CAST STEM Counseling Support
💬 Counseling Components
The Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program is a developmental program that addresses the guidance needs of all students by facilitating and enhancing their development in the areas of academic achievement, career development, personal/social skills and community involvement. The program also has a significant impact on a positive and safe learning environment. Concurrently assisting students as they face issues and resolve problems that may hinder their healthy development.
Guidance Program activities and services are delivered through the four Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program components:
Guidance Services
(Large structured group and classroom presentations that are preventative, proactive, and developmentally appropriate.)
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Deliver classroom lessons on college and career readiness
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Present workshops on mental health awareness, stress management, or conflict resolution
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Host freshman orientation and senior planning presentations
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Facilitate discussions on time management, study skills, and graduation requirements
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Conduct classroom guidance on digital citizenship and responsible social media use
Responsive Services
(Individual counseling, small groups, consultation, and referral to meet immediate student needs.)
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Provide crisis counseling for students experiencing trauma, grief, or personal issues
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Lead small groups on coping strategies, anger management, or peer relationships
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Mediate conflicts between students or between students and staff
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Refer students and families to outside mental health agencies or community resources
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Consult with teachers and parents on student behavior or academic concerns
Individual Counseling Services
(Support for academic, career, personal/social goals, and community involvement.)
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Assist students with creating four-year graduation plans
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Help students research and apply for colleges, scholarships, and financial aid
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Guide students in developing short- and long-term personal goals
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Support students in exploring career interests using assessments and tools like Naviance
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Encourage involvement in community service, internships, or volunteer opportunities
System Support Services
(Activities that integrate counseling components schoolwide.)
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Coordinate campus-wide initiatives like Red Ribbon Week or Mental Health Awareness Month
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Participate in school leadership or advisory committees
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Provide professional development for teachers on student mental health and SEL
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Collaborate with community partners and agencies to bring in resources or speakers
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Analyze data to improve counseling services and student outcomes
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Manage scheduling, transcript reviews, and college application processes
The CGC Program of Southwest ISD provides all students with regular opportunities to acquire solid foundation knowledge and skills in academic development, career development, personal and social development and community involvement.
🎓 Graduation Requirements
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- English: 4 credits
- Mathematics: 4 credits, including Algebra I and Geometry
- Science: 4 credits of lab science, including Biology
- Social Studies: 3 credits, including U.S. History
- Foreign Language: 2 credits in the same language
- Fine Arts: 1 credit
- Other Electives: Additional credits to reach the total
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Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course exams:-
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- English I
- English II
- Algebra I
- Biology
- U.S. History
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- In Texas, the "90% rule" is a state law requiring students in kindergarten through 12th grade to attend at least 90% of the days a class is offered to receive credit or a final grade for that course. Students who attend 75% to less than 90% of the time may still receive credit if they complete an approved make-up plan with their principal or a campus attendance review committee. Approved absences can include documented healthcare appointments, court appearances, and religious observances.
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🏅 High School Endorsements
What are Endorsements?
Five endorsement areas
Texas high schools are required to offer at least one endorsement area. If only one is offered, it must be multidisciplinary studies. The five endorsement areas students can choose from are:
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- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Focuses on STEM-related subjects, potentially including CTE courses, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Science.
- Business and Industry: Encompasses subjects like Agriculture, Finance, Information Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, Marketing, Technology Applications, Architecture and Construction, and others.
- Public Services: Includes areas such as Human Services, Health Science, Education and Training, Law, Public Safety, Government and Public Administration, and Corrections and Security.
- Arts and Humanities: Focuses on areas like the arts, languages other than English, history, and social studies.
- Multidisciplinary Studies: Provides a broader academic foundation with options like advanced courses from other endorsement areas, advanced core subject credits, or a combination of AP, IB, or dual credit courses.
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- 4 credits of Math (including Algebra II).
- 4 credits of Science (including Chemistry and/or Physics).
- 2 additional elective credits.
- A specific sequence of courses related to the chosen endorsement area.
💼 CAST STEM College & Career Pathways
certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. 🎓 College Readiness Quick Links
📝 College Entrance Exams
⭐ ACT (ACT Dates)
Find official ACT test dates, registration deadlines, and fee information.
