College & Career Newsletter
September 8-14, 2024
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email (Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us)
Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org
All HCA, Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
and/or
Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org
All DAA, ELD Students and Last names M-Z
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
Sept 16- CSF Applications Due (see info below)
Sept 18- Sophomore Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting
Oct 9 - Freshman Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting
Oct 23th - College Day! -More Specific Info To Come (see Announcements for 9th and 11th activities)
Annual Grade Level IB/4 Year College Bound Meeting
Junior: Wednesday, September 11th
Sophomore: Wednesday, September 18th
Freshman: Wednesday, October 9th
The annual college/IB/ICAP meetings are specifically focused on the requirements, deadlines of the IB Diploma, the IB/ICAP program, and the college application process for attending a four-year college. Ms. Nino-Sears (IB Coordinator)/Ms Galvan (Counselor) and Ms. Ignaitis/Ms Yeager (College/Career Counselors) present specific information and a different focus for each grade.
Meetings are for students and parents.
All GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS will be:
- Presented in person (English speaking in Carrington Hall)
Presented separately for Spanish speaking parents/guardians in the MPR
SLIDES will be Posted on the SHS College and Career website
Links will be available in the Weekly Newsletter
CSF Applications Period Now Open for SPRING 2024 Grades
DUE: Sept 16th by 3:45pm – Don’t Wait! No Late Exceptions!
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) emphasizes high standards of scholarship and community service for California high school students. For families that do not know about CSF, it is basically a state-wide honor roll organization. The word scholarship has to do with academic performance NOT SCHOLARSHIP MONEY.
You must be a member at LEAST one semester of your senior year to be a Life Member!
For applications, class lists, help completing the form, and general information about the CSF organization please visit the College and Career Center’s CSF webpage or pick up a packet in the bin outside of the College and Career Center
Directions and deadline for submitted Spring 2024 CSF Applications - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
DIRECTIONS:
Only students can complete and submit the application to Ms. Yeager in the College and Career Center/Room 115 from August 26th-September 16th by 3:45pm
The submitted application packet must include:
1. A completed CSF application
2. $5.00 application fee in cash or a check made payable to Sequoia High School
3. A copy of the previous semester report card or transcript- A transcript can be obtained through a student’s Infinite Campus account (report tab).
Please DO NOT GO TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE FOR YOUR TRANSCRIPT!
STUDENTS - if you need help, have questions, or have an issue paying please come by the College and Career Center WE will help you!
Are you feeling anxiety?
The Teen Wellness Center is offering Flex Session to help you cope.
Complete the 2024-2025 Meal Application
We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.
Needs to be completed every year!
PSAT Information for Juniors - More Information to Come
OCTOBER 23th
Sequoia will be administering the DIGITAL PSAT to our juniors on Oct 23rd from 830-12:00
This is a new format.
Students must use their Sequoia Issued Chromebook
The Digital PSAT uses the Bluebook app and it has been installed on ALL school issued Chromebooks.
Students will register in their English class on October 4th.
If you do not have a WORKING school issued Chromebook, you will need to get one. COMPLETE THIS FORM NOW
College Day for Freshmen
When: Wednesday October 23, 2024
- Meet in Gym 1 by 8:15am
- Dress comfortably, bring layers and a water bottle.
Where: TBA but past schools have included UC Berkeley, San Jose State, University of San Francisco, Sonoma State, San Francisco State, University of the Pacific, or Santa Clara University
What: All Sequoia freshmen will visit a Bay Area College Campus.
Make sure your permission slips (google form) are submitted online or to Room 115 (College & Career Center) today!
English or Spanish paper permission slips
Go here to see if you have already submitted a permission slip for your student: List of Submitted Permission Slips
Edgenuity Lab is open!
Students completing Edgenuity credit recovery online courses for graduation and/or UC/CSU A-G requirements are required to take unit tests and cumulative tests in the Edgenuity lab in-person. The lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4pm-6pm in Room B-8 with Mr. Calles. The deadline for seniors is May 30, 2025.
College Visits and Beyond and How to Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia Signing Up for a College Visit at Sequoia High – READ CAREFULLY
HOW TO SIGN UP
NEED HELP
How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia
If you get the email below with the subject Visit Reminder, that is not confirmation that you are signed up for a college visit, it is an invitation to go to Naviance and sign-up.
SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE VISITS
Lafayette College
Mon Sept 9
7:45 AM
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Tue Sept 10
9:30 AM
Santa Clara University
Tue Sept 10
10:30 AM
University of Southern California
Tue Sept 10
11:15 AM
Gettysburg College
Wed Sept 11
7:45 AM
University of Puget Sound
Wed Sept 11
8:30 AM
University of the Pacific
Wed Sept 11
11:15 AM
Macalester College
Thu Sept 12
11:15 AM
Clark University
Thu Sept 12
2:00 PM
Oberlin College
Mon Sept 16
7:45 AM
Pace University
Mon Sept 16
8:30 AM
Saint Mary's College of California
Mon Sept 16
10:30 AM
Reed College
Mon Sept 16
11:15 AM
Southern Oregon University
Tue Sept 17, 2024 10:30 AM
Seton Hall University
Tue Sept 17, 2024 12:15 PM
Binghamton University
Tue Sept 17, 2024 1:00 PM
University of Denver
Fri Sept 20, 2024 7:45 AM
College of the Holy Cross
Fri Sept 20, 2024 8:30 AM
Temple University Japan
Fri Sept 20, 2024 11:15 AM
“8 of the Best Colleges” Small Liberal Arts Colleges
Two In Person Presentations: Sept 11th & 12th
Learn about 8 Highly Selective Liberal Arts Colleges at one event.
Claremont McKenna, Colorado College, Connecticut, Grinnell, Haverford, Kenyon, Macalester, and Sarah Lawrence College will be hosting an informational meeting for students and parents.
For more information and a full list of presentations CLICK HERE
A great opportunity to learn about small liberal arts colleges!
Bowdoin Basics for Students and Families
Get to know Bowdoin in a virtual information session hosted by an admissions officer. There will be time for students and parents to ask questions on everything from academic and career opportunities, to campus life, living in coastal Maine, and more.
University of Notre Dame's Office of Undergraduate Admissions
September 11th
The University of Notre Dame's Office of Undergraduate Admissions will be hosting ND on the Road events in your area.
These events will include information on academic, community, and spiritual life at the University of Notre Dame, as well as insights into the admissions and financial aid processes.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Bellarmine College Preparatory
960 W Hedding St
San Jose, CA
Registration for the ND on the Road events is available here.
Reed College Admissions Reception
Sat Sept 14th 4-6pm
San Francisco
Are you interested in learning more about Reed? We invite you to join us for a reception. Meet your regional admission counselor, learn about how to apply to Reed and meet other students in your area interested in the college. Go here to register and learn more.
Virtual meeting with representatives from Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley, and Yale.
Sunday, September 15
Sunday, October 6
Attending a virtual session is a great way to learn more about these schools.
Go here to sign-up for the meeting.
National Virtual Fair - NACAC
Sept 15th
NACAC Virtual Fairs provide students and families the opportunity to connect with college representatives, learn about the admissions process, and discover financial aid and scholarship opportunities. These sessions support all students, including seniors who may still be weighing their college options. Click on the links below to register.
For More INFORMATION and Links to Registration
(scroll down a little and click tab VIRTUAL next to In Person tab)
Interested in Applying to a Military Academy?
Fiat Lux at UC Berkeley Information Session
Sept 18th
The Fiat Lux Scholarship creates opportunities for resilient students with unique life experiences to make a profound impact at the University of California, Berkeley.
Established for high-achieving students from partner high schools in California, the scholarship provides monetary, community, and academic support to UC Berkeley students.
WEBSITE for information session
Best of Boston: Boston University, Northeastern University, and Tufts University
Best of Boston: College Application Process
Thursday, September 19
7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Register here.
The College Application Process event will walk you through the application process and advise you on how to showcase your accomplishments to universities, while keeping stress to a minimum.
Explore John Hopkins - The First Research Institution in the US
September 21st and 22nd
Students, and their families are invited to Explore Hopkins, where you’ll learn what makes Hopkins unique, our generous financial aid program, the Blue Jay experience on campus and in Baltimore, and how we set our students up for success in the real world.
In this hour-long presentation, we will also share tips for supporting your students throughout the application process. At the end of the presentation, guests will have the chance to ask questions during the Q&A portion
Register for San Francisco - Sept 21
Register for Santa Clara - Sept 22
MIT Visits You! - In Person Event
September 21st
The MIT admissions team will be on the road (and online) this fall to help any students who might be a good fit for MIT. Sessions will go over: Preparing for MIT, Making MIT affordable, and Applying to MIT
Register: San Jose Information Session
Saturday, September 21 at 1:00 PM
San Jose, CA
Bowdoin Basics for Students and Families
Get to know Bowdoin in a virtual information session hosted by an admissions officer. There will be time for students and parents to ask questions on everything from academic and career opportunities, to campus life, living in coastal Maine, and more.
The Importance of Getting Involved
From Simple Studies
The first step to getting involved
Learn about all the organizations your school has to offer! This can seem really daunting at first, but most organizations post recruitment flyers in the hallways. Use these as a chance to learn about all of the organizations available. When looking at organizations, try to pick ones that best fit your interests whether that be music, art, history, debate, competitions, etc. Sequoia’s Club Day is on Friday September 15th at lunch.
