College & Career Newsletter

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

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

February 6th - CSF Form Due

March 12th - SAVE THE DATE - Junior Meeting for Students Applying to Schools that Need Letters of Recommendations and/or a School Report

April 23th - School Day SAT - SEE JUNIOR SECTION for Sign-up Information

Due February 6th

Seniors Must Turn in CSF Application During Your Senior Year to Be Eligible for Life Membership

DIRECTIONS

• The application must be completed and turned in by the STUDENT ONLY!

• Go to the College and Career’s CSF webpage for application form, course list, and more information or pick up a copy outside of the College and Career Center

• Applications must be turned in by Thursday, February 6th.

• NO Late Applications, NO Exceptions! Please complete it early!

• If you need help completing the application form, come to College and Career Center at lunch

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.

Many students begin their college search by setting a limit on how far away from home they want to be. This might be an easy way to narrow the many options out there, but it doesn't mean you'll find the best colleges for you. Keep your mind open. Ask yourself questions like these:

• How close to home do I want to be? Close enough for meals and laundry, to visit on weekends, or to only come home on breaks?

• Do I want to stick to an environment I'm used to or try something new?

• If I look just a little farther─ a few more miles or another half hour away─ what are other opportunities open to me ?

• Am I staying close because I think it will be less expensive? Could some out-of-state schools be more affordable?

• Am I more comfortable in a rural, urban , or suburban setting?

• Do I prefer a warm or cold climate? What if I want to enjoy all the seasons?

Step-by-Step College Search Instructions

Appily College Search Engine

College Data Search Engine

INTEREST FORM DUE: Feb 3rd

Are you interested in a nationally recognized program where students run a city government?

From Boys State Website

The American Legion California Boys State Program offers a hands-on, realistic experience in civic responsibility to young men prior to entering their senior year of high school. As our leaders of tomorrow, we attempt to instill in them the privileges and duties of American citizenship

THE PROCESS

1. Interested junior males/females complete this form using your school email

2. Students will be interviewed

3. The representative will choose one student who will quickly need to complete an application

4. If chosen, the student needs to be available from June 21-28 for the conference

We have had students attend this program and they love it (it is not political and very welcoming to all)

The Boys and Girls State Program Take Place Simultaneously

BOYS STATE WEBSITE

GIRLS STATE WEBSITE

MONDAY Feb 10th

On Monday, February 10, from 6:00-7:15 p.m. in the Community Room at the downtown Redwood City Library, Alice Kleeman will resume her free library college-admission info sessions.

This will be my first 2025 session for current high school juniors, and we’ll talk about creating a college list. If the students indicate that they want more sessions (which they have done every year since I began doing this in 2015), I hope to offer an open-ended Q&A session in March.

The session is for high school juniors only, not students at other grade levels or parents. Students who plan to attend must pre-register:

Our past students find her sessions invaluable and she is FREE!

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:

College Board

ACT

• Your 504 or IEP accommodations are not covered for outside testing.
• If you want accommodations for the SAT or ACT, you need to request them separately through the College Board or ACT.
• It is the responsibility of the families to research and provide all necessary documentation since these tests are not associated with Sequoia.
• While families can submit their documentation on their own, Sequoia can also complete the final submission step. For more information about this process, go to our website: The College Board Process for SAT/PSAT and The Process for ACT

Updated February lists are now NOW AVAILABLE.

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.

Scholarship DUE: February 16th

ELIGIBLE GRADE/AGE: Must be at least 17, prefer Juniors

Scholarships for high school juniors that are interested in aviation. The scholarship provides both the ground and flight training necessary to obtain a private pilot license. The training mainly occurs in the summer

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply

Due: Feb 7th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

SparkPrintz, an LA-based custom apparel company is currently accepting applications for our Spring 2025 Sales and Marketing Internship for high school students.

Throughout this 4-week program, we provide training, growth sessions, networking events, and the opportunity to apply to be a more permanent member of our team after the course of their internship! All grade levels are welcome to apply and no prior experience is needed, we are just looking for passionate and driven individuals who are looking to expand their skill set for the future. The program is completely remote, therefore it is both flexible and convenient for the students' schedule, and is a great opportunity to connect with others across the country.

