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:

March 5th - 9-11th Financial Aid Evening for Parents and Students

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

March 5th 7pm

Please join us on zoom for an informative presentation about college affordability and financial aid on March 5 at 7:00 pm. The presentation will go over the basics of completing the FAFSA/CADAA, college costs, need and merit based aid, and more. The information will be also be presented in Spanish.

English Meeting ID: 933 3097 6617 Pass Code: 242415

Spanish Meeting ID: 929 7370 4386

Or

English Link

Spanish Zoom Link

Different branches of the military would love to provide a presentation on Career Opportunities, Travel and Education exploration for both part time and full time. Those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up at the College and Career classroom.

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.

What's a National College Fair?

• Free and open to the public, National College Fairs are the perfect place to kick off your college search.
• Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college.
• Explore your options. Each fair draws representatives from 175 to 400 colleges. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe.
• Ask questions. What’s college life like? What majors are popular on campus? Chatting with representatives from a variety of colleges can help you cement your own preferences.

Register for February 16 HERE

Register for March 23 HERE

Register for April 27 HERE

February 25: The Secrets of Financial Aid. 8 p.m. ET

Admissions and financial aid counselors from Ithaca College, Mount Holyoke College, Northwestern University, and the University of South Carolina will break down the basics of financial aid. Learn about key terms, essential forms like the FAFSA, and how the process works so you can prepare ahead of time. This session is perfect for those just starting on the college search process who are looking for tips on the best ways to make college affordable. Bring your questions and leave feeling confident about the steps you can take now to set yourself up for success.

Register →

No matter what time of year, it’s always a great idea to enter contests and have a chance to win a prize or award for something you care about. We often work with students who say they want to be writers, artists or engineers but don’t show that interest by entering contests. Contests are also a great way to show that you care about a topic or issue and choose to spend your time doing something about it. Some contests are simple, only requiring 140 characters or designing a poster. Two contests students can enter now are listed in our Contest Section: World of 8 Billion Video Contest and Ninth Circuit Civics Contest.

If you need a transcript sent to a summer program, request in Naviance.

DIRECTIONS:

“Colleges” tab on the top of the homepage

Scroll down to “manage transcripts” (Under Applying to College)

Click the red button “Plus”

And then click “Other transcripts”

Finally, complete the information needed for the transcript request.

THERE is a 5 School Day turn around to send the transcripts, so plan accordingly!

If you are the official registered list for the SAT School Day on April 23rd at Sequoia, you received an email on February 12th with your next steps.

No other students can be added at this time but you can email tyeager@seq.org if you'd like to be on the waitlist.

If you took the PSAT in the Fall, you may have created a Big Future app account to see your PSAT Scores. This is the not the same as a College Board Account. If you will be taking the SAT, make sure to create a College Board Account.

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 list is NOW AVAILABLE. The March list is a work in progress so check back for updates.

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.

Due: March 5th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Create a 60 seconds video about Global Challenges. This year's topic: Explain how population growth impacts one of the following global topics and offer an idea for a sustainable solution. The global topics are: Child Wellbeing, Rainforest Ecosystems, or Sanitation WEBSITE

Due: March 7th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

An essay and video contest for high school students. 2025 Topic: When Duty Calls: Why Exercising the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is Important to Me" 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

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

DUE: February 28th

ELIGIBILE AGES: 16yr and older

A free, research-intensive summer internship program open to Bay Area high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for 8 weeks over the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor. WEBSITE

Virtual Spring

Due: March 1st (extended)

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

Due: March 1st

Grades Eligible: 10th

Computer Science Scholars (CSS), CSS provides rising high school juniors who have historically been excluded from STEM fields the opportunity to explore computer science with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. WEBSITE

Due: March 1st

Grades Eligible:9-12th and 11th only

Program is a way to inspire high school students to pursue a career in journalismTwo summer programs - Exposure and Immersion. Immersion is for rising seniors from diverse socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Exposure is virtual and open to all. Fill on a first come basis. WEBSITE

Due: March 4th

Grades Eligible:11th only

First-generation students 2.0 GPA, low income. Student has encountered extreme hardships. Selected students will receive mentoring support, financial assistance, and college and career guidance. WEBSITE

Due: March 10th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer program for high school students focused on service learning and conservation in local communities and parklands. Upon successful completion of LINC summer program you will receive an educational award of up to $2,400. WEBSITE

Due: February 28th

Grades Eligible:9-12th

Looking for motivated and committed high school and college-aged students to be Teaching Assistants for our Middle School Academy Summer Program. See flier in newsletter and in the College & Career Center. 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)

1. The majority of UC’s California undergrads get financial aid.

A full 70 percent of UC’s California undergrads get grants and scholarships — the average amount is about $20K. We’re not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back.

2. UC tuition is fully covered for more than half of California students.

That’s no typo. For most in-state students, if your household income is $100K or less, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, more than 50 percent of UC’s California undergrads pay no tuition at all.

3. A debt-free path is possible.

Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but more than half of the Class of 2022 graduated completely debt-free, without any student loans at all.

If you do take out loans, know that UC students borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.

4. There’s help for middle-class families too.

Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides college dollars for families with annual incomes up to $234K.

5. You’re likely to get money. And more than you realize.

Lots of college applicants don’t think they’ll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it’s a good bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.

6. You can count on tuition staying flat.

There are no surprises with UC tuition. What you pay as a first-year is likely to be the same thing you’ll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.

7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.

For California students, the average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing about $4,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.

8. There’s money for undocumented students, too.

Everyone should have access to education. If you’re an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.

9. UC is an investment with a high return.

UC graduates out-earn other California college grads and take in 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without degrees.

Don’t just take our word for it: All nine UC undergraduate campuses just earned top marks for their combination of excellence and affordability from Money magazine. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it’s a value that’s hard to beat.

Full article available here.

Here are some of the best benefits of becoming a lifeguard from the YMCA

1. Become Part of a Fun Team

You’ll learn to work together with every member of the lifeguarding team and help each other out from everyday routines to life-threatening emergencies.

2. Stay Fit

Being a lifeguard means you get to kill two birds with one stone; making money while staying in shape!

3. Make a Difference

When you work as a lifeguard, you get the satisfaction of going into work every day knowing that you will actively make an impact.

Most first jobs don’t give you that kind of fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment.

4. Challenge Yourself

You don’t just fill out an application and become a lifeguard like you would any other part-time job. You have to take a lifeguarding course and pass a rigorous certification test in order to even be qualified to apply as a lifeguard.

You’ll be trained in CPR, First Aid, and water rescue, plus consistently participate in water drills with other lifeguards. Being a lifeguard isn’t for everyone, so take on the challenge to better yourself and reach this goal.

5. Learn Lifelong Skills

Lifeguarding gives you a lot of transferable skills that are important in many other jobs as well as in everyday life. Lifeguards must be responsible and alert, plus able to assert themselves in situations where people’s lives are at risk. As a lifeguard, you’ll interact with people multiple times a day, so you’ll naturally build your communication and interpersonal skills. In an emergency situation, you’ll be trained to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure, which is applicable in any job.

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

Feb 2-8, 2025 Click Here COLLEGE TIP: Location, Location, FINANCIAL AID How to Talk with Your Parents about Paying for College from CollegeData.com

Feb 9-15, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: Summer Opportunities- NOW IS THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND APPLY CAREER: Think About Getting a Summer Job You Can Do While You Are Going to School/College - Get Certified As a Lifeguard