Salinas Union High School District

Quick Links

SUHSD College Events Calendar

Graduation Requirements

Am I on Track to Graduate

High School and Middle School Timelines

GPA Calculations

College Search Tools

Types of Colleges and Universities

California State University

Early Assessment Program (EAP)

Educational Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

University of California

UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

Private Colleges and Universities

The Common Application

Letters of Recommendation and Brag Sheet

Community Colleges

Dual and Concurrent Enrollment

NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA Eligibility

Summer Programs

College Access Programs

Career Exploration

Welcome students and parents. The Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) has created this college and university page to assist you with the college going process. You will find resources on matriculation into 4-year and 2-year colleges and universities, career exploration and vocational programs. It is the goal of the Salinas UHSD to ensure that students graduate from the district both college and career ready. This information is in addition to the information you will receive at your high school. The high school counselor is the best person to inform and assist you in achieving your postsecondary goals. Please schedule an appointment with your counselor to discuss your postsecondary plans.

 

The Salinas UHSD provides a comprehensive college guidance program for all families enrolled at any one of our five high schools and four middle schools. Students and parents engage in college guidance activities starting in the 7th grade and begin working more closely with their School Counselor, College Counselor and the Career/Vocational Counselor in the 11th grade to make well-informed plans for the students' post high school years.

 

This page, as well as the Scholarships and Financial Aid page are designed to help answer any questions you may have related to college admissions requirements, financial aid or scholarships for college. Check these pages regularly for updates about colleges, universities, scholarship opportunities, and other college related announcements. Use the tabs on the left to navigate between pages. Please do not hesitate to contact your counselor if you have any questions. Pay close attention to the hyperlinks because they will take you directly to the webpages that will have additional information on the topic.

 

 

 

 

For more information on the application process and instructions to complete the applications watch videos below. Additional videos are listed on the right side of video. Scroll down to see other related videos.

College Confidential – Insights and reviews on colleges from the voice of college students

eCampusTours – offers virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses.

Collegexpress – Tailor your college search by categories such as “colleges with excellent nursing programs.”

Big Future College Board – offers information on planning for college, comparing schools, and registering and preparing for the SAT and AP tests.

 

I’m First – college search tool featuring success stories, colleges, and tips geared towards first-generation students.

 

College Navigator – A comprehensive database of colleges provided by the U.S. Department of Education, which allows you to do side-by-side comparisons of schools.  Your search criteria can include specific states, distance from a specified zip code, type of degree offered, public or private institution, and major(s).

 

NICHE – Connects students and families with colleges, universities and scholarship resources.

 

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)

This website allows you to research school on the west coast based on your grades and test scores but also allows you to check if you qualify for reduced tuition rate outside of your home state!

 

College resource site by the CollegeBoard to assist student find the right college and scholarship opportunities.

 

Gives up to date data on colleges and scholarships

 

Information on the many California Colleges, Universities, and vocational programs that you can search or browse by county.

 

A college and scholarship resource site to assist students and families find the right college. College Greenlight assists underrepresented with their college exploration and features US Colleges and universities that meet 100% of demonstrated need for undocumented and DACA students. Sign up is required to access resources.

 

COLLEGE MAJORS 101 - Discover college majors, jobs and college options

 

John Hopkins Essays that Worked – review exemplary personal statements submitted by applicants

NCAA Eligibility Center – Registering is a requirement for any student who plans to play NCAA division I or II sports.

 

 

For additional information on financial aid, scholarships, and grants please visit the

 

SUHSD financial aid page.

 

California Career Zone – Explore career pathways, colleges, personal strengths, and interests with this online tool.

O*Net - Detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

• Alvarez High School

Subject		Requirements
A. History/Social Science	20 Credits	1 year World History 1 year U.S. History
B. English	40 Credits	4 years
C. Mathematics	30 Credits	3 years
D. Lab Science	20 Credits	1 year Biological Science (Bio, Physiology) 1 year Physical Science (Chem, Physics)
E. Language Other Than English	20 Credits	2 years (Must be the same language)
F. Visual & Performing Arts	10 Credits	1 year (Same course in sequence)
G. Principles Of American Democracy (Government)	5 Credits	1 semester
G. Economics	5 Credits	1 semester
G. College Prep Electives	10 Credits	1 year
Additional Requirements
Physical Education	20 Credits	2 years
Health	5 Credits	1 semester
Electives	35 Credits
Total Numerical Credits*	220 (Total)
Non-Course Requirements
Career Pathway		--
Service Learning		--

• 29 Salinas UHSD Student Handbook (PDF)

      Am I on Track to Graduate?

You will be meeting with your counselor to complete an Individual Graduation Plan.

Click 16. HERE for a blank copy.  Use this form to keep track of your progress.  Remember CSU's and UC's require a C or better in all A-G courses.

(Need access to professional ADOBE to update PDFs)

 

 

 

This is a month-by-month breakdown of what students should be doing every month during middle and high school to prepare for college.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare to attend college/university. Make sure you have the following items:

 

 

 

This is a month-by-month breakdown of what you should be doing during your junior year to prepare for college.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a breakdown of what you should be doing during your freshman and sophomore years to prepare for college.

