Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of April 25 - May 1 , 2021
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email us at sequoiaccc@seq.org
Student Appointments:
Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z
Important Dates and Announcements
- April 28th - Sequoia Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship (in Naviance) EXTENDED
- May 1 - National Student Intent to Register (SIR) Day
If you are interested in submitting artwork that represents Sequoia for the cover the GRADUATION PROGRAM, email Ms. Ignaitis (sorry no photography)
Seniors interested in the Armed Forces please email Ms. Ignaitis for any information or questions you may have.
Interested in a Trade Apprenticeship?
More than 80,000 women and men working in one of more than 800 occupations in California construction trades began as apprentices (electrician, mechanic, carpenter etc.) To enter the trades, you must start as an apprentice.
An apprenticeship is an excellent career choice if you
like to work with your hands
are willing to serve an apprenticeship for up to five years, depending on the trade
have dexterity, mechanical ability, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team
want to earn a living wage and good benefits
want the opportunity to advance in your career
If you are interested in pursuing a trade apprenticeship, the following are great resources to begin your search and/or learn more about opportunities within California:
Or if you are planning to do community college first, the following colleges have Career Technical Education and Certificates or trade apprenticeship partnership programs that offer instruction in several trades:
Get Help with College Applications, Follow Up and/or Financial Aid Applications
We want to support each and every one of you through this process! Below are ways to get help:
Students make Individual Appointments via Calendly with college counselors by clicking on their corresponding counselor’s name below. (if you have a free period, email your counselor directly and state the time you have a free period).
Check out the How-To videos (At the bottom of the Newsletter)
Student Appointments:
- Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
- Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z.
FAPA Virtual Future Pilot Forum
Saturday, May 1, 11am
Register for the FAPA Virtual Future Pilot Forum to learn about pathways to professional pilot careers. Students of all ages, their parents, school counselors, non-aviation separating military personnel and career changers are invited. The event is FREE.
FAPA will be giving presentations and taking Q & A starting at 11am PST. You will receive a Zoom Webinar registration link upon registration on Eventbrite. It's a simple two-step process. To register click here.
Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers
Doctor of Internal Medicine, Marina Di Bartolo
If you missed Dr. Di Bartolo's career zoom last week, you can view the recording here! Dr. Bartolo is a proud example of a DACA student who went on to work in the field of medicine. Atlantic Article.
She provided a resources for Dreamers (both DACA and undocumented students in this case) interested in going into medicine or health fields. It's called Pre-Health Dreamers and it was founded in the Bay but is trying to help students nationally. They have a bunch of resources, like an internship list.
Other Virtual Events
Mindfulness - Teen Resource Center
All students are welcomed to join Ms. Judy from the Teen Resource Center (TRC) for 15 minutes of Mindfulness on Wednesdays! Practice breathing exercises and guided visualizations!
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12pm until 12:15pm
Zoom Link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/92956681963
General Four Year College Bound Information
SIR – Statement of Intent to Register
DUE May 1st (unless otherwise stated by college)
- Students are ONLY allowed to SIR to One college
- Contact the admissions office directly if you have any problems
Students must pay a non-refundable deposit (can call and defer on a case by case basis)
- If you need an extension, call admissions RIGHT AWAY!
Waitlists
- You need to SIR somewhere and if you get off the waitlist, you will be paying another non-refundable deposit (If you get off a waitlist, contact the school where you submitted a SIR as soon as possible)
Please check portals often
- Some schools have a very short turn around for responses – especially for waitlists (72 hour response for most schools)
- Update your Naviance account by editing your Colleges I’m Applying To” See short How To Video if you need help
Still Undecided?
- Most colleges are having virtual events to help you decide which college to attend if you are still undecided. A current junior in college said, “If you have the opportunity to speak to current students, you should. The people you go to school with end up being the most important factor besides academics.”
Financial Aid Award
- Before submitting your SIR, you should have a good understanding of how much you will need to pay based on the information provided by the college.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTE: Concurrent enrollment students MUST apply to Community College as a first time never attended college applicant.
For information on applying and other important information be sure to check out our Community College Tip Sheet!
College of San Mateo’s annual Connect to College event
April 29 6-8pm
For students and parents to learn about CSM, and about different resources we have to offer. Learn about the financial aid options and our Promise Scholars Program. Get the best college tips from current and former CSM students in our student panel. Hear about transfer opportunities to a UC, CSU or a private university after CSM. Learn about our student support services & academic programs. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Meeting ID: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/connectrsvp
Canada College: Connect To College
May 6
Connect To College is a kind of Open House for high school students and parents to come learn about Cañada College.
Thursday, May 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Foothill Day on the Hill - Virtual Open House
May 8th
As well, we will be having our Foothill Day on the Hill. This will be our Virtual Open House event that will take place via zoom on May 8, 2021 at 9:00am.
This event will be translated in Spanish, and students who RSVP will automatically be put into a prize raffle. Students can get more information at https://foothill.edu/dayonthehill/ and here is the Eventbrite where students can RSVP.
PEP/Steps to Enrolling and UPCOMING Application WORKSHOPS
PEP (Priority Enrollment Program) allows current seniors to complete all the steps to attend college in the fall WHILE in high school
Skyline PEP
April 26-May 7
Join us for an exciting two week virtual program and have the opportunity to complete the necessary enrollment steps to begin taking classes at Skyline College! Participants will be eligible to register earlier and have a greater chance of getting into their first-choice of classes.
Canada PEP
April 28th
May 8th
For specific information and registration instructions go to their website
College of San Mateo PEP Online
Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) is OPEN. A wonderful group of Counselors and Staff are here to help students with the steps to enrollment and registering for classes for summer/fall 2021. Students sign up for (PEP) Priority Enrollment Program to complete the matriculation steps and receive Priority Registration. Once students sign up for PEP, you will get an email with a link to register for a Group Counseling Session and their English and Math course placement.