Why getting involved is important:
Prevent burnout - the feeling of exhaustion that comes with the same old school routine. Many students find themselves burnt out when they do not get involved because all they do is go to school, come home and do homework, and then repeat the process all over again 5 days a week for 10 months a year.
You can meet new people. Getting involved is an excellent way to meet new friends and gain new experiences. Most people shudder at the thought of social interaction, but I promise the second you start to feel like you belong within your organization, you’ll meet so many new people and even develop some new friendships!
It'll help your college and scholarship applications. Colleges search for well-rounded applicants with a diverse resume. Someone involved in volleyball, student council, and STEM club is more likely to get accepted than someone who simply just went to school everyday. The same goes for scholarships!
Become a leader: Lastly, organizations are a great way to develop your leadership skills! From lending a helping hand on a service project your freshman year to leading the organization in a leadership position, getting involved is an excellent tool for personal growth. Whether you’re a shy or outgoing freshman, there are opportunities for everyone to grow as a person and develop their leadership skills within their school and community.
Whole article available here.
Signing up for testing
As you are considering different schools to apply to, make sure to check out their testing policies. If you need or want to take a test, it is your responsibility to sign-up and register for the tests.
Use these links below to sign-up for the SAT or ACT:
Monthly SHS Scholarships & Student Opportunities Lists
Click HERE to go directly to the Sequoia High School website for the most updated scholarship and student opportunities lists. How to Access Scholarships on Naviance (9-12th Grades)
If you find a scholarship you are interested in and want the link to the website or more information be sure to log in to your Naviance account, under the College tab, click on Scholarships and Money, then Scholarship list, and put the name of the scholarship in the search box, then click on the name of the scholarship.
California Freethought Day Essay and Video Scholarships
DUE: September 10th
ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th
Two Separate Scholarships
ESSAY Scholarship - How we can protect our democracy from becoming a theocracy and unite against religious bigotry $1000.00
VIDEO Scholarship: How can we protect our democracy from becoming a theocracy and unite against religious bigotry? $750.00
Digital Responsibility: Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
Due Sept 30th
Eligible Grades: 9-12th
This scholarship helps students understand the risks of texting while driving. 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because... Must be US Citizen or Legal Resident
Resume Bootcamps at Boys and Girls Club
- Sept 10, 4:45-6pm: EPA Clubhouse - Resume Bootcamps
- Sept 12, 4:45-6pm: RWC Clubhouse - Resume Bootcamps
Email Lilliana Chisler lchisler@bgcp.org to find out more
Tobacco Education Coalition - Youth Advisory Group
Due:9/16/2024
Grades Eligible: 9-12th
Get involved with a youth advisory group educating the impact of teen smoking. Headed by
San Mateo County Office of Education: Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE)
NorthCal First Alarm Girls Fire Camp
Two Day Camp
Due: 9/21/2024
Eligible Grades: 9-12th
Wonder what it is like to be a firefighter? ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 9-12th Girls & Nonbinary Experience being a firefighter with hands-on, two-day weekend program taught by professional female firefighters. WEBSITE
Health Science Immersion Program (HSIP)
Due: 9/28/2024
Grades Eligible:9-12th
9 Saturday afternoons via Zoom, high school students gain an introduction to the health sciences field. Students will hear from graduate students, research professors, and various health professionals as they learn more about the health sciences' academic, research, and professional components. They'll also have the opportunity to take workshops on various topics like college admissions and work on a group research project. WEBSITE
National Alliance on Mental Illness San Mateo County (NAMI) Youth Advisor Council
FIRST MEETING OCT 1st - Apply ASAP
ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 15-21 Years Old
NAMI's Youth Advisory Council will be starting soon and we are looking for youths who are interested in advocating for mental health and organizing events to destigmatize mental health conversations and topics Residents and able to commit to one hour every other week for YAC meetings for one year, virtually with occasional in-person meetings.WEBSITE
Boys and Girls Club Student Success Program
DUE: ASAP
ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-10th
Receive guidance toward achieving your goals. Personal mentor and academic support. Residents and able to commit to one hour every other week for YAC meetings for one year, virtually with occasional in-person meetings. Flier below and in College and Career Center
Civic Service Fellowship
Can Apply All Year
All Grades
Rhizome, a nonprofit organization built by and for students, is offering a community service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunity through their Civic Service Fellowship. Their website includes info on how the Fellowship boosts mental health determinants, leadership skills, and community connectedness while making an impact and receiving service hours. Check it out if you’re interested in civics, service leadership, or learning how to make a genuine impact.
MIT Open CourseWare
Grades: 9th-12th
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free and open collection of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum. No registration. WEBSITE
Saturday Homework and Tutor Help at the Boys & Girls Club
Dates for the first semester of the year. LUNCH INCLUDED!
