College & Career Centers Updates

As we head into the final month of the semester, we’re here to support students and families in wrapping up the year on a high note! For seniors, this is the last stretch to complete college applications, with UC and CSU deadlines on December 2nd—aim to submit early to avoid last-minute issues. Remember, our College Application Workshops are available for extra guidance.

With finals approaching, we encourage students to take care of themselves by practicing mindfulness and managing stress in healthy ways. Winter Break is just around the corner, so stay focused and make these last days count!

Key Dates - No School:

• Winter Break: December 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Wishing everyone good luck on finals and a joyful, restful holiday season!

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CADAA (California Dream Act Application) for the 2025-2026 academic year are set to open on December 1st! These applications are vital for seniors planning to pursue college, career training, or trade schools and seeking financial assistance to help cover costs.

What’s the Difference?

• FAFSA: For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Completing FAFSA gives you access to federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.
  Start your FAFSA here.

• CADAA: For undocumented students meeting AB 540 requirements. CADAA provides access to California state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and institutional aid.
  Start your CADAA here.

Who Can Apply?

• FAFSA: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with eligible immigration status.
• CADAA: Undocumented students, DACA recipients, and other non-citizens meeting AB 540 criteria.

Why Apply?

• Access grants like the Cal Grant (free money for college).
• Qualify for low-interest federal loans.
• Be considered for work-study programs and other institutional aid.

Simplify Your Financial Aid Process with CaliforniaColleges.edu

Starting December 1st, you can launch your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application) directly through CaliforniaColleges.edu.

Benefits of Using CaliforniaColleges.edu for Financial Aid:

• Tracking: Track whether you have launched and completed your FAFSA or Dream Act Application.
• Cal Grant GPA: See whether or not your school district has submitted your Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission.
• Deadline Reminders: Stay on top of important dates and avoid missing out.
• Funding Opportunities: Access resources to explore and maximize financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Deadlines

The priority deadline is March 2, 2025, but applying early ensures you don’t miss out on available funds.

Need help? Visit the College & Career Center for support or to attend a financial aid workshop (dates TBD)! Let’s ensure every student gets the resources they deserve to achieve their educational goals.

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.

Exciting news! The Spring Early College Program (ECP) schedule is now available, and students can sign up for dual enrollment classes to earn college credits. Most courses are UC and CSU transferable, allowing students to jumpstart their college journey while still in high school!

Benefits of Dual Enrollment:

• Get ahead on General Education (GE) requirements
• Explore career pathways with courses in Finance, Legal Office Assistant, Allied Health, Architecture/Construction/Engineering (ACES), Child Development, Computer Information Systems, and more
• Save on college costs by earning credits early
• Gain real college experience to ease the transition after high school

Don’t miss this chance to accelerate your path to success! Check out the schedule and sign up for classes today!

View the Class Schedule Here!

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:

• Carpenters Union Training Center: February 19, 2025
• LA Trade Tech College: February 27, 2025
• Pasadena City College: March 21, 2025

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

• Reflect on your first semester: What went well, and what can you improve?
• Update your activity log with extracurricular activities and achievements.
• Continue exploring clubs, sports, or volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
• Practice time management and organizational skills to prepare for the spring semester.
• Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your goals and plans for next semester.
• Consider attending any available career exploration workshops or webinars.
• Explore summer programs or camps that align with your interests. Applications for some open in January.
• Read books or articles related to your hobbies, interests, or potential careers to expand your knowledge.

Resources:

• VIA Strengths Assessment: authentichappiness.org
• Explore Careers: My Next Move

10th Grade

• Review your semester grades and create goals for the new semester.
• Deepen involvement in clubs, activities, or leadership roles.
• Update your activity log with any new accomplishments.
• Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss next year’s course options (e.g., honors/AP classes).
• Explore summer opportunities like camps, internships, or enrichment programs that open in January.
• Research local college tours you can attend during spring or summer.
• Read about potential careers or majors to identify areas of interest.

Resources:

• Career Interest Assessment: O*NET Interest Profiler
• Find Summer Opportunities: TeenLife

11th Grade

• Reflect on first-semester grades and plan for improvement if needed. Junior year grades are critical.
• Update your activity log with accomplishments and leadership roles.
• Research colleges online and make a preliminary list of schools to explore further.
• Begin planning spring college visits if possible.
• Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your college list, course options, and testing plans.
• Register for a spring ACT or SAT, if not done already, and begin preparing with practice tests.
• Start looking into scholarships with January/February deadlines.
• Athletes: Ensure your courses meet NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
• Begin brainstorming ideas for your personal statement.

Resources:

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

12th Grade

• Finalize any Regular Decision applications by early January. Double-check all requirements, including test scores, essays, and transcripts.
• Confirm your FAFSA and CSS Profile have been submitted for financial aid consideration.
• Follow up with recommenders to ensure your letters of recommendation were sent.
• Check for scholarships with deadlines in January/February and submit applications.
• Prepare for spring admissions decisions by planning visits to accepted schools.
• If deferred or waitlisted, draft letters of continued interest to update schools on achievements.
• Review housing and meal plan options for colleges you’re considering.

Resources:

• FAFSA: fafsa.gov
• Scholarships: Fastweb

As a California public school student, your child may qualify for a CalKIDS scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,500 to help fund their college or career training.

This scholarship, funded by the State of California, can be used for a variety of education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, computer equipment, and even certain room and board costs.

Checking your child’s eligibility is quick and easy—it only takes a minute! Simply have their 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) ready, which you can find on PowerSchool or your transcripts.

To learn more and see if your child qualifies, visit CalKIDS.org.

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