🔗 https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
⭐ College Board (SAT Dates & SAT Suite)
Access the official SAT testing schedule, registration deadlines, and exam details.
🔗 https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines
⭐ ACT (SAT vs ACT Comparison)
Compare the SAT and ACT to determine which test best fits your strengths.
🔗 https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/sat-act-comparison.html
🏫 College Applications & Planning
⭐ ApplyTexas
Apply to multiple Texas colleges using one centralized application.
🔗 https://www.applytexas.org
⭐ BigFuture
Explore colleges, careers, and scholarships with step-by-step planning tools.
🔗 https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
⭐ College for Texans
Access college planning tools, financial aid info, and Texas-specific resources.
🔗 https://collegefortexans.com
⭐ CAFÉ College
Get free one-on-one college advising and support in San Antonio.
🔗 https://cafecollege.org
⭐ CampusReel (Campus Tours)
Watch student-led virtual tours and explore campus life.
🔗 https://www.campusreel.org
💰 Financial Aid & Paying for College
⭐ FAFSA
Apply for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.
🔗 https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
⭐ Texas Application for State Financial Aid
Apply for Texas state financial aid if you are not eligible for FAFSA.
🔗 https://www.highered.texas.gov/our-work/empowering-our-students/tasfa/
🌟 Additional Planning Resources
⭐ My Texas Future
Explore careers, salaries, and education pathways in Texas.
🔗 https://mytexasfuture.org
💼 Careers Readiness Links
💼 Career Exploration & Planning
⭐ Texas Workforce Commission
Provides career exploration tools, job search resources, and labor market information to help students identify high-demand careers in Texas.
🔗 https://www.twc.texas.gov
⭐ My Next Move
An interactive tool that helps students explore careers based on their interests and strengths.
🔗 https://www.mynextmove.org
⭐ O*NET Online
A comprehensive database of careers including job duties, skills, education, and salary expectations.
🔗 https://www.onetonline.org
🛠️ Job Search & Work Experience
⭐ Workforce Solutions Alamo
Offers job search assistance, resume help, and access to local internships and employment opportunities.
🔗 https://www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org
⭐ Indeed
Find part-time jobs, internships, and entry-level positions, plus resume tools and company reviews.
🔗 https://www.indeed.com
⭐ LinkedIn
Build a professional profile, connect with employers, and explore internships and career pathways.
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com
🎓 Internships, Apprenticeships & Skill Building
⭐ CareerOneStop
Explore apprenticeships, certifications, and training programs that provide hands-on experience.
🔗 https://www.careeronestop.org
⭐ Alamo Colleges District
Offers dual credit, certifications, and workforce training programs for real-world career skills.
🔗 https://www.alamo.edu
⭐ Year Up
Combines job training, college credits, and internships in high-demand fields like IT and business.
🔗 https://www.yearup.org
👨👩👧 Resources for Parents
⭐ Texas Reality Check
Helps families understand cost of living and how career choices impact financial independence.
🔗 https://texasrealitycheck.com
⭐ BigFuture
Provides guidance on career exploration, college planning, and scholarships.
🔗 https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
🌟 Tips for Students
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Start exploring careers early and connect them to your interests
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Gain experience through part-time jobs, volunteering, or internships
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Build a resume and practice interview skills
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Talk to counselors, teachers, and professionals about career paths
🎖️ Military Resources – ASVAB & Enlistment Information
🪖 United States Army
The Army typically requires a minimum AFQT score of 31 to enlist. Higher scores (around 50+) can qualify students for bonuses and more specialized career opportunities.
🔗 GoArmy.com – Army Official Website
⚓ United States Navy
The Navy generally requires a minimum AFQT score of about 35. Scoring higher can increase access to technical fields and advanced training programs.
🔗 Navy.com – Navy Official Website
✈️ United States Air Force
The Air Force usually requires a minimum AFQT score of 36, though many accepted applicants score 50 or higher. Higher scores are important for qualifying for competitive and technical careers.
