College + Career Counseling

The College + Career Access Team

The Venture College and Career Access Department believes students should have support regarding what comes after high school, whether that be entering the workforce, attending college, starting their own business, or pursuing the certifications necessary to help them achieve their goals. We teach seminar classes, provide graduation planning, and prioritize hands-on support for both the college and financial aid application processes. In addition to this individualized approach, we offer personalized meetings with students, family programming, financial aid and scholarship counseling, test prep, PSEO navigation and coordination. After graduation, we offer alumni support for our graduates at request; from help navigating orientation and registration, assistance with course and major selection, to career and workforce planning (resume writing, interviews, etc.).

Ms. Emily Owens
Director of College & Career Counseling + Alumni Support
eowens@ventureacademies.org
(612) 432–5883

Mr. Nate Dixon
College Counseling +Academic Dean + Alumni Support Counselor
ndixon@ventureacademies.org
(612) 414–8317

Information For Admissions Representatives

Sign up for Venture visits

Venture is using Scoir to schedule college rep visits during the academic year! This service is free to colleges and it allows reps to plan in a map view, see the availability of multiple high schools at a time, create virtual visits, and sync with your personal calendars. Our availability will be updated at the beginning of and throughout each school year. Feel free to create your own Scoir account to schedule visits and meet this year’s graduating class.

Application materials are sent via Scoir

We use Scoir to send application-related documents. Colleges, it's free to sign up to electronically receive our students’ application materials. Sign up with Scoir to get started.

To send mail/promotional materials to Venture:

Venture Academy
ATTN: Emily Owens
315 27th Ave SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
Fax: (612) 294–6737

2024-2025 Venture School Profile

Highlights

Of Venture Academy’s graduating classes 90% were accepted to a college or university. This number continues to grow through our partnerships with College Possible and as a Direct Admission Minnesota Initiative school. Overall, 60% of Venture Graduates are enrolled in a two-year or four-year college program, and 40% of our alumni chose to enter the workforce following graduation. 

Venture Awards

Is the total amount of scholarships and grants awarded from the colleges & universities where Venture Graduates are enrolling.

$3.5 Million

85%

FAFSA/MN Dream Act completion


62%

of Enrolled Venture Alumni Accepted Full Rides

to college with no out-of-pocket costs per year, after federal loans and work-study.

$1,564

Average annual out-of-pocket cost

for enrolled Venture graduates, after federal loans and work-study.

Colleges and Universities Venture graduates are attending include:

  • Albion College

  • Augsburg University 

  • Bates College

  • Barry University

  • Beloit College

  • Carleton College

  • College of Saint Benedict

  • Denison University

  • Dougherty Family College at St. Thomas University 

  • Gustavus Adolphus College

  • Hamline University 

  • Macalester College

  • Minerva Schools

  • Minneapolis College 

  • Minneapolis College of Art and Design

  • Normandale Community College

  • Pitzer College

  • Saint Catherine’s University

  • Saint Cloud State

  • Saint Mary’s University

  • St. Olaf College 

  • Saint Paul College

  • Trinity College

  • University of Minnesota: Duluth

  • University of Minnesota: Twin Cities

Current Student Support

For Senior Families

Financial Aid Support Nights (FAFSA / DREAM Act): January 2025 TBD (based on release of FAFSA)

An important part of the college process is applying for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is a form that determines college students’ eligibility for student financial aid. This is an important process that we are hoping all of our seniors’ families complete.

  • The FAFSA applications take 30-45 minutes to complete

  • If your student needs to complete the CSS Profile as well, it will take an additional hour

  • Start preparing by collecting the following documents:

    • 1040s from 2023

    • W-2s from 2023

    • Social Security Information, Food Stamps, Disability documentation

    • Child Support Collection Documents

College exploration

Students and Families, you’re invited to participate in independent college exploration where you can:

  • Learn more about paying for college, financial aid, application essays, internships, and more!

  • Ask our office for support with this if interested.

Alumni

Alumni emergency fund

Need support? Please reach out to Ms. Owens or Mr. Nate to discuss options!

________________________________________________________________________________

Looking to support our Alumni? Our emergency fund is an application based opportunity for our young adults to get support in times of crisis.  Your gift of any amount decreases the likelihood of a relatively small but unexpected expense derailing their future plan. 

Please make your check payable to Venture Academy Alumni Emergency Fund and send to: 

Venture Academy
C/O Emily Owens
315 27th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Alumni Services

To send employment verification forms or to contact Venture with regard to alumni, please contact Emily Owens (612 – 432 – 5883)