 

 

 

 

Middle school years are very important for students. It is a time of exploration and the beginning of helping students discover their strengths and interests. Students will take different types of assessments to help them identify their learning styles, interests and career goals. Students should be knowledgeable of the college going process to make a better transition from high school to university or vocational school.  The following list will help students begin to research university requirements including the different types of financial aid available.

 

 

 

On your transcripts there are several GPA's that hold a different significance and each one is explained below:

To Calculate your GPA you can use the SUHSD GPA Calculation Form or you can use the CSU GPA Calculator.

*** Need SUHSD document explaining GPA

GPA Calculation form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When researching colleges and universities consider these "5 Critical Questions":

1) Which colleges am I eligible for? (CSU, UC, Private, Community college)
2) What geographic area do I prefer? (close to home, same state, out of state, urban, etc.)
3) Do I prefer large, small, or medium-sized campus populations?
4) What major am I interested in pursuing? Which colleges offer that major?
5) What is my EFC (the expected family contribution which can be calculated HERE)? 6) Which schools will meet close to 100% of my financial need?

 

Another leading search tool for finding a college that is right for you is the College Board's Big Future.  For a step-by-step guide on how to use Big Future Click (#36) HERE.

 

For students who are considered AB540 (undocumented) please click HERE for a comprehensive list of admission policies by colleges and universities in many states.

Searching for Schools By Major, Special Interests, Etc.
Interested in finding colleges with the best nursing, engineering, or business program? Curious to learn which colleges don't require the SAT or ACT? Visit College Xpress complete your profile, click List and Rankings, and search by over 800 categories, including scholarships.

California Colleges
For a list of private and public colleges in California with your major visit California Colleges for information about colleges, universities, and scholarships.

Virtual College Tours

College Confidential – Gives insights and reviews on colleges from the voice of college studentseCampusTours – offers virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses.

Once you have completed your college search, break your college selection list down into three categories:

 

 Liberal Arts Colleges:  These college offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.  For the best Liberal Arts Colleges visit U.S. News & World Report.

 

Universities:  Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students.  For a listing of all U.S. Colleges & Universities click here or visit The CollegeBoard website.

 

Agricultural, Technical, and Specialized Colleges:  Have you made a clear decision about what you want to do with your life? Specialized colleges emphasize preparation for specific careers. Examples include Art/Music, Bible, Business, Health Science, Seminary/Rabbinical, and Teaching.  For more info visit The CollegeBoard website.

 

Public vs. Private:  On the one hand, public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Examples of public institutions are:  community college, Cal State Universities and UC campuses.

 

Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. On the other hand, private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention (and some believe, more prestige).  Examples of private institutions include:  USC, Chapman University, Stanford University, etc.  You can apply to more than one private college using one application.  Visit The CommonApp website for a listing of participating colleges.

 

Special Interests

For more information on religiously-affiliated colleges and universities, visit the following Web sites:

 

 

 

 

To determine whether you're on track for a CSU or UC school check the table below and have the following two items in hand: 1) Your transcript 2) UCOP A-G course list, which you can download just below this table.

 

See #30. Add the comparison chart PDF (https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf)

 

Testing Requirements (https://www.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/Pages/testing-requirements.aspx)

 

 

(For more information on the CSU's click here: www.calstate.edu/apply)

 

The CSU system consists of 23 campuses across the state of California. Students can earn Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees in different majors and fields. For the students graduating from the Salinas UHSD our local CSU is CSU Monterey Bay.

 

To be eligible to apply to a CSU you must have completed the following minimum entrance requirements:

 

 

 

The following is the MINIMUM required courses for admittance to any of the CSU campuses. In order for you to be highly competitive, you should enroll in one or two extra years in all areas especially if you would like to attend any of the impacted and highly selective campuses.

 

The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a first-time freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or better is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.

 

GPA
You must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better in these courses with no grade lower than a C. Keep in mind that the higher your GPA, the better chance you have of being accepted. A GPA of 2.5 doeas guarantee admission to any of the CSU campuses.

SAT/ACT
Test scores are not required for 2022-2033.

How CSU's Review Applications and Campus ImpactionMany CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors or for students who live outside the local admission area. In the case for Salinas UHSD students, this would be any school other than CSU Monterey Bay. 

Because of the number of students who apply, several campuses have higher standards (supplementary admission criteria) for all applicants. Many CSU campuses utilize local admission guarantee policies for students who graduate from high school or transfer from community colleges that are historically served by a CSU campus in that region. You may review the CSU Local Admission Areas and impaction for each campus here.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
In addition to completing your CSU application, most Salinas UHSD students will be eligible and should apply for the EOP program.  The Educational Opportunity Program is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.

 

Special Populations

 

All students must be able to meet the academic, accreditation and technical standards required for admission or participation in their chosen program of study. Students with disabilities, therefore, are not excused from course prerequisites, GPA requirements or degree requirements. However, in some limited circumstances, substitution of course requirements based on a documented disability may be appropriate.

 

Such substitutions are granted only when it is clear that the student’s disability makes completion of the requirement(s) impossible and when the course in question is not a fundamental element of the curriculum. A course substitution means that the credit hours for the course are met through an alternate course. A course substitution may not alter or reduce the number of credits needed for degree completion or create a fundamental alteration in the program of study.

