It’s easy to dismiss those things that take time. We want everything to be quick and easy, but also fulfilling and worthwhile.

Next Step Academy is quick (when compared to some other online courses), but also rewarding. Sometimes all we need is a snippet. Just a enough information to justify that we are headed in the right direction (our “Careers In…” courses) or a refresher course in a skill we know we really should have (any of our Life Skills courses).

Here is where we think you’ll find those minutes each day to complete a course at Next Step Academy.

That seems easy! So what are you waiting for? Take a course today!

“Back to School: 1,001 Facts You Learned and Forgot in High School” by Benjamin Smith is the book every learner needs to pick up before possibly heading back into the classroom.

Written by a former high school principal and teacher, Smith enjoys reminding people of facts they already learned.

The book is written in larger type and broken up into periods, reminiscent of the periods used during high school. The first period covered is English, moving on to science, geography and so on — only to end on the last chapter: the final exam. Twenty quick multiple choice questions greet you at the end to validate your time spent with the book.

The chapters about sports and foreign languages are interesting and add a well-rounded approach to the book. When working with textbook-style facts, this book could have been a lot to digest, but the author instead makes it easy to want to read it — and learn something!

Whether you are going back to school or maybe just want a refresher about what your kids are talking about at the dinner table, this easy read will be sure to bring back memories of the lessons you forgot you already knew.

You can find this book on Amazon.

> For refresher courses to polish your soft skills, check out Next Step Academy’s Life Skills courses.

Getting an internship is great — getting an internship that also offers a scholarship is even better!

The Intertek Scholarship Program continues to promote STEM learning and women in engineering fields by offering its scholarship and internship program for a second year. Intertek is now seeking candidates to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 paired with a paid internship at an Intertek office during the summer of 2015.

The scholarship reflects Intertek’s commitment to promoting STEM education and inspiring students to pursue their dreams. In particular, Intertek is encouraging female candidates to apply for the scholarship and internship experience in an effort to foster the advancement of women in engineering fields.

“Intertek continues to be at the cutting edge of the engineering and scientific industries, and we are honored to be investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Julie Vlahos, Vice President of Global Products & US Marketing at Intertek.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be full-time, currently enrolled college sophomores or juniors at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada, and pursuing a career in engineering.

Online applications are due February 6, 2015, and recipients will be announced in April 2015. Learn more at www.intertek.com/scholarships.

> Learn more about the skills you would need to succeed in college or in an internship!

Sometimes you need a little emergency fund to help us stay on track with higher education.

The Mark A. Gabis Stepping Stone Scholarship is available for students for needs that come up and prevent them from attending classes. Its purpose is to keep students from having to drop out for reasons like car repairs, gas money, medicine, etc. It is not intended to be used for on-going living expenses like rent, house payment, car payment, electric bill, etc.

This scholarship can also be used to pay for certification exams, board exams, or other exams to further the student’s qualifications that would help them obtain the job they want upon graduation.

This scholarship application can be submitted anytime. However, the applications are only reviewed on the 1st and 3rd week of each month. The range of the scholarship amount is $50-$300 dollars per student, and is paid directly to the student. A student can only access Stepping Stone Scholarship funds one time.

To be eligible for this scholarship, take note of the following requirements:
• Submit application
• Submit administrator form
• Must be at least in the second quarter/semester to apply
• Must follow the essay guidelines provided

> To apply online visit http://markagabisfoundation.org/apply.

We’ve all got somewhere to go.

Maybe that “somewhere” is back to school or to take a college course for the first time. Maybe you already have a job you love, but you feel left behind in the climb to the top.

We found an inspiring graphic with quotes from leaders. This is sure to help motivate you to put one foot in front of the other and achieve what needs to get done in your life.

Source: Pinterest

> Are you looking to raise your leadership level in your current position at work or in school? Take the Leadership course at Next Step Academy to see if you have the natural inclination to step up to the plate. You may be surprised to find you are destined for greatness!

When it comes to continuing your education, every little bit helps. Here is a scholarship to help you with the cost of taking your GED test.

This scholarship is used to pay for the GED exam. The scholarship pays up to $100 per student. Applications can be submitted at anytime. Applications are reviewed weekly. The funds are paid by credit card to the testing center online.

Take note of the following requirements to apply for this scholarship:
• Pass the practice exam
• Submit application
• Pay the remaining $20.00 fee (if applicable)
• Must follow the essay guidelines provided

Either the student and/or the instructor must call to set up the payment process.

> To apply visit http://markagabisfoundation.org/apply.

Not sure if you are ready to take the GED? Take these two courses to make sure you’re prepared.
• GED I
• GED II