So You Want To Go To College? Now What?

Here is a chronological checklist of how to prepare!

9th and 10th grade

Get good grades! Complete your A-Gs and try to take a few AP and honrs classes.

11th and 12th grade

• Register and take the SAT and ACT exam
• SAT and ACT is required for more 4-year universities. It is NOT required for COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• You should take your SAT and ACT at least once at the end of your junior year and again at the beginning of your senior year
• Go to www.collegeboard.com to register for the SAT
• Go to www.actstudent.org to register for the ACT
• If you qualify for free lunch, see your counselor for a FEE WAIVER to waive the fee for the exams.
• Make sure you SEND SCORES to the college and universities you plan to apply to when you register for the test
• For ACT and SAT, if you send to one UC school, your scores will automatically be sent to all UCs.
• For the SAT, if you send to “California State University Mentor”, your scores will automatically be sent to all CSUs.

• Research colleges and universities
• http://Bigfuture.collegeboard.com   
• Click on “Explore Careers”, then “College Majors”, and enter what you would like to study in college
• Explore the description of the major and research colleges and universities which offer the field of study
• www.assist.org – explore the site!
• Click on MAJORS to search UCs and CSUs that offer your desired field of study
• Click “CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS MAJOR ON THE CAMPUS WEBSITE” to learn more about the major and the campus
• www.cappex.com
• Search for the college and universities you are interested in.
• Click the ADMISSIONS tab and take a look at the ADMISSIONS SCATTERGRAM to see your chances of gaining admissions to that particular school.

12th graders

• Apply for Admissions!
• CSU applications are available on www.csumentor.com starting Oct 1. Deadline is November 30th.
• UC applications are available on admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu starting Oct 1. Deadline is November 30th.
• Out of State and Private Colleges and Universities have varying deadlines.  
• Community College applications are available Spring Semester. The best time to apply is January – March of your senior year!
• Southwestern College Application http://www.swccd.edu/
• Grossmont College http://www.grossmont.edu/admissions/
• San Diego Community College District https://applyonline.communitycollege.net/studentappview.cfm
• Send 1st semester senior year transcripts  to the colleges and universities you’ve applied to
• Counselors are available afterschool to help with college apps.

• Apply for Financial Aid
• Visit www.SUHicounseling.com often for scholarship updates
• Register on sites like www.Fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com for more opportunities.
• The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens October 1. The deadline is March 2. This is the application for LOANS, GRANTS, and WORK STUDY >>> www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Counselors available afterschool to help
• SUHi’s Financial Aid Night – January every year – see counselor for date
• Bring your parents! FAFSA process will be explained in detail.

• Wait for Admissions Notices
• Check your email at least once a week for communication from the schools you’ve applied to!
• Pay attention to deadlines!
• Send requested forms and documents in a timely manner!
• UCs and CSUs Intent to Enroll deadline is May 2 (private and out-of-state deadlines vary)

QUESTIONS? SEE YOUR COUNSELOR!  CAN’T FIND THEM? FILL OUT A “COUNSELOR REQUEST FORM” AND WAIT PATIENTLY PLEASE =)

Dreamers Workshop: Information for Immigrant Families

Cornell Engineering HS Summer Engineering Academies Seeking Applicants

The CURIE and CATALYST Academies are one-week summer residential programs for high school students who excel in math and science, enjoy solving problems, and want to learn more about careers in engineering. 

The target population for the CURIE Academy is rising junior and senior women students of all backgrounds; while the target population for the CATALYST Academy are rising junior and senior male and female students from backgrounds (African American, Native American/Alaska Native, Latino/a and Pacific Islander) severely underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.

During these summer academies, Cornell University's world-renowned faculty and graduate students lead classes, lab sessions, and a research project designed for Academy participants. During the week, students work in teams conducting research and learning to solve problems that mirror real-life situations. In addition, social events, panel discussions, and other out-of-classroom activities provide participants with opportunities to network informally with each other and Cornell faculty, staff, and students.

Primary goals of our academies include:

• Expose students to the exciting opportunities that exist for them in engineering; 
• Help students understand that women and all underrepresented minorities belong and are needed in STEM fields; 
• Demonstrate the connections between the study of engineering and solving problems affecting people and society.

All program materials including the link to the online application and the recommendation form for our summer academies are available at the following websites:

CURIE Academy: https://sites.coecis.cornell.edu/curieacademy/

CATALYST Academy: https://sites.coecis.cornell.edu/catalystacademy/

Additionally, a PDF version of our Program Overviews (below) and recruitment poster can be downloaded at the following link: CURIE & CATALYST Program Overviews & Flyer

 If you have any questions about the CURIE and CATALYST Academies, please contact Diversity Programs in Engineering at (607) 255-6403 or dpeng@cornell.edu.