 

Students should visit their campus’s admissions website for the process to appeal an admission denial when the student’s disability directly impacts their ability to complete an admission requirement.

 

CSU Application (DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30) - www.calstate.edu/apply

This website is a one-stop shop to complete an application to any of the 23 CSU campuses.

 

19 Introductory tutorial for creating a Cal State Apply application for admission.

39 CSU Local Admission and Service Areas

 

Learning early about your readiness for college is important. Although students may have passed all high school courses, many are still not yet prepared for college level English and mathematics when they enter a university. The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort among the State Board of Education (SBE), the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California State University (CSU).

 

The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year. This opportunity can also help students avoid taking the placement tests at the CSU and participating community colleges. Incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college level mathematics and/or English composition will be required to enroll in Early Start during the summer before coming to the CSU.

 

For more information on the CSU Monterey Bay EAP please visit their website.

 

An EOP student is one who has the potential to perform satisfactorily in CSU but who has not been able to realize this potential because of economic or educational background. The EOP program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students at the CSU campus they are enrolled in.

 

To be eligible for EOP, students must meet certain income criteria to be eligible:

 

 

For more information on the University of California go HERE.

 

The UC system consists of 9 undergraduate campuses across the state of California. Students can earn Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees and doctorate degrees in different majors and fields. The local university for the Salinas UHSD is UC Santa Cruz.

 

To be considered for admission to the University of California, students must complete 15 year-long high school courses with a grade of C or better — at least 11 of them prior to a student’s senior year.

 

The 15 courses are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university)

 

GPA- Students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.

 

If you are a state resident graduating from a California high school who has met the minimum requirements and not admitted to any UC campus to which you apply, you will be offered a spot at another campus if space is available, provided:

 

 

or

 

 

UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will NOT have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid — and that's just for starters. This program is also available for AB 540 students. To qualify you must submit the FAFSA and DREAM Act application by the March 2 deadline.

 

Blue and Gold students with sufficient financial need can qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending.

How to apply: FAFSA/California Dream Act Application + Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (you will be automatically considered when you submit these forms by March 2; there is no separate application for this program).

 

 

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program provides funding to help middle-class students attend the University of California or California State University. Each year, the state allocates funding for the program. For UC students, the goal of this funding is to provide scholarships that help cover up to 40% of UC’s systemwide tuition and fees for families whose income is less than $191,000.

 

 

The Holistic Review: How UC's Evaluate your Application
The UC campuses evaluate your academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to you and your demonstrated capacity to contribute to the intellectual life at UC. Some factors the UC may consider are:

 

To apply to the University of California you must create an account before you are able to apply to the 9 undergraduate UC campuses.

 

For assistance in completing the UC application watch the following videos:

UC overview

UC application tutorial

UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

 

Remember, the personal questions are just that — personal. The important thing is expressing who are you, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC. There are 8 questions to choose from, select 4 questions and respond with a maximum of 350 words for each selected question.

 

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, the church in your community or an organization? Your leadership role does not necessarily have to be limited to school activities.  For example, do you help or take care of your family? How do you support them?

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.  

Things to consider:  What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career?

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?  

Things to consider: If you have a talent or skill that you are proud of, this is the time to share it. You do not necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that’s geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you — just to name a few. 

If you choose to write about educational barriers you have faced, how did you overcome or strived to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who are you today?

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’\ have faced and what you have learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you are currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends, or with my family?”

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. 

 

Things to consider:  Many students have a passion for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can not get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs — and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that?

Why were you inspired to act?  What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Things to consider:  If there is anything you want us to know about you, but did not find a question or place in the application to tell us, now is your chance. What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help us know you better?

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Do not be afraid to brag a little.

 

 

 

 

There are thousands of private colleges and universities across the country. They vary in size, location, majors/field of study and price. They also vary in their application and eligibility requirements.

 

Typically, most private colleges and universities will require the same minimum requirements as the CSU's and/or UC's. However some colleges are more competitive and have higher admissions criteria, while others are less competitive and don't have as many requirements.

 

The best way to learn of the requirements is to visit the college's website.

 

Here are a list of websites where you can learn more about private colleges to get you started:

 

 

The College Board's CSS/Financial Aid Profile is an online application that collects information used by almost 300 colleges and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside of the federal government. Many private colleges and universities require students to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA/Dream Act application.

 

The CSS Profile is put out by the College Board and there is a fee. It costs $25 to submit for the first school applied to and $16 per school after that. Fee waivers are available for students who used a fee waiver for the SAT. They can use the fee waiver for up to 8 schools to send the CSS profile to.

 

 

 

 

 

File:

 

40 CSS Profile Fee Waiver Application

 

 

 

The Common Application is an undergraduate college admission application that students may use to apply to any of more than 900 colleges and universities in the US and other countries.

In the past, applying to college was often seen as a daunting, tedious task. Since many schools maintained their own proprietary applications, students had to complete each one individually — and they often required different components, too.

 

Nowadays, most major colleges and universities accept the Common Application, a streamlined college application system that allows you to apply to multiple schools at once. This process not only saves you time but also alleviates the stress of having to gather various application materials for each of your prospective schools.

Before you apply to private and out of state universities check the Common Application list to see which universities accept the application.  You can search by name of the location, region, financial aid, minority serving institution, enrollment size, etc.

