775-674-7633

TEXT #: 775-269-5353

jpintomaldonad@tmcc.edu

Truckee Meadows Community College TMCC- Important Dates:

Semester 1: T1  FALL 2025:

August:

·       Application for Fall 2026 open now!! Apply.tmcc.edu

September:

·       Sept 11, 2025:  TMCC Application/Office Hours: 10:45-12:15pm.

·       Sept 23^rd: DRHS TMCC Parent Information Night. 5:30-7pm.

·       September 27, 2025: TMCC Day on the hill- Welcome presentations/tour- 10-12:30pm. RSVP today: tmcc.ink/hday

October:

·       October 16, 2025(Thursday): Office Hours: 10:45-12:15pm.

·       October 30, 2025(Thursday) Nevada Promise Deadline Workshop 10:45-12:15pm.

November:

·       November 1, 2025: Summer Bridge Application opens

·       Ready Set, FAFSA Workshop: 11/15/25 @ Dandini Campus- 12-3pm.

·       November 13,2025: Summer Bridge Workshop: 10:45-12:15pm.

December:

·       December 9, 2025: Pre-Winter Break Office Hours: 10:45-12:15pm.

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Second Semester-T2-Spring 2026:

January:

·       January 1, 2026: TMCC Foundation Scholarship opens.

·       January 13,2026: Office Hours: 10:45-12:15pm.

February:

·       February 10,2026 Foundation Scholarship workshop 10:45-12:15pm.

·       February TBA: CTE OPEN HOUSE @ Edison Campus(475 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502)

·       February 24, 2025: NV Promise Training Deadline Workshop 10am-11am.

March:

·       March 1, 2026: Foundation Scholarship & NV Promise Training Deadline

·       March 10, 2026: Pre-Spring Break Office Hours: 10:45-12:15pm.

APRIL:

April 1, 2026: NV Promise FAFSA Deadline.

April 7,2026: Post Spring Break, New Student Orientation Workshop: 11-2pm.

April 17, 2026: Fall 2026 Registration opens.

April 8,2026:    Spring OPEN HOUSE 5:30-7:30pm

April 28, 2026: Fall 2026 Registration Workshop 12-2pm

MAY:

May 1, 2026: NV Promise Community Service hours deadline

May 19, 2025: TMCC Last Check in for the year/Registration Workshop. 12-2pm.

July:

July 1, 2026: NV Promise Mentor meeting deadline & Financial Aid to do list deadline.