College & Career Centers Updates

Welcome back, students and families! We hope you had a restful and joyful Winter Break. As we begin a new semester, it’s the perfect time to set goals, get organized, and start the year strong.

For seniors, the focus shifts to wrapping up FAFSA/CADAA applications, which are due on March 2, 2025. Make sure to check out our financial aid workshops for guidance and support.

With course registration for the 2025-2026 school year happening this month, we encourage all students to explore new opportunities, including dual enrollment classes, to make the most of their academic journey.

Let’s make this semester one of growth, success, and preparation for exciting futures ahead!

Key Dates - No School:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2025

Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the new year!

The FAFSA and CADAA applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open! These applications are crucial for seniors planning to attend college, career training, or trade schools and seeking financial aid to cover costs.

• FAFSA: For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to access federal and state aid.
• CADAA: For undocumented students meeting AB 540 requirements to access California state aid.

Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 — apply early to maximize your financial aid opportunities!

Need help? Visit the College & Career Center or attend our District Financial Aid Night on January 15th! Don’t miss out on resources to support your education!

The Cal Grant is a financial aid program for California students, providing free money for college or career training that doesn’t need to be repaid. It can cover tuition, fees, and sometimes even living expenses at eligible California colleges, universities, and technical schools. Eligibility is based on financial need, GPA, and other requirements.

No Separate Application Required

There is no separate application for the Cal Grant. Once you complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2, 2025, you’re automatically considered for a Cal Grant. After applying, you’ll need to create a WebGrants for Students account to track your award status, make school changes, and manage your financial aid.

Steps for WebGrants Account

Automatic GPA Submission

Our school automatically submits students' Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission during Semester 1 to ensure eligibility for this program. If you or your family chooses not to participate, you must opt out by completing the opt-out form before the deadline.

Why Apply for a Cal Grant?

• Types of Cal Grants:
  • Cal Grant A: For students attending 4-year universities.
  • Cal Grant B: For students with low income starting at community colleges or 4-year schools.
  • Cal Grant C: For students pursuing career or technical education programs.
• Covers tuition, fees, and sometimes additional living costs.

Next Steps

Complete the FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2025, to be considered for a Cal Grant.

The Spring Early College Program (ECP) is here! Dual enrollment courses give students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school, with most classes UC and CSU transferable—a great way to get a head start on your college journey.

Why Enroll?

• Complete General Education (GE) credits early.
• Explore career pathways in fields like Finance, Allied Health, Child Development, Engineering, and more.
• Save on college tuition and gain real college experience.

Important Dates:

• Interest List Deadline: Friday, 1/17/25, by 11:59 PM.
• Registration & Contract Deadline: Sunday, 1/19/25, by 11:59 PM.

Once you fill out the interest list, registration instructions will be sent to your email.

Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart your future—sign up now!

Please note the class schedule for class modes & times. All courses are online and in either Synchronous or Asynchronous formats.

Synchronous Classes

• Real-time, live Zoom sessions with set schedules.
• Immediate interaction with instructors and peers.

Asynchronous Classes

• No set meeting times; work is done on your own schedule.
• Ideal for flexible, independent learning.

Regardless of the format, students are responsible for staying on top of their work.

The following events/presentations, held during the school day, are open to all 9th-12th grade students (unless otherwise specified). See the site-based info below for more details.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming presentations designed to help students explore post-secondary options and navigate the college and career landscape. These sessions will provide valuable insights on career pathways, financial aid, and specialized programs. All presentations will be held from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Zoom.

• 1/22/25 - AUSD CTE Pathways and Labor Market Trends
• This presentation will also highlight current labor market trends, helping students understand which industries are growing and where future job opportunities lie. Learn how our CTE programs can give you a head start in these high-demand fields and equip you with the skills needed for success.
• RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/AUSDecp122

Future Presentation Links will be shared as the date gets closer:

• 2/5/25 - Financial Aid & Scholarships
• 3/5/25 - ELAC College Promise, Skill Certificates, Pathway to Law/STEM Summer Bridge/Skills Certificates/AA/AAT/TAG
• 4/9/25 - College Search - Finding the Right Fit

This school year, the College & Career Center is excited to offer students the chance to explore a variety of local universities through organized college field trips.

To ensure fair access for all interested students, each student is allowed a maximum of two field trips per school year, due to limited budget and space.