Application deadlines for each college and university may vary. Check each university’s deadline and submit application as early as possible. Remember, you may have to submit letters of recommendation and the CSS Profile. You may also be required to pay the application fee for each university you apply which can vary from $25 to $90. The Common Application has a fee waiver that you can request on the "Profile" screen’s Fee Waiver section.

Common App Prompts

The 2021-2022 Common App Essay Prompts. 

 

 

 

 

 

When applying to certain colleges (mostly private colleges and universities), college programs like EOP, and scholarships, a letter of recommendation is usually required as part of the application. Usually these recommendations will come from your teacher and/or your counselor.

 

IMPORTANT: Many of the private college deadlines are during the Winter Break! Make sure you ask for letters of recommendation well before the Winter Break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community colleges are an excellent option for students to work towards an Associates degree, trade/tech certificate or as a pathway to transfer to a 4-year college or university. Many students choose to attend a community college after high school for a number of different reasons including financial reasons (yes, community college is a lot less expensive) or perhaps to further their academic skills before transferring to a 4-year university or college.

 

Here in California we are very fortunate to have a great system of community colleges. Typically, community colleges are non-residential, which means they do not have on-campus housing. Students who attend community college usually live at home and commute to school on a daily basis.

 

 

The Salinas Valley Promise program at Hartnell College and Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) offer two free years of tuition - and much more. Hartnell College provides an experience that will support students’ personal, academic and professional success. Those who qualify for the Promise will join other Promise students with similar goals and interests. Together, they will participate in a leadership institute, quarterly professional development workshops, and will be mentored by professionals in the community. In order to qualify for the Salinas Valley Promise Program, students must be a graduate (high school diploma or GED) of a high school or adult school within the Hartnell Community College District.

 

As a Salinas Valley Promise student, you will receive:

For more information about the Salinas Valley Promise please call (831) 755-6723

The Salinas UHSD offers college classes at every high school in the district during and after school so students can earn college units while they are still in high school! The classes are FREE! These classes count for both high school and college credit. High school students who complete dual enrollment classes generally take fewer classes in college and save money on their total college costs.

 

 

 

Check with your counselors for the classes, times, and locations that will be offered at your school

 

 

 

 

An application for admissions to Hartnell College is required if you are a new student to Hartnell or are a returning student after an absence of one year or more.   Concurrent Enrollment students are required to submit a new application every term.

 

Students may apply for admission by completing the online CCCApplication.  The application process is free and without obligation.  CCCapply is supported by the California Community Colleges Chancellor'a Office.  To begin the application process, please follow these steps.

 

STEP 1:   Log into OpenCCC Apply

 

New Users will need to create an OpenCCC account and Returning users will sign in with their username and password.  (the username and password are OpenCCC is different than the Hartnell PAWS Self-Serve username and password)

 

 

STEP 2:  Complete and Submit Online Application

 

Answer all questions to the best of your ability and be sure to click the "submit" button at the end of the application.  You will receive a confirmation email shortly after submitting application for admissions. 

 

STEP 3:  Review Confirmation Emails:

 

New Students will receive 2 follow up emails. 

 

A Welcome to Hartnell email will arrive in your inbox soon after submitting the OpenCCC Application.  This email details for next Steps for Student Success.

 

Followed by a New Applicant email containing your Hartnell Student ID# and instructions to log in PAWS Self-Serve.

 

Continuing/Returning Students will only receive one confirmation email and will be able to access their PAWS account 1-2 working days after submittng their application.

 

If you do not receive a confirmaiton email, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at 831-755-6711 or email admissions@hartnell.edu

 

Students who are interested in taking college courses at a Hartnell College that are not offered in the dual enrollment offerings can be Concurrently Enrolled at the college. Please see the Concurrent Enrollment process and application packet.

 

Do you want to play sports at the collegiate level? Well there are certain things you need to know...

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the governing body for around 1,200 schools. It consists of three divisions (Division I, II, and III) and oversees 23 sports. Divisions I and II both offer athletic scholarships, with over 126,000 student-athletes receiving partial or full athletic scholarships. However, Division III student-athletes can only receive academic or non-athletic scholarships – no athletic scholarships are allowed.

 

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) consists of 300 schools and 13 sports. The NAIA is a smaller association than the NCAA, with just over 60,000 students. It includes two divisions (Division I and II) and Division I in the NAIA is comparable to Division II in the NCAA. Over 90% of schools in the NAIA offer scholarships, and NAIA athletes receive an average of $7,000 of financial aid.

 

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is an association of community college and junior college athletic departments throughout the United States. It is divided into divisions and regions. The current NJCAA holds 24 separate regions.

 

Depending on which type of school you plan to attend and/or play sports for, you will be required to register on either the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center. In addition to registering you must have complete a minimum number of courses, and earn a minimum GPA.

 

For more information about playing sports in college meet with your counselor and your coach. Let them know of your interest in continuing to be a scholar athlete.

 

Summer programs and internships are a great way to get college experience, learn about a specific career pathway, earn college credit or gain job experience. Most programs have a fee but often times there are scholarships available to cover at least part of the cost. These programs look great on college applications!

