College and Career Newsletter

Welcome to our newsletter, where we keep you informed about college and career opportunities for your Visalia Unified student(s). Research shows that waiting until high school to discuss these topics is often too late. By the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school, Visalia Unified students are exploring different career paths and post-secondary options. Our goal is for this newsletter to serve as a tool to help you share valuable information with your children about their post-high school educational options.

In partnership with UC Merced, VUSD is excited to host a Why Higher Education Night for K-12 students and their families. Please join us for the opportunity to explore the higher education pathways that are available to our students including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Here, you will discover why higher education matters and the steps you can take today to unlock future opportunities. It is never too early or too late to learn more about the topic. See you there!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2025-2026 academic school year are officially open!

State Priority Deadline: March 3, 2025
Submitting your application by this state priority deadline ensures that all eligible students receive the CAL Grant.

What is the CAL Grant?

The CAL Grant is a California-specific financial aid program designed to support students pursuing higher education within the state. It is available for applicants of both FAFSA and CADAA. Click here for more information.

By completing the FAFSA, eligible students can access federal grants, work-study programs, and loans to help cover tuition and other educational costs. The CADAA opens the door to state grants for qualifying students.

📅 Save the Date:

Join us for a District-Wide FAFSA/CADAA Night on January 30th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the VUSD District Office Board Room. RSVP here.

Incoming freshman students can choose from one of nine Linked Learning academies at the District's four comprehensive high schools: El Diamante, Golden West, Mt. Whitney, and Redwood. These academies align with key state and regional industries, allowing students to explore career interests. While each academy requires a four-year commitment, it does not determine a student’s career path; rather, it enriches their high school journey by building versatile skills and confidence. Academy programs offer a college-prep curriculum that fulfills UC and CSU admissions requirements, with real-world experiences through mentorships, job shadowing, and internships that connect students to industry professionals. The Linked Learning Academy recruitment season officially runs from January 17 to February 21, 2025.

Linked Learning Recruitment at LJ Williams

Each morning on January 21, 22, and 23, we will welcome 8th graders from VUSD and local private schools to the LJ Williams Theater. These sessions will provide an overview of each Linked Learning Academy and highlight the opportunities available.

Linked Learning Academy Parent Night

On January 29 and 30 at 6pm, we will host a CTE Showcase-style event for parents in the evening at El Diamante High School.

• Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about Linked Learning Academies, ask questions, and meet academy teachers.

Attention Seniors!
If you’re still considering attending a 4-year university after high school but haven’t submitted an application yet, we have great news! Many California State Universities have extended their application deadlines.

Below, you’ll find a list of universities still accepting applications. Keep in mind that deadlines vary by school and may apply only to certain majors. Be sure to check this link for specific details.

Submit your applications through CaliforniaColleges.edu, where your A-G high school courses and grades from PowerSchool will automatically transfer into your application, simplifying the process.

All seniors already have a CaliforniaColleges.edu account and can log in using their VUSD email.

Don’t miss this chance to apply.

Channel Islands- 1/31

Dominguez Hills- 3/01

East Bay- 2/15

Humboldt- 3/02

Maritime- 6/01

Monterey Bay- 2/15

Northridge- 1/31

San Francisco- 2/01

Sonoma- 4/01

Stanislaus- 1/31