Information to Support Undocumented Students at SDSU

Many members of the San Diego State University community have expressed concerns about the status of undocumented students, including those qualified under the California DREAM Act or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This memo provides information that faculty and staff can share to support student success.

SDSU is committed to providing a safe and welcoming campus environment for all students, faculty and staff. In recent statements, California State University Chancellor Timothy White has affirmed the University’s commitment “to protect[ing] access, affordability, intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and diversity for all students . . . including supporting DACA students.” Additionally,

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SDSU is working with our legislative representatives to ensure support for undocumented students. 

If a student approaches you with concerns about their status at the university, SDSU will maintain a FAQ webpage with current information supporting undocumented and DACA students.

The following sources of information may also be helpful:

• Assistant Deans for Student Affairs and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) counselors are trained to provide guidance to impacted students. Students can call (619) 594-6298 or email eopappt@mail.sdsu.edu to schedule an appointment with EOP.
• SDSU’s Financial Aid Office can provide information to students with questions about aid eligibility.  Counselors are available (no appointment necessary) at SSW 3605 every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call (619) 594-6323.
• Education Without Borders (EWB) is a student organization providing support for undocumented students. For additional information visit http://empower.sdsu.edu. 
• SDSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services can provide support to students experiencing concern: call 619-594-5220 or visit http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/cps/therapist-consultation.aspx for more information.

Additionally, faculty who seek to create a welcoming classroom environment might consider including a brief statement on their Spring 2017 syllabi: 

“The CSU has affirmed its commitment to ‘protecting access, affordability, intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and diversity for all students . . . including supporting DACA students.’  Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against students, faculty, and staff on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality, immigration status and other categories of identity is prohibited.  If you have concerns about your status at the university, please visit http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/EOP/ for information or contact the Dean of Students or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in your College.”

What to Rock the SAT/ACT? Free Test Prep for Juniors!

To qualify for admission to a four-year university as a freshman, students must take an SAT or ACT. We strongly encourage students to participate in a free workshop to prepare them to do well on the SAT and/or ACT. Test scores are an extremely important factor that can affect whether a student is admitted to his/her college of choice. Earning a competitive score is crucial.

>>> Click here for more info! <<<

MARINE ENGINEERING SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The 19th Annual Summer Internship Program for High School Students

The San Diego Section of the Marine Technology Society is proud to announce its 19th annual summer internship program. The MTS Program will provide a six-week summer experience for motivated high school students, hosted by one of MTS’s corporate sponsors. Click here to see what previous interns have said about their experiences with the program.

Students will be provided with a hands-on science/technology experience, building important scientific, technical and employment skills under the direction of a workplace mentor.

Students will also receive a stipend of at least $2400 upon successful completion of the program.

Applicants:

• Must be at least 16 years old on July 1, 2017.
• Must be starting the 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2017.
• Must have a 3.5 GPA or better.
• Must submit a complete application (please see link below)

Timeline:

• Applications are due January 15, 2017.
• Interviews and Student Selection will occur during Feb-May 2017.
• All students interviewed will be contacted about the status of their application.
• Final Student Selection will occur in late May/early June 2017.
• Internships begin in early July 2017.

Click Here for MTS Student Intern Application


The completed Application Form must be received by January 15, 2017.

MAIL TO: Marine Technology Society P.O. Box 371348 San Diego CA 92137-1348

Calling for Applications for the 2017 Princeton Prize in Race Relations Awards

In this time of extreme racial polarization, isn't it critical to recognize and celebrate those high school students who help bridge the chasm? We do! The Princeton Prize in Race Relations grants cash awards of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race. Please help us find the student leaders who are working to improve race relations within their schools or communities. Our future depends on them!


What is the Princeton Prize in Race Relations?
Each year, Princeton University sponsors a high school awards program for students who are committed to advancing the cause of race relations within their schools or communities. Winners receive a prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race.

Why recognize race relations leadership at the high school level?
One of the greatest challenges facing our country today is our need to foster/increase/improve understanding and cooperation among people of diverse racial backgrounds. We believe that high school students have a particularly important role to play in shaping the perspectives and conversations for an entire generation, and for making immediate, lasting, positive changes within their communities.

Who should apply for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations?
Any current 9th-12th grade student who in the past 12 months has been actively involved in a volunteer effort that has positively impacted race relations in his or her school or community is encouraged to apply. Students from participating geographic regions are eligible to win the Princeton Prize: students from other regions will be considered for a Certificate of Accomplishment.

What is the application process?
Students must complete and submit (online or by mail) Part I of the application form, available here. Part II of the application must be submitted by the student's sponsor. Sponsors may be any adult, not related to the student, who is familiar with the activity being put forth for the award. Sponsors can include teachers, advisors, community leaders, or religious leaders. Applications must be received by January 31, 2017.