 

Check out some of these programs. This page will be updated as new programs are added. Also check with your counselor for other programs that may be available. IMPORTANT:  Keep in mind most programs require letters of recommendation.  Begin the application process & request letters at least 3 - 5 weeks before the deadline.

 

Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship - The Summer Science Internship Program provides twelve outstanding students with the opportunity to work in leading research and clinical laboratories under the supervision of respected scientists at Stanford University or the University of California, San Francisco. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage students to pursue a career in scientific study and research, and potentially focus on immunology and rheumatic diseases in college and beyond. The internship will run from June  to August. Interns will be expected to work approximately 40 hours per week for 8 weeks. See the website for additional information.

Application Due:                          Program Dates: June to August                              Cost: Stipend

www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders 

 

Eight week paid summer internship with a local nonprofit organization. Take part in an all-expense-paid week in Washington, D.C. Learn how nonprofits, government, and business can partner to create a positive impact in our communities.

Program dates: Late June – August             Cost: FREE, paid internship

 

CSSSA is four weeks of exploration, discovery and hard work designed to unleash your creative power. Talented high school students will receive intensive training from professionals in music, theatre, video and film, visual arts, dance, creative writing, and animation.  Held at CalArts in Valencia, CA (near Magic Mountain).

Program dates:  July 10 – August 6

 

Cost:  $2,250 (full and partial scholarships available)

 

Start early - Long application requires Letters of Recommendation from Fine Arts teacher(s)

 

California State University Northridge – Students enrolled in the CSUN Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP) will focus on academic and character development. The desire is to instill and awaken a sense of hope and possibility in each student as s/he studies and learns on a California State University campus. The program offers both enrichment and academic classes: middle school students can take classes for preparation and/or for pleasure; whereas, high school classes are taken for preparation, pleasure, and credit.

https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/apply-caminos-al-futuro-program             

Program dates: June 27 - July 16, 2022.

 

A selective, pre-college summer program for qualified rising high school seniors offered by the George Washington University (GW) and GW’s Cisneros Hispanic Institute. Students will examine the political, economic and social transformations impacting the Hispanic community through academic discourse with university professors and other experts in their fields. They will also engage with community organizations, meet with business leaders, policymakers, and take advantage of site visits around Washington D.C. The program is FULLY funded, it covers, room & board, materials, round-trip airfare to Washington D.C. and program-related activities. Great opportunity! 

 

Open to current 10th and 11th graders; no gpa requirement.  Conference participants participate in powerful workshops and seminars that will enhance leadership skills, academic  preparedness, self-esteem, cultural awareness, and provide an understanding of state and local government.  The program will be virtual and take place July 16-18, 21,24,25.

 

A four-week online program where students work side-by-side with outstanding university researchers and faculty to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) using hands-on and labs.  Most students qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch attend for FREE.  Students who do not qualify for the lunch program will need to pay partial or close to $2,217 if accepted and you plan to attend.

Program dates:  July 6 – July 31  at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz

Cost:  $30 app fee, see flyer for tuition and full/partial scholarship opportunities

 

Each year, CHCI brings students in currently in 10th and 11th grade to participate in the R2L NextGen program, a week-long leadership training online program. During the program students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of their role as engaged citizens, meet with key leaders, participate in study visits at historic sites and develop a deeper understanding of how they can affect positive change in their communities and their nation.  Select R2L - Southern California

Cost:  FREE       Dates:  June 13-18 or June 22-July 3 or July 18-23      Eligibility:  Open to current 10 and 11 grade students

For high school girls interested in pursuing a career involving mathematics or enjoys the subject. Open to 9-11 grade female students who have completed Geometry or Algebra II with a C or better.  Program takes place virtually from July 6 - 30, 2021 (no class on July 5, due to Independence holiday). The program is FREE!

 

Cornell University (NY) has two one-week summer programs that students may be able to attend for FREE if they meet the following criteria:

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

--CURIE Academy: Open to 10th-11th female students with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; earned a 620 on PSAT/SAT/Subject Test and currently taking or plan to take Calculus, Physics or Chemistry (or related advanced Science and Math courses).

 

 

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

--CATALYST Academy: Open to 10th-11th graders who earned a 620 on PSAT/SAT/Subject Test and currently taking or plan to take Calculus, Physics or Chemistry (or related advanced Science and Math courses).

 

Cost:  $1450 (does not include travel --- Juniors may be able to go for FREE!)          

Dates:  July 18-24        

Drexel's summer academic programs are summer camps open to highly motivated high school students who wish to explore what a university-level program is all about. Workshops are led by Drexel faculty and utilize Drexel's labs, facilities, and the city of Philadelphia's many resources. Choose from any of the following disciplines:

Gettysburg College Summer Programs 2020 -Gettysburg College is excited to offer several opportunities for high school juniors and sophomores to attend academic camps over the summer months. Subjects include psychology, history, creative writing, or information technology. Please find information to share with your students about our academic camps below: 

 

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a 2-week computer science course that embeds classrooms in technology companies and universities. Students learn the fundamentals of computer science - from robotics to how to build a webpage - while gaining exposure to the tech industry and mentorship from women working in technology.  Santa Ana Public Library offers program, as well as other cities in the county and state.

