College and Career Newsletter

The draw to Career Technical Education (CTE) is the opportunity to learn real-world skills. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class does just that. Alfredo Vera Torres, Golden West class of 2022, had no idea the impact that the skills he learned in his CNA coures would make on a stranger's life. According to the press release from Kaweah Health, Alfredo had just finished his night shift at Kaweah Health's Cardiovascular Intermediate Critical Care Unit and was on his way home when he spotted an unconscious woman in the parking lot. He pulled over to check on her and, after assessing the situation, found that she had no pulse. He promptly started CPR and arranged for transport to the Emergency Department. He is credited with helping save her life and was recently recognized by the Visalia Police Department for his heroic actions. VUSD College and Career Readiness is so proud of Alfredo for his selfless acts and kindness to a fellow human being.

Source: Kaweah Health

There is a lot to adjust to when transitioning to high school. A Growth Mindset, the willingness to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, is key to making the freshman year go smoother. Sometimes accepting that things don't always go smooth, especially at an age where peer judgment can feel intense, can be rough.

Join our College and Career Readiness student reporters in the video on how to keep the Growth Mindset working in your favor.

The elementary counselors will be hard at work this month starting conversations with students about College and Career Readiness. Students are learning that a college degree can range from a certificate program to a bachelor's degree and all the way up to graduate school.

Please take a moment to watch our VUSD College and Career videos with your student. This is the perfect segway for conversations to happen at home about what future college plans look like for your child. Studies have found that the earlier these conversations begin, the more likely students will attend college.

Part 1: Mapping My Future

Part 2: Career - Major - College

Part 3: College Options

Thanks to a new program, thousands of students across the central San Joaquin Valley will receive college and career prep throughout their entire high school career and a guarantee that, once they graduate, they’ll have a spot at Fresno State, one of the California State University campuses.

Through Fresno State’s Bulldog Bound Program, students at more than 20 school districts, including the state’s third-largest, Fresno Unified, will get a guaranteed spot at the university, if students meet the minimum graduation requirements, as well as guidance each year of high school.

“We know that Bulldog Bound will completely change how we see and truly live what it is to have a college-bound culture in our (school) system,” said Misty Her, Fresno Unified deputy superintendent, during the Aug. 23 board meeting discussing the program.

“This says to all of our students that we believe in you, that we will cultivate and build your greatest potential, and that as soon as you enter our system, college is already an option for you.”

Jeremy Ward, assistant superintendent for college and career readiness for Fresno Unified, said that while guaranteed admission to Fresno State is the chief “promise” of the program, all students will receive support, resources and tools to be successful Fresno State Bulldogs.

All students — starting in the ninth grade and every year until they graduate — will reap the benefits of the program.

“I believe that Bulldog Bound is going to prepare (students) not just for the requirements for getting into college but into careers,” said Phong Yang, interim associate vice president for strategic enrollment at Fresno State.

The university started the program to ensure students in the Central Valley have a “clear, tangible path” to a college degree.

Throughout much of the Central Valley, less than 25% of adults age 25 or older earned a bachelor’s degree, according to 2020 education and labor statistics. Specifically, 22% in Fresno County hold a bachelor’s degree; 15% have a bachelor’s degree in Kings, Madera and Tulare counties; and 14% earned a bachelor’s degree in Merced County. In comparison, statewide, 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree.

The Bulldog Bound program, many believe, can change that by promoting a college-going culture in the region.

“The vision behind Bulldog Bound is that every student gets the same treatment, no matter where you go, no matter where you come from,” Yang said. “You’re going to have the same opportunity.”

The university, Fresno Unified and other school districts launched the initiative in May, but this is the first semester for the program. Here’s what it means for students and families.

What districts are participating?

Fresno State’s partnering school districts are located in Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare counties and include: Caruthers Unified, Central Unified, Chawanakee Unified, Clovis Unified, Cutler-Orosi Unified, Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified, Fowler Unified, Fresno Unified, Gustine Unified, Kerman Unified, Kings Canyon Unified, Kingsburg Unified, Los Banos Unified, Madera Unified, Mendota Unified, Parlier Unified, Porterville Unified, Sanger Unified, Tulare Joint Union High School District, University High School and Visalia Unified.

What can all students, grades 9-12, expect?

High school counselors and Fresno State ambassadors (current students) will lead workshops about the program and the opportunities it will provide. Although the workshops start in ninth grade, the lessons continue throughout students’ high school careers.

Are there any other benefits for ninth graders?

Students will receive a Fresno State ID card and email address. Although the cards will be a different color from the college student ID cards, the cards grant high schoolers access to:

• On- campus privileges, such as library use.
• Student admission rates at sporting events and for food or other items.

In 10th grade?

Students can:

• Participate in campus tours.
• Explore the majors they can study at Fresno State.
• Learn in-person and on-campus during a summer experience at the end of their 10th grade year. During the summer experience, students can take college-prep lessons, learn even more about majors and become familiar with the campus.

In 11th grade?

While continuing to learn from workshops and admission prep, 11th grade students receive:

• Conditional admission.
• Dual enrollment opportunities.
• Summer experience opportunities.

In 12th grade?