DUE: Feb 10th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

2 workshops over the course of two weeks via Zoom that are focused on the topic of career exploration. This program is open to any high school student that is interested and is a completely free opportunity. WEBSITE

Summer Program

Due: Feb 14th

Grades Eligible: 11-12th

This summer program provides one-on-one mentorship with health care providers and researchers, along with access to unique workshops, seminars, trainings, simulations, and networking opportunities. The overall goal of the program is to stimulate interest in health sciences for under-represented students, arming them with professional skills and confidence, thereby improving their likelihood of success in STEM careers. (must be at least 16 yrs old) WEBSITE

Summer program, 8 weeks

Due: Feb 15th

16yrs or older

Hands-on lab work. Real research in a genuine lab setting. Wide range of research choices From engineering to health — and almost everything in between. Receive up to a $2,500 stipend for your efforts. 16 or older, U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. WEBSITE

Summer

Due: Feb 16th

Grade Eligible: 11th

The CURE Internship is a paid opportunity for high school juniors underrepresented in health careers to spend two months at UCSF supporting various types of research. WEBSITE

• Theme: A Walk through the Marshes with Cafe Ohlone
• Event Registration Link: bit.ly/febstsat25
• When: Saturday, February 22nd from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Where: Coyote Hills Regional Park
• Cost: FREE (free lunch and snacks will be provided)
• Description: Join Cafe Ohlone co-founders and chefs Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino and The Marine Mammal Center as we take a walk through the marshes, build our own miniature tule boats, and taste some pickleweed. Learn about Ohlone language, culture, and history; how the Ohlone people use shoreline plants; and the importance of diversifying our diet and material choices to support humans and animals long term. Our hope is that you leave this event knowing more about Ohlone culture, as well as what you can do to conserve local ecosystems and traditions.
• We sign community service hours for youth if needed!

Summer program, 8 weeks

Due: Feb 22nd

16 yrs or older

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program in which high school students with a broad range of experiences, interests and backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students and helping students to understand how scientific research is performed. US Citizen or Permanent Resident to Apply. There is a $40 application fee to apply. The application fee will be waived if your gross family income is under $80,000 or if you have special circumstances that make it difficult to pay. If you need to waive the fee, you can indicate this on the online application. WEBSITE

Virtual Spring

Due: Feb 23rd

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. Free if qualify for Family Guidelines for Free or Reduced Lunch Program WEBSITE

Summer

Due: Feb 24th

Grades Eligible:10-11th

Participants will gain clinical skills and knowledge across a wide variety of specialties as well as insights to help plan for a career in medicine. Rising juniors and seniors (must be 16 yrs old at the start of the program). There is an application fee of $95.00 (fee waiver if qualify for Family Guidelines for Free or Reduced Lunch Program) WEBSITE

Summer program, 6 weeks

Due: Feb 24th

Rising juniors or seniors

High school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty. No cost. U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. $50.00 Application Fee - Can ask for waiver if family makes 80K or less or has a special circumstance. WEBSITE

Due: Feb 25th

Grades Eligible: 11th

Free, college empowerment program for high achieving Latino high school juniors. Highly selective program designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks. WEBSITE

Volunteer

all year

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

To sign up to volunteer, visit our website by selecting one of the following options: Sort food at our warehouses, Distribute food to community members - Distribution sites are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley,

Deliver food to homes – Load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. You must be 18 years old to volunteer for this activity. WEBSITE

ELIGIBLE AGES: 14+

DPS Rescue is searching for new volunteers for our biweekly events in Palo Alto! We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds, ages 14+, and offer community service credits/sign-offs if needed. Complete form on their WEBSITE.

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

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)

Before you finalize your college list, make sure you and your parents are in sync about paying for college. Here are a few tips to help you and your parents have a productive discussion.

Why a “college money talk” is important

It’s important to get on the same page with your parents about what paying for college will look like for you and your family—and, if possible, to do so before you start applying to colleges.

You don’t want to waste time applying to (and falling in love with) colleges that are well beyond your family’s budget or will require you to take out more in loans than you can afford. Even if you think your family can pay for all your college expenses, it’s still a good idea to talk with them about their financial picture and their expectations, so there are no unpleasant surprises or disagreements when you receive your acceptances.

Having the “money talk” with your parents can help you work together as a family to find college funding solutions that work for everyone.

Where will money for college come from? Some questions to ask

According to Gerna Benz, a college funding consultant with Bay Area College Planners, the college money discussion should come down to a few key questions:

• How much can my parents afford and are willing to contribute to the cost of college each year?

• How much do my parents expect me to contribute to the cost of my college education?

• Do my parents expect me to take out student loans?

Understand the cost of college

After you have an idea of your parents’ ability and willingness to help pay for college and any conditions, limitations and expectations that might be attached, the next step is to begin to figure out what college might ultimately cost for you each year.

• Review costs at different schools. Start by looking up the Cost of Attendance (COA) for each college you’re considering using CollegeData’s college profiles, or on the college’s website. It’s important to understand all the costs associated with a college education. While tuition is a large part of the cost, there are other costs including books and supplies, transportation, housing and meals, and miscellaneous expenses.