Criteria:  Open to current 9th thru 11th graders

Cost:  FREE, in addition, eligible students can receive a need-based $300 stipend

 

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is a four-day, overnight, college empowerment conference for Latino high school juniors. It is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, live on a college campus, and interact with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.

Criteria:  Juniors, 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale.  

Program dates:  July 7-11 at University of Chicago (virtual)   or July 21-25 at the University of Southern California (virtual)

Cost: FREE

 

 

https://sites.uci.edu/inspire    (Sign-in at home, school is blocking website)

Current 12th graders planning to enroll at a community college and interested in engineering or computer science. INSPIRE is a two-week residential program at UC Irvine. You participate in classroom activities 5-6 hours a day, fun activities after class and live and eat at the university dorms. Great way to experience college and find out if engineering and computer science is for you! Also open to current community college students.

Criteria: 3.0 unweighted GPA

 

 

 

The Latino Youth Leadership of Orange County is a FREE one-week summer program for Latino male students currently in 10th or 11th grade. The program has been successful in helping guide and mentor male students in Santa Ana through high school and beyond.  Despite the ongoing pandemic, the conference organizers are committed to serving our students and will be continuing this year with a virual format.  The LYLOC is currently recruiting 01th and 11th grade Latino male students for its Virtual Academy that will be held August 1-6, 2021. 

 

 

 

The MIT Women's Technology Program is a rigorous four-week summer academic and residential experience where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team based projects the summer after 11th grade.

Criteria:  Females in grade 11 who love & excel at math and science

Program dates:  June 26 - July 23

Cost: FREE

 

The Office of Engineering at MIT offers two great programs.  By submitting one application you are automatically considered for one of the two programs, you cannot choose to apply to a particular program.  The program is FREE but students must cover their transportation to and from MIT.

MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC):  From July through January, students in this online program discuss research, receive admissions and financial aid advice, and attend webinars. They also complete online science and engineering projects that they present during a five-day conference on MIT’s campus. Learn more about  MOSTEC

 Aug 5 - 9 (on campus) or June 27 - December 22 (online)

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Electrical Apprenticeship Program. The programs allow students to train and earn an income while going to school, eliminating the worry of student loan debt. These wages are a portion of the skilled wage rate that increases throughout the training program. The nearest training center is in Castroville, CA.

 

Current 9th -11th graders can apply to experience a three-week Engineering Summer Academy at the University of Pennsylvania.  Students can earn credit in of six programs:  Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Engineering, Nanotechnology or Robotics. Financial Aid is available.  Program dates:  July 7 - 27. 

 

Open to 9th graders and a few 10th graders, who can make a three year commitment.  Students participate in a four-week summer course at Pomona College and attend monthly activities throughout the year. During the senior year, students get personalized assistance with the college and financial aid process.  Even though Orange County is not a target county, the program will accept applications from Segerstrom students and consider them for admission to the program.

Residential program dates:  June 20 - July 16

Virtual program dates:  June 20 - July 23      Cost: FREE 

 

Program dates:  Mid-June thru early August                        Cost:  FREE

Ten day all expense paid summer program @ Princeton University

 

Deadline: March 24  (application opens early February)

High achieving, low-income juniors are invited to apply for an opportunity to attend a rigorous one to four-week summer program at leading colleges and universities on full scholarships.  Students receive individual college admissions counseling, visit college campuses and eligible for other scholarships. On-line application available February 1.  A lengthy and competitive application but very rewarding experience, start early.

 

 

 

 

A national program for graduating high school seniors aimed at fostering the next generation of Latino leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources.  YAP is a college preparatory and leadership program encouraging participants to explore various academic and career opportunities through the lens of the Latino experience.  The program includes an intensive week-long interdisciplinary training seminar at the Smithsonian followed by a four-week paid internship in museums and cultural institutions in local communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.  Program covers all expenses for the one week program, student responsible for costs during the four-week internship but at the end of the five weeks will receive a $2,000 stipend.

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty and researchers. Open to current juniors or seniors, must be 16 years old or older by the start of the program (June 15, 2020, finishes August 6, 2020) and must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent Resident.  Student receive a $500 stipend at the end of the program.  Students must provide their own housing and transportation.

 

 

 https://www.smith.edu/academics/precollege-programs/applying

Summer Precollege is open to academically talented girls who will enter grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.  The program is selective, very important to submit a strong application.  To be considered for financial aid, you must submit your application and financial aid application by March 1.  Five different programs throughout the summer:  1) College Admissions Workshop; 2) Creative Writing; 3) Science & Engineering; 4) Sustainable Futures:  Farming, Justice and the Environment; 5) Women, Gender & Representation.  Students will need to cover costs for travel to Smith. 

 

emBarc Summer Academy at UC Berkeley - embARC is a four week summer design program for rising Juniors and Seniors at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design that brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore architecture, urban design and sustainable city planning through integrated components: an Architecture + Urban Design Studio, a Sustainable City Planning Workshop, a Digital Design Workshop, an Environmental Design Conversation Series and a Community Build project. 