You will receive an email providing you with your priority registration date (April 2021). Log onto WebSmart to register for courses online. School fees are also payable on your WebSMART.
Lastly, this is the Promise Scholars Program promotion video, which includes more information regarding the program:
Tax Transcript
Tax Transcript – A Financial Aid Document Required by Some Colleges
Some colleges (especially CSUs) require students to complete a few financial aid forms/documents before they receive any financial aid award letters. Don’t wait to submit these forms! One of the required documents is often a Tax Transcript.
What is a Tax Transcript?
First, a tax transcript is NOT the same as you copying your tax returns and sending to the college.
It is like the difference between a student printing out his/her transcript on Infinite Campus and Sequoia providing an Official Transcript.
It is an official document from the IRS with the information from your tax returns.
If you are chosen for FAFSA Verification, you will be required to submit a tax transcripts.
How do you get a Tax Transcript?
There are two ways – Online (get it immediately) and through the mail (takes 5-10 business days)
To get it online one of the requirements you need is a credit card or credit line. There is no charge but this is how the IRS verifies the person requesting the information.
For specific information and directions got to the IRS Tax Transcript website at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
Missing Financial Aid Award Information for Four Year Colleges
FAFSA
TWO AND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS, COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ONLINE TODAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY INCOME.
CA DREAM ACT
CSS PROFILE
Scholarship List for May Available Now
If you find a scholarship you're interested in, get more information on your Naviance account under Paying for College then Scholarship List!
Local Scholarships Due Soon!
Sequoia’s Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship
Application Due: April 28 (Extended)
There is a group of about twenty scholarships given to seniors each year by our scholarship committee made up of teachers and counselors. These memorial scholarships are looking for different types of students so all should apply. The scholarship is available on Naviance on the About Me tab. Go to Surveys and then Surveys Not Started.
It takes about 15 minutes to complete!!
Sequoia Stamp Collector Scholarship
Due April 30
For seniors collecting stamps or a similar hobby/activity. 2.0+ GPA and will go to a 2-yr or 4-yr college. Write essay on your particular hobby. Application was scanned and attached on Naviance. If you have a problem accessing scholarship, email tignaitis@seq.org
Sequoia Alumni Association - Spirit of the Seal Scholarship
Due April 30
Criteria: GPA, HS attendance, helping to advance or support SHS traditions & spirit, community service & a personal interview. 2/4 YR or Vocational Application on Naviance. $2000.00
Dreamers Scholarship
DATE EXTENDED- Due: April 30th
For Sequoia High School AB540 Students. Amounts vary. PLEASE Apply to this very simple application. Application is attached to the Naviance scholarship list. Email to jslater@seq.org (any issues please email before the deadline)
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
Scroll down
Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
What For? (Scholarship or Other)
Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Judy Carmona Memorial Scholarship - Sequoia Athletic Boosters
Due: May 7th
For Sequoia Athletes Only! Eligibility: GPA 2.0+ & Varsity athlete for 2yrs in at least one sport, athletic citizenship & Booster Club membership. More Information and Access to Application
Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis Club Scholarships (seniors)
Deadline May 15
The Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis Club is excited to offer several scholarships again this year to graduating high school seniors who will be attending an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school in the 2021-22 academic year.
Minimum eligibility to be considered for a scholarship include the following:
· Resident of Redwood City OR attending a Redwood City high school
· U.S. citizen, permanent resident or AB 540 eligible student graduating from high school
· 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
· Demonstrated ability and motivation to compete on a collegiate level
· Submit a completed application
· Provide two letters of reference/recommendation
Application available in Naviance.
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
- Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
- Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
- Scroll down
- Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
- Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
- What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
- What For? (Scholarship or Other)
- Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
- Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Contests
The American Library of Poetry National Student Poetry Contest (all grades)
Deadline April 30
Poems are judged based on originality, creativity, and artistic quality. Poems not meeting the requirements for line limitation are automatically disqualified. Poems containing profanity, vulgarity or offensive material are automatically disqualified. To learn more and apply click here.
Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
BGCP is seeking high school students who might be interested in supporting their in-person summer programs by interning. For more information contact Remi Sobomehin at remi@bgcp.org.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Summer Job: City of RWC’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
The City of Redwood City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Camp Leaders, Assistant Camp Directors, Camp Directors who are interested in working 25-40 hours per week during the summer, planning, organizing and conducting basic recreation activities in a variety of settings
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents April 18-24
- Upcoming Events and Deadlines
- Virtual Events: Mindfulness TRC
- Financial Aid - Cost Benefit Analysis, Appealing FA Award, Understanding your FA Offer
- Career Information - District Zoom Career Speakers: District Zoom Career Speakers: Doctor of Internal Medicine, Dietitian, and Biophysic
- General 4 Year - Updating College I’m Applying to” on Naviance Reminders Check Portals and Emails and SIR Information
- Private/Common Application - N/A
- UC - Multiple Waitlists only One SIR, Reminders Steps for Admitted Students
- CSU - If you Have Question and Check your Portals
- Community College - Events for Canada, College of San Mateo, Skyline, Foothill and De Anza
- Student Opportunities - Student-Led Opportunity on Climate Change, BGCP Summer Interns, Google Summer Internship, Norcal Youth Empowerment Conference, Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Opportunity
- Scholarships/Contests - Kiwanis of San Carlos, Sequoia Stamp Collector Scholarship, and Sequoia Alumni Association- Spirit of the Seal, Dreamers Scholarship and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarships, Am Library of Poetry National Student Poetry Contest
- Job Opportunities: RWC Parks and Recreation Summer Jobs