🔗 AirForce.com – Air Force Official Website
🦅 United States Marine Corps
The Marines typically require a minimum AFQT score of 32 to enlist. Stronger scores can open up more job options within this highly disciplined branch.
🔗 Marines.com – Marine Corps Official Website
🚢 United States Coast Guard
The Coast Guard has one of the higher minimums, usually requiring an AFQT score of 40. Because it is more selective, higher scores improve chances of acceptance and job placement.
🔗 GoCoastGuard.com – Coast Guard Official Website
🛰️ United States Space Force
The Space Force generally requires an AFQT score of about 36 or higher. Since it focuses on highly technical roles (space, cyber, intelligence), competitive scores are often significantly higher.
🔗 SpaceForce.com – Space Force Official Website
💡 Helpful Note for Students:
The ASVAB score used for enlistment is called the AFQT percentile (1–99), and each branch sets its own minimum. Meeting the minimum qualifies you to join, but higher scores give you more career choices and opportunities.
🏘️ Community Resources
Counseling & Mental Health Support
⭐ Roy Maas Youth Alternatives
📞 Phone: (210) 340-7933
📧 Email: [email protected]
Provides free individual and family counseling for youth, along with crisis intervention and parenting support. They help address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, and behavioral challenges.
⭐ Clarity Child Guidance Center
📞 Phone: (210) 616-0300
📧 Email: [email protected]
Offers specialized mental health treatment for children and teens ages 3–17, including therapy, crisis stabilization, and psychiatric care. They support youth experiencing serious emotional or behavioral difficulties.
⭐ Center for Health Care Services
📞 Main: (210) 261-1000
📞 24/7 Crisis Line: (800) 316-9241
Provides community-wide mental health services including counseling, crisis support, and substance use treatment. They are a key access point for urgent and ongoing behavioral health care in Bexar County.
⭐ Family Service Association of San Antonio
📞 Phone: (210) 299-2400
📧 Email: [email protected]
Offers counseling and supportive services to individuals and families dealing with stress, trauma, and conflict. They also provide parenting support and resources to strengthen family relationships.
🛑 Bullying-Specific Support
⭐ Bullying Empowerment Center
📞 Phone: (210) 832-8821
📧 Email: [email protected]
Focuses specifically on bullying prevention and recovery by offering counseling and coaching for students, families, and those exhibiting bullying behaviors. They help build confidence, coping skills, and healthy relationships.
🌐 City of San Antonio (Bullying Resources)
📞 311 (local city services line)
📞 Crisis/Text Support: 988
Provides guidance on how to respond to bullying and connects residents to local support services. They also offer access to 24/7 confidential crisis support through community partners.
👨👩👧 Family & Crisis Support Services
⭐ ChildSafe
📞 Phone: (210) 675-9000
📧 Email: [email protected]
Supports children and families impacted by abuse, trauma, or violence through therapy, advocacy, and case management. Their services help families heal and navigate recovery safely.
⭐ Communities In Schools of San Antonio
📞 Phone: (210) 520-8440
📧 Email: [email protected]
Provides school-based counseling and support services directly on campus to help students overcome barriers to success. They connect families with resources and reduce challenges like transportation and cost.
⭐ Family Violence Prevention Services
📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (210) 733-8810
📧 Email: [email protected]
Offers crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. They provide immediate safety support and long-term resources for recovery.
🔗 SchooLinks – College, Career, and Future Planning
SchooLinks is a comprehensive student success platform that helps students explore college and career readiness. At CAST STEM High School, it also plays a key role in the college admissions process. All students can access SchooLinks through the app available in their SWISD LaunchPad portal.
Below are some helpful resources to guide you through the program:
For Students:
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Explore career interests, pathways, and industries.
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Research colleges, programs, and scholarships.
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Track dual credit courses, certifications, and extracurricular achievements.
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Build a personalized plan for college, career, and life after high school.
For Parents:
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Monitor student progress and goals.
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Access resources to guide conversations about college, careers, and financial planning.
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Support students with applications, scholarships, and dual credit opportunities.
Helpful Resources:
SchooLinks helps families stay informed and plan ahead, connecting students to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