 

Experience Berkeley (EB) is a free program that assists Black, Latino, & Native American students in the completion of their UC application and insight questions. Program provides students with mentors, tools, and resources to develop a competitive application ultimately increasing chances for admission to UC Berkeley. Students are mentored by Black and Latino UC Berkeley undergraduates, who provide one-on-one support throughout the entire UC application process from June to November. Throughout the program students will have the opportunity to:

Criteria:  Black, Latino, Native American Juniors with 3.5 weighted gpa

Cost:  FREE        Program dates:  June 2021 - May 2022, you meet once a month virtually.

 

UC Davis Young Scholars Program - Participants in the 2019 Young Scholars Program will work one-on-one with research faculty and research groups in state-of-the-art laboratories for six weeks. Each student will work on an individual project and prepare a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation about their work. At the same time, each student will experience the climate and culture of living and working on a university campus. Open to all students regardless of citizenship or location. Participants must be 16 years old by the date the program begins, but not 18 years old before the date that the program ends.

 

 

The Summer Academies LITE program is a modified version of the in-person Summer Academies in the Arts that focuses on college admissions preparation and professional development opportunities for experienced high school and transfer arts students in a virtual learning environment.  Courses are $99.

 

Dance:  July 12 - 16, 2021

Drama: July 26 - 30, 2021

Current 9th, 10th and 11th graders interested in engineering and computer science. ASPIRE is a two-week residential program at UC Irvine. You participate in classroom activities 5-6 hours a day, fun activities after class and live and eat at the university dorms. Great way to experience college and find out if engineering and computer science is for you! Full and partial scholarships available, must submit a separate scholarship application by March 1.  Apply early, spaces are limited.

Program dates: Session II (July 2-16), Session III (July 19-30), Session IV (August 2-13)

Critera:  3.0 unweighted GPA

A six-week laboratory research at UC Irvine for high school juniors and seniors.  The program is FREE at no cost to the student.  Students earn community service hours and lab/work experience.  Students must have completed at minimum 1 year of Chemistry, 1 year of biology, and one of those needs to include lab experience.  Students may not be enrolled in summer school or other programs, vacations or conflicting obligations during the 6-week program.  Program takes place June 27 - August 6.

COSMOS Program at UCI -   COSMOS (The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) is a 4-week program for talented high school students hosted by the University of California, Irvine.

UCI Expressive Robotics (Ages 12 - 17) --- NOT taking place Summer 2021

Unleash the power of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education as you build a robotic structure that moves expressively! No prior coding, programming, robotics experience required.  Cost is $899 but there are full and partial scholarships available.  Spaces are limited so apply early and submit your scholarship application too!

 

 UCI LIFEvest Financial Literacy --- Waiting to hear if this program will be offered summer 2021

A week-long residential program at UCI for current 9th and 10th grade students that will learn how to build a Meaningful Life Plan by Creating Lasting Financial and Educational Goals. Program is FREE!  Reference code SAUSDSEGERSTROM in your application, for assistance see Ms. Huezo in the Higher Ed Center.

Program dates:  June 21-27 or July 12-18 or July 26-August 1, 2020

 

UCI’s Medical Education Office offers 4 great programs to high school students.  Programs focus to foster the interest of youth in healthcare and science innovation.  The three programs are:  

1) Summer Premed Program

2) Summer Research Program

3) Physician Shadowing Program

4) Online Research Program.  

 

Full and partial scholarships available.  View the scholarship information.  Students should be 15-18 years of age and have a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA.

 

 

The online program is for highly motivated 9th-12th grade students who wish to gain a deep understanding of investments and financial planning. Students will create a personal wealth management plan.  Cost of program is $799.  If you require financial assistance explain in your essay why you are in need of a scholarship.  Program dates:  July 20 - 24 or Aug 5 - 9. 

 

UC Irvine's Summer Surgery Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the fields of surgery and medicine.  The program is aimed to inspire high school students to pursue their interest in medicine by exposing them to hands-on experiences across several fields of healthcare.

Criteria:  Must be 16 years old or older, 3.5+ unweighted GPA, respectful & mature

Program dates:  July 6 - 17 or July 20 - 31, 2020

Cost: $4,550 (there are TWO fully-funded scholarships offered)

 

UCLA Summer Sessions - UCLA Precollege Summer Institutes provide highly-motivated high school students  the opportunity to earn college credit while advancing their skill set in one area of study. During these one- to three-week concentrated programs, students experience lectures, hands-on learning, field trips, group projects, and other activities that provide an intensive and engrossing study of their chosen subject.  Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2021 in the state of California are eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP, academic courses, or a Precollege Summer Institute.

 

 

 

U Penn Summer Programs: Penn Summer High School Programs welcome bright and ambitious high school students who want to experience Ivy League academics with leading faculty and stand out on college applications. With program options available for 2-, 3- or 6-week programs, high school students from around the world can experience summer with Penn.

 

 

U Chicago Summer Session:  Discover the awesome course opportunities for high school students this summer with the University of Chicago. Within a supportive online community, students from all over the globe are exposed to diverse ideas in classes taught by world-class faculty and instructors. In their classes, students are given the chance to take intellectual risks, dive more deeply into subject matter, and discuss questions that go beyond the realm of their high school curriculum.

Learn more about the 2021 Summer Session via our virtual Information Sessions. Register in advance to join us on one of the following sessions:

 

 

 

 

A concentrated week of academic, athletic, military, and social experiences at West Point in New York.  Current JUNIORS should be in the top fifth of their class, college-bound, strong PSAT scores and demonstrated leadership and earned honors in athletic or extracurricular activities.