What types of activities qualify for recognition?
Here are a couple of examples.
Perceiving the need for his school's curriculum to reflect increasing student diversity, a high school senior worked with faculty members in the social studies and history departments to develop a new course to be taught to fellow students, "Diversity in America".
Recognizing that students of color are under-represented in technology, a student created a program that encouraged students of color to learn coding alongside other students. Finding common ground in a shared interest resulted in better understanding while creating more robust opportunities for all.

More examples can be found here.

National City Collaborative Family Resource Centers - December Updates

Click here for the NCC FRC December 2016 Calendar

Click here for info on Free Flu Vaccinations

Help for Immigrant Families Post-Election

Since the election, service providers and community-based organizations report that immigrant communities are in a panic. President-elect Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric throughout the campaign has immigrant families worrying that they could be targeted, detained, deported. As a trusted institution in immigrant families’ lives, schools can play a critical role in ensuring immigrant families have access to important information and resources.

>>> Click here for additional resources <<<

Visit http://studentswithoutlimits.org/ for more information regarding services for support to at-risk minority and immigrant teens from low-income families who will be first-generation college students.

1st Annual UndocuYouth Conference

San Diego Dream Team and Education Without Borders at SDSU are happy to invite you to our upcoming 1st Annual UndocuYouth Conference! Join us Saturday, December 10th from 9:00am-2:30pm at San Diego State University.

This year’s theme is Moving Forward: What's Next for Immigrant Communities? The conference will seek to provide resources to undocumented youth, families, and allies along with serving as a platform to engage undocumented youth in community advocacy and create the new generation of community leaders.

We invite you to share our event flyer below with any students or families that may be interested in attending. Childcare will also be provided.

Spaces are limited. To secure a seat and lunch please register at: Tinyurl.com/MovingForwardSD

Services for LGBT Youth and their Families in Chula Vista

For more information:

kathie@transfamilysos.org

858-382-9156

www.transfamilysos.org

Workshop of Possible Immigration Changes

Volunteers Needed: Food Sorting & Packing 2016

CVCC and the Chula Vista Welfare Council are holding our annual food packing event. Food will be delivered to needy families and will also be given to the Chula Vista Community Collaborative – Family Resource Centers for distribution to families.

Volunteers needed – Sat/Sun Dec 3 & 4 from 10 am to 1pm December 5, 6, 7 & 8 from 4 pm to 6 pm

Location: 650 L Street (Behind CrossFit Gym) Chula Vista CA

To sign up please (619) 425-9600 X 1366 Or email Loida.hill@cvesd.org

CTA Cesar Chavez Scholarship

CTA Cesar Chavez Scholarship deadline is approaching.

The deadline is December 2nd. 

This is an scholarship opportunity for all grade levels. 

The brochure is below along with the application to be completed and requires a sponsoring CTA member. Most teachers and counselors at Sweetwater High are CTA members. 

For the application, our Region is IV and our service center council is – San Diego.  

• Click here to access the application
• Information Brochure

See Ms. Arroyo if you have any questions. 

UC and CSU College Apps: Haven’t started? No worries, it can still be done!

The UC and CSU deadline is just around the corner! November 30^th is just 4 school days away!

Remember, you need to have at least a 2.0 (preferably a 2.5 or higher) to apply to the CSU schools and a 3.0 to apply to UC schools.

You should have been receiving call slips from us to come down to the counseling center to work if your teacher allows.

If not, see us at nutrition break, lunch, or afterschool Nov 18, or 28 to 30th if you need help!

Haven’t started? No worries, it can still be done!

All you need is:

·        Your transcript (We can provide you another one if you need it)
·        Your social security number (if none, its OK)
·        Parents'/Guardians’ highest levels of education
·        Total annual family income (an estimate of how much money your parents earn in a year)
·        Family size (how many people live in your home)
·        What U.S. state does your parent/guardian regard as his/her permanent home?
·        Does your parent/guardian claim California residency?
·        Has your parent/guardian lived in California continuously since his/her birth?
o   If no, when did his or her stay in California begin? (month and year)
·        Applying to a UC, write your responses to the Personal Insight Questions
o http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/files/uc-personal-questions-guide-freshman.pdf

Financial Aid: First Come, First Served?

Is financial aid based on first come, first served?

To increase your financial aid, apply for the earliest deadline. 

Schools, state government, and federal government have preferred deadlines to maximize aid.

Students should check with each school they have applied to for their respective FAFSA deadline. 

For the state of California, March 2nd is the deadline to be eligible for Cal-Grants. 