Upcoming Trips - Permission Slips not available yet:

• California State University, Los Angeles: January 31, 2025
• Carpenters Union Training Center: February 19, 2025
• LA Trade Tech College: February 27, 2025 - Date may change
• Pasadena City College: March 21, 2025
• East Los Angeles College: TBD

Sign up for our upcoming Community College Field trips:

• AHS - https://tinyurl.com/AHS25cccfieldtrips
• MKHS - https://tinyurl.com/2025ccfieldtrips
• SGHS - https://tinyurl.com/sg25cccfieldtrips

Important notes:

• Students may not pick up permission slips for friends.
• Spots on the bus are not guaranteed.
• After submitting your permission slip and completing the pre-field trip worksheet (located on the back of the permission slip), it will be reviewed for completion. Notifications about secured bus spots will be sent via student email.
• All students must complete an after field trip worksheet to assess their learning and reflections from the experience. This assignment will help us understand how the trip impacted their perceptions of college life and their career aspirations. It will also allow students to articulate key takeaways and insights gained during the visit, ensuring that they can apply what they've learned to their future educational and career decisions.

Past Field Trips this 24-25 School Year:

• Azusa Pacific University
• California State University, Fullerton
• Citrus College
• UC Riverside
• Cal Poly Pomona

9th Grade

• Prepare for course registration: Review course options for 10th grade, including honors/AP courses if available, and discuss them with your counselor.
• Reflect on your first semester and adjust study habits or time management strategies for the new semester.
• Learn about the Early College Program (dual enrollment): Discuss with your counselor how to enroll in college-level courses as a sophomore and how these classes can prepare you for future academic success.
• Continue exploring extracurricular activities and consider trying something new if interested.
• Update your activity log with first-semester achievements.
• Start researching summer programs, volunteer opportunities, or internships that align with your interests.
• Read books or explore content related to potential career fields or personal interests.

Resources:

• Course Planning Tool: California Career Zone
• Summer Programs: TeenLife

10th Grade

• Prepare for course registration: Explore course options for junior year, including honors, AP, or elective courses relevant to your potential college or career interests. Meet with your counselor to finalize your selections.
• Review semester grades and set goals for the spring semester.
• Learn about the Early College Program (dual enrollment): Consider enrolling in college-level courses to challenge yourself academically and earn college credit. Discuss options with your counselor.
• Deepen involvement in extracurricular activities and consider leadership roles.
• Update your activity log with new accomplishments.
• Research summer programs or enrichment opportunities that open applications in January/February.
• Start looking into career exploration tools to refine your interests.

Resources:

• Career Assessment: My Next Move
• Leadership Opportunities: National Student Leadership Conference

11th Grade

• Prepare for course registration: Plan your senior year schedule, aiming for a strong and balanced course load that includes five academic core classes. Meet with your counselor to finalize selections.
• Learn about the Early College Program (dual enrollment): Enroll in college-level courses for senior year to strengthen your college applications and earn credit. Discuss options with your counselor.
• Begin narrowing your college list by researching admission requirements and academic programs.
• Schedule and prepare for ACT/SAT testing in the spring.
• Continue updating your activity log with new achievements.
• Research and apply for summer programs, internships, or leadership opportunities.
• Begin drafting a list of potential teachers for letters of recommendation and consider asking them before the end of the school year.
• Fine & Performing Arts Students: Work on your portfolio and audition materials.

Resources:

• College Search: Big Future by College Board
• SAT Prep: Khan Academy

12th Grade

• Finalize and submit any remaining Regular Decision applications by early January.
• Learn about the Early College Program (dual enrollment): If planning to take college courses during the spring or summer, check registration deadlines and course availability.
• Continue applying for scholarships with deadlines in January and February.
• Monitor your email for updates from colleges (acceptances, requests for additional information, etc.).
• If deferred or waitlisted, draft and send letters of continued interest to colleges.
• Review financial aid packages and start evaluating college affordability.
• If admitted, begin planning spring visits to help finalize your decision.
• Prepare for APexams in May by setting a study schedule.

Resources:

• Scholarships: Fastweb
• FAFSA Help: Federal Student Aid

CTE Advisor (Roving)
Jose Cervantes

jimenez_jose@ausd.us

CLICK here to book an appointment with Mr. Cervantes

Servicing all 3 high schools:

AHS - Monday/Thursday

MKHS - Tuesday/Friday

SGHS - Wednesday