Program dates:  May 29 - June 4 or June 5 - 11

Cost:  $400 plus transportation costs to and from West Point

The summer program requires three weeks of full-time residency on the USC campus — including weekends.  The program doesn’t end after three weeks. During your senior year you will work with your admissions coach to receive support and feedback as questions arise, throughout the application and decision-making process. Juniors in HS with a 4.0 weighted, enrolled in Algebra II or higher math course. Demonstrates financial aid and have taken AP courses.

Program dates:  July 11 - July 31

Cost: FREE

 

 

 

 

There are several programs here at San Fernando HS that are available to students to help them on their pathway to college. Most of these programs require an application to participate, but most workshops and presentations are open to all students.

 

Location: Room 117, 503, 214, 612

Phone: (818) 898-8721

Website: http://www.projectgradla.org/

Project Grad provides one-on-one advising, tutoring, test prep, summer institutes, college awareness events, parent workshops, college visits and a peer leadership program.

 

 

Location: College Center (TBD)

Contact: Mary Price

Website: http://www.csun.edu/trio/educational-talent-search

CSUN Educational Talent Search is open to students in Grades 9-12 and offers college tours, academic counseling, career exploration, assistance with college and financial aid applications and study/life skills workshops.

 

Location: College Center (TBD)

Contact: Stefanie Espinoza

Website: http://www.eaop.ucla.edu/

UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program provides services and opportunities directly to students and parents to increase the academic competitiveness of students so they are college ready and admissible to most selective colleges upon high school graduation by successfully completing the UC A-G requirements and college entrance exams.

 

Location: College Center (TBD)

Contact: Meliza Melendrez

Email: ubsanfernando@gmail.com

Upward Bound offers a summer program, after school tutoring, Saturday classes, application/financial aid workshops, college tours, career planning and parent workshops. 9th and 10th grade students are welcome to apply.

 

Location: Room 020

Contact: Lorraine Hernandez, PUENTE Counselor

Website: http://fsdog94.wixsite.com/sanfernandopuente

The PUENTE Project is a national award-winning program that for more than 30 years has improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California's educationally underrepresented students. Its mission is to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. The program is interdisciplinary in approach, with writing, counseling and mentoring components.

 

 

UCSC Gear Up

 

 

 

 

 

Road Trip Nation - Check out hundreds of videos where professionals of every kind address honest questions about their struggles, successes, and how they figured out the age-old dilemma, “What should I do with my life?”

 

O*Net - Detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!

Gallup Strengths Center -
Take the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and discover your top 5 strengths. Learn how your "signature strengths" help you excel, and begin your path to better performance and higher engagement. Intended as an introduction to strengths, this solution is ideal for people who want a quick, focused approach to strengths-based development.

California Reality Check -  Forming a budget is one of the most important parts of financial success. As you first enter the workforce, or even if you switch jobs, knowing how much money you will have available to spend on different aspects of your life will help you avoid debt and possibly even save some money for a rainy day.

 

Occupational Outlook Handbook -  The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education, training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations

 

My Plan - MyPlan.com helps students and professionals plan more fulfilling lives by making well-informed decisions about their education and careers.

 

Live Career - Find FREE Resume templates at Quintessential Careers along with a large number of resources, tools, and articles to assist you in achieving your career and educational goals.

 

Career One-Stop- Career assessment and Job Search

 

Zip Recruiter- Find jobs, internship or scholarships in your local area

Did you think Math & Science were never for you? Think again! Explore some jobs that might have more to do with Math & Science than you thought based on your hobbies and skills.

 

Do you feel totally lost about what job or career you would like to pursue? This site is a great place to start!

 

 

SUHSD Partnerships

 

The following Universities have guaranteed admissions partnership with Redlands USD (https://www.redlandsusd.net/Page/14221):

Contact: Jamie Groff, Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Email: jamie_groff@redlands.edu 

Phone: 909.748.8161

 

Contact: Brent Baier, Assistant Director of Admissions

Email: bbaier@laverne.edu

Phone: 909.448.4030

 

Grand Canyon U.

Contact: Edana Garrett, University Admissions Counselor

Email: edana.garrett@gcu.edu

Phone: 909.953.5177

 

Azusa Pacific U. (https://www.apu.edu/)

 

Cal Baptist U. (https://calbaptist.edu/)

 

Possible Universities in N CA:

 

Grand Canyon U

Santa Clara U

Golden Gate U

Notre Dame de Namur

 

Dominican U

Fresno Pacific

Saint Marys college of CA

 

• National College Match helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the national's most selective colleges.  Students are encouraged to begin their application the summer before senior year as it is a very competitive application.  Annual deadline is:  September 27th.

• College Prep Scholarship provides more than 1,000 awards that equip outstanding low-income high school juniors with the knowledge necessary to compete for admission to leading colleges.  Selected juniors will be awarded one or more of the following opportunities:  Full scholarships for summer programs, individualized college admissions counseling through QuestBridge staff, College Admissions Conference invitations, All-expense paid campus visits, Quest for Excellence Awards.  Juniors should begin working on the application during the months of December or January.  Annual deadline is:  March 29th.