San Mateo County Historical Association
Available All Year
Eligible Grades:9-12th
The San Mateo County Historical Association offers a number of free public programs throughout the year for Lunar New Year, Happy San Mateo County Day, Fourth of July (half-price admission), Victorian Days, Día de los Muertos, and Hometown Holidays. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with craft activities and gallery monitoring for these events. Interested students can email carmen@historysmc.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities. WEBSITE
Marine Mammal Center Youth Crew
Due: 9/18/2024
Eligible Ages:15-18 years old
8-month service-learning program is for high school students aged 15-18 in the San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in working with marine mammals and educating the public about important ocean conservation topics.
Email youthcrew@tmmc.org if you have any questions. WEBSITE
Virtual Information Session (50 people max)
September 12 | 5:00pm-6:00pm | RSVP
Project Read - Redwood City Library Volunteer Opportunities
Project Read has some upcoming training for teens who would like to volunteer on
September 10th
October 8
This is a great opportunity for SHS students to be matched with a younger student to tutor once or twice a week.
If interested contact:
Email - rclread@redwoodcity.org
Phone- 650 780-7077
For more information go to their website and scroll down to the Teen Volunteer Section.
(Flier in College and Career Center)
City Trees Volunteer Opportunities
CityTrees loves working with volunteers from our community. The easiest way to volunteer with CityTrees is to sign up for an upcoming event.
There are opportunities all year round
Camp Volunteer Opportunities at Marine Science Institute
ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th Grade
There are both year around and summer volunteer opportunities at the Marine Science Institute. This is a great place for volunteers interested in science to help younger students learn about science.
Friends of the Redwood City Library
Eligible Grades:9-12th
Volunteer to staff the Bookstore in the Downtown Library. This requires a 2-hour per week commitment. Volunteers chat with customers and accept payment. There are Saturday shifts plus shifts from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 in the afternoon/evenings. WEBSITE
Girls That Code - Online Activities
They “release activities bi-weekly— some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.” Click here for more information
Volunteer Ronald McDonald House Charities
Help families able to stay close to their sick children
Families with critically ill children are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. By helping us keep our programs running smoothly, hosting in-kind drives or fundraisers, and spreading the word, you make it possible for families to keep their focus on their children
Year long opportunities to volunteer
For more information, click here for their website
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers, 16 years old and older, to help at our construction site in Daly City. If you are curious about Habitat and how you can get involved, we are holding informational sessions to provide a glimpse of our work. In these sessions, you can also expect to hear about the Covid-19 protocols currently in place to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Click Here for more information on how to volunteer
Types of Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs
Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable.
Check out this video to learn about federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs and how they can help fund your education.
Grants
A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available, including:
Pell Grants,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG),
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.
Scholarships
Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.
Work-Study Jobs
The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on
when you apply,
your level of financial need, and
your school’s funding level.
Loans
A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.
California Kids Investment & Development Savings Program "CalKIDS"
CalKIDS was launched in 2022 to help California children save for post-secondary education including college or career training . Low-income families and disadvantaged communities are encouraged to take advantage of this program.
To check for eligibility and to learn more, please visit: www.calkids.org
FAFSA
Two and four-year college bound seniors, complete this Free Application for Federal Student Aid online today regardless of your family income.
Go here to learn more.
CA Dream Act
California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students to receive certain types of financial aid funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and cal grants.
Go here to learn more.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by nearly 290 private colleges and some public university scholarship programs to award non-federal aid.
Go here to learn more.
Part-time Grader Assistants Needed San Carlos Math and Reading Center Kumon Tutoring Center
ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGE: Juniors and Seniors
$17.00 hour Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work approximately 6 - 8 hours per week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Ideal part time job for high school or college students. Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
If interested email qualifications and resume to kumonsancarlos@gmail.com
Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center
ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 16yr+ (Must have own transportation)
Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!
Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.
If interested, please apply online
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun and talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!
ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 15yr+
Part-time work is available teaching after-school group Piano Classes at local elementary schools, as well as private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online. Pay is $60/hour for group classes and $45/hour for private lessons. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Past Newsletters
August 25-31, 2024 ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING: Grade Level 4YR College/IB Meeting, CSF Applications Open, College Day for Freshmen, COLLEGE TIP: Visiting Colleges is a Great Way to Figure Out What Type of College Is Best for You!
ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING: Grade Level 4YR College/IB Meeting, PSAT for Juniors
COLLEGE TIP: What Did You Do Over the Summer? Did You Receive Any Awards Last Spring? Reflect on Who You Are as an Applicant While Updating Your Naviance Resume
COLLEGE TIP: The Importance of Getting Involved, STANDARDIZED TESTING: Research Potential School, FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: Types of Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs, CalKIDS
Sequoia High School College & Career Center