• Consider all four years of college. “What college costs today is generally not what it’s going to cost for four years,” explains Jolly. “Costs can go up an average of 5% to 6% per year.” Some colleges offer a “tuition freeze”, which keeps tuition the same for all four years, but this doesn’t necessarily freeze all college costs. According to Jolly, ”Your meal plan goes up, your dorm fees go up, and you need to factor that in.”

Full article available here

What is the Difference between Game Design and Game Development? From Gameplan

Game Development and Game Design are two critically important aspects of making a game that go hand in hand with each other. The creative skills of game design can involve writing engaging stories, forming interesting characters, creating rough level designs from concept art, describing and making core gameplay mechanics, and more.
The technical skills of a game developer, also known in the industry as a game programmer, include the knowledge and use of programming languages and game engines to implement the designer’s mechanics properly, adding functionality to an artist’s completed work that a player will experience.

Careers in Game Development and Game Design

Here are just a few of the many different positions you can find within the industry:

Gameplay designer: Every mechanic in the gameplay itself is thought of by the gameplay designers. They are responsible for the core gameplay experience - how fast your character is, how dangerous the enemies are and how you win the game are all factors that are decided and refined by the gameplay designers.

Gameplay programmer: Once the gameplay designers have devised an in-game mechanic, the gameplay programmer will use their technical expertise to see it function as intended.

AI Programmer: Non-player characters (known as NPCs) can be a vital element to many different kinds of video games. Whenever you see a computer controlled component try to beat you in a racing game, or an enemy try to take you down in a fighting game, that is an example of an artificial intelligence programmer’s work.

UX Designer: Short for user experience, a UX designer’s job is to make sure that a game is pleasant and easy to interact with.

QA tester: The primary role of a QA tester, or a Quality Assurance Tester, is to discover and thoroughly report any issues they experience whilst playing the game. They look to find bugs in the game and figure out vital information about them so that the development team can fix it. VFX Artist: VFX stands for visual effects. Unlike graphics programmers who bring the looks of a character to life, or make the world appear exactly as the game designers want, VFX artists work on the finer details.

Animator: Animator's primary role is to take the in-game assets created by the 2D and 3D modeling artists and bring them to life.

Here are two steps to consider in high school to prepare for a career in gaming :

1. Learn Programming

• Languages to Focus On: Start with languages commonly used in game development, such as C++, C#, and Python.

Free Resources: Girls Who Code Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or Coursera to find beginner courses.

Must be 16 or older to apply

San Carlos Parks and Recreation is looking for individuals who are passionate about giving back to the community, motivated, enthusiastic, and responsible. Engage a fun and positive leadership experience while also having the opportunity to make an impact on kid’s lives. Come join our Parks and Recreation staff as a Recreation Leaders I/II or Program Coordinator in our Summer Camp Programs! Learn more and apply today at https://www.calopps.org/city-of-san-carlos

Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking to hire part-time sales associates. Students usually work 6-10 hours a week, after school and on Saturdays. Sports experience is nice but not a must and no work experience is required. Tasks will include customer service, inventory management and assistance with custom decoration. For more information or to apply contact Brent Goetz, brent@goetzsports.com or 650-366-4082

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

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

CaliforniaColleges.edu provides free college and career planning tools for California public school students and educators, including an academic planner where students can track their A-G completion status and admission eligibility for UC and CSU. CaliforniaColleges.edu also allows students to easily launch and track their applications to UC campuses and for financial aid. Keeping all this information in one place makes the college application process easier and smoother, not only for students, but for their school districts and the campuses to which they are applying.

If you didn’t register for an account last year- see the slide below to register

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!

Dec 8-14, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: What are the Best Techniques to Help Students Manage Stress? JUNIORS: SAT School Day Sign-up, FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: Sticker Price vs. What You'll Actually Pay

Dec 15-21, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: There Are Organizations Out There That Need Your Help! CAREER: All about Trade Apprenticeships

Dec 22, 2024-Jan 11, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: It's Not Too Late to Get Involved, FINANCIAL AID: How to Apply to Scholarships, JUNIORS: Sign Up for School Day SAT

SECOND SEMESTER

Jan 12-18, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: Reflect on Who You Are as an Applicant While Updating Your Naviance Resume CAREER: Career in Radiology

Jan 19-25, 2025 COLLEGE TIP- Consider Out of State Colleges, Deadline for Juniors to sign up for Sequoia's School Day SAT

Jan 26-Feb 1, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: Top Priorities in Choosing a College - From College Vine CAREER: Careers in Gaming