Here are some articles to help: 

• http://time.com/money/4149053/when-to-file-fafsa/
• http://www.ed.gov/content/3-types-fafsa-deadlines-you-should-pay-attention
•  https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/financial-aid/applying/requirements/awards.html

Scholarship Opportunity - Brad Fowler Memorial Scholarship

The Brad Fowler Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a two-year, $5,000 scholarship to several high school seniors in San Diego County. The nominee must have demonstrated an ability to overcome personal obstacles associated with drugs or alcohol, a strong commitment to athletics and a desire to continue personal growth and development through higher education.  There is no minimum GPA requirement, but academic growth will be considered.

The following is a description of the scholarship, nomination criteria and submission process.

Description:

• One-year scholarship for $5,000 for the school year September 2017  - June 2018
• Eligible expenses include college tuition, books and on-campus housing

Nomination Criteria:

• High school senior who will enroll in either a two- or four-year college
• Has overcome personal obstacles and troubles in life associated with drugs or alcohol
• Demonstrated athletic achievement and participation in organized sports
• Demonstrated leadership ability and demonstrated personal responsibility
• Demonstrated academic growth
• Demonstrated financial need
• Has a strong commitment to setting and reaching life goals

Submission process:

·        All submissions must include: the completed nomination form, a copy of the student’s high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or counselor.  The letter of recommendation should attest to why the nominee’s behavior, attitude, desire and character warrant this scholarship.

·        All nominations should be submitted by a coach, teacher, counselor or principal

·        Please submit application packets to:

San Diego Hall of Champions

Attn: Sarah Petitpierre-Branco

2131 Pan American Plaza

San Diego, CA 92101

·        Submission Deadline: Friday, February 17, 2017

>>> Scholarship application can be accessed here <<<

Please note that all documents must be postmarked on or before that date.

Turk Scholarship Opportunity

Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday break, I wanted to send a reminder about the launch of the 3rd annual Abraham and Lillian Turk Scholarship program! Your students will have plenty of time during their break from school to get a head start on filling out their application.

The program was created in memory of Abraham and Lillian Turk who believed that every person, regardless of his or her financial means, was entitled to an equal opportunity for a post high school education. The program provides up to 20 scholarships each year, of up to $10,000 each, to San Diego graduating high school seniors and those who have graduated within the last five years and have not yet attended a post high school institution, to attend a two-year or four-year college or a technical or vocational school, who meet the program requirements.

Over the last two years, a total of 37 scholarships have been awarded, representing 29 San Diego County high schools. Below, please find the scholarship announcement. Note all applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2017. 

Here is the link to apply http://www.turkscholarship.org.

College Tour Program for High School Students

The Student Promoted Access Center for Education and Service at UC San Diego would like to invite your students to apply to our 7th Annual College Tour!

This event aims to introduce students to various university campuses with the goal of informing them of the different educational paths they may pursue after high school. We hope that students may envision themselves as students on these campuses. Priority will be given to students who are from low-income households and/or who are bound to be first-generation college students.

For any further questions, contact us at siaps@ucsd.edu

Community Service Opportunties

Click here >>>THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
HELP WITH SET UP, DECORATING, FOOD SERVICE, AND CLEAN-UP, AS WELL AS BREAK DOWN. ABILITY TO STAND FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, CLIMB LADDERS, CARRY 10+ POUNDS AND ABLE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

Click here >>> San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Event Volunteer
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is hosting a large event in Balboa Park on Thursday, November 17th, 2016 and we are looking for close to 50 volunteers to assist between 4:00pm - 10:00pm. The event will begin in the House of Hospitality with a cocktail reception and silent auction in the courtyard and following dinner in the Ballroom. Volunteers will then be ushering the guests over to the Casa del Prado Theater for a theatrical performance.

Click here >>> Clean & Green River Cleanup - Grantville
Interested in clean water and safe habitats for wildlife? Join the San Diego River Park Foundation and Benchmark Brewing Co for a special river clean-up and end of the year celebration.

Legal Workshops for Undocumented Students and Families

Community Help for the FAFSA and Dream Act Applications

Did you miss our financial aid night last week? No worries!

Here is another opportunity for you!

Tutoring Schedule for November 2016

Click here for the Tutoring Schedule November 2016

Can Game Design Teach Us How The World Works?

Hey Red Devils! We know lots of you are interested in a study in Game Design in college! This video from The New School in New York City does a wonderful job at explaining how "gaming" can apply to lots of different scenarios! Enjoy!

Summer at Duke - 2017 Available Now!

Use your summer to prepare for college, learn from renowned professors, and experience a truly international program.  

Last Summer over 500 lucky high school students spent the month of July at Duke University taking classes, going on excursions, enjoying great residential activities, and making friends from around the world! 

Visit our website to review the 2017 programs dates and details:

If you are currently in Grades 10 or  11, you can take classes with Duke Professors and earn college credit through Summer College.

If you are currently in grades 9 -12, you can enjoy personal enrichment classes with a global perspective through Summer Academy