As high school seniors in the program, students receive on-the-spot acceptance once they submit their application if they’ve met the graduation requirements.

“That means they’re in,” Ward said. “There’s no waiting, no wondering. They’re a part of the Fresno State Bulldog family.”

Families will also receive early financial aid estimates to plan for the costs of attending.

What do students learn?

Workshops and lessons, which happen each school year, include topics on:

• The Bulldog Bound program and how to be involved.
• Financial literacy, starting in 10th grade.
• Applying for college, starting in 11th grade.
• Scholarship opportunities, starting in 12th grade.
• Building “college knowledge,” as Ward described it.

The program opens the door for Fresno State to engage with and educate students on college and career readiness, many say.

Oftentimes, first-time students are unsure of what career they want to pursue, said Yang, Fresno State’s interim associate vice president for strategic enrollment. With Bulldog Bound, Fresno State will have the opportunity to engage students about their interests early in high school and inform them of the right classes they should take to pursue those interests.

Other than the workshops, admissions prep and campus tours, students will learn about college life from current students. Fresno State uses a team of student ambassadors, many of whom are from the local Fresno area, according to Yang.

“That is, by far, one of the most effective ways for students to see their potential in going to college because they see individuals like themselves coming from the neighborhood, coming back and sharing their experiences,” he said.

What do students need to do?

Students sign a Fresno State agreement in ninth grade. In Fresno Unified, students are automatically a part of the program, but families can choose to opt out.

What are the graduation requirements to obtain guaranteed admission?

Students must meet the minimum California State University A-G course requirements. Once in the 12th grade, they apply for and are granted admission to Fresno State.

What could be the impact?

Not only does the program guarantee admission, but it also provides “knowledge for (even) a ninth grade student to know, to plan, to prepare” for that acceptance and admission, Ward said.

Claudia Cazares, a Fresno Unified board member, said, “I think it’s opening the eyes of many of our students who hadn’t considered that as an option.”

Source: EdSource@edsource.org: Lasherica Thornton covers education in California's Central Valley.

Are you ready to take the next steps toward your future?

The California State University System (CSU) is hosting a free “College Night" college fairs across the state. The event is open to any high school or community college students, returning students, or adult learners, as well as parents and family members. Here is the opportunity to meet with all 23 CSU campuses in one location.

Register now: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/Pages/explore-the-csu.aspx

Central California
Monday, October 2
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visalia Convention Center​
303 E Acequia Ave
Visalia, CA 93291

Source: Fresno State media

This fall, campuses are offering a variety of in-person and virtual events for prospective students, including events for first-year, transfer and out-of-state/international applicants. Be sure to check with the individual campus for more information on the schedule and format of events, as well as registration information. Additional events and programming beyond what is in the following list may be offered!

UC Berkeley

• Berkeley Showcase, October 21
• Daily campus tours

UC Davis

• Daily campus tours

UC Irvine

• Fall Preview Day, October 21
• Daily campus tours

UCLA

• Fall Open House, October 14
• Virtual admission information sessions for freshman and transfer students

UC Merced

• Daily campus tours

UC Riverside

• Discover UCR, October 7
• Daily campus tours

UC San Diego

• Fall Showcase Open House, October 7
• Daily campus tours

UC Santa Barbara

• Virtual UC application events for freshman and transfer applicants
• Daily campus tours

UC Santa Cruz

• Fall Open House, November 4 — more information available soon

Daily campus tours

Source: University of California Office of the President <UCNOTES@ucop.edu>

Our elementary set can start practicing being an engineer and architect, today.

This year the College and Career Newsletter will highlight a different major each month. Majors consist of a group of core classes that a student takes to earn a college degree. Remember, there is an order in choosing your college. In high school, you explore what CAREER fits your personality and interests. This allows you to pick the MAJOR you need to study in college. Finally, because not all colleges have the same majors, your last step is to choose the COLLEGE that best fits your needs and major. CAREER-MAJOR-COLLEGE

Redwood's ACE Pathway Vision is to provide an inspiring and hands-on learning environment in Engineering and Architectural fields. We strive in maximizing individual potential through curriculum opportunities that are representative of local demands and trends in industry. Our drive is to ensure students are well-equipped to meet the demands and challenges of their elected college or career pathway. We have accomplished this through the creation of project-based learning opportunities that develop the technical and communication skills that will support their abilities to communicate design intent and design decisions as they pertain to the problem solving process.

These skills will be developed through a pathway of courses that include:

• Introduction to Engineering (Freshman),
• Civil engineering and Architecture (Sophomores),
• Construction Management (Juniors)
• Engineering Design and Development class (Senior Year)

Students will learn design platforms including SketchUp, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Revit. Our dedicated advisory board consists of extremely knowledgeable and innovative local institutions that have had major impacts in our community and they include Mangini Architecture Ingenuity, Seals Construction Inc., Teter Architecture and Engineers, Steinberg Hart, American Inc.. Students will have the opportunity for field trips, industry partners visiting their classes, job shadowing and internships.

Are you planning to enroll full-time at COS next fall? Then you are going to want to complete the COS Foundation Scholarship Application. The application opens on October 3 and closes on November 21.

All incoming (high school students) without a COS Banner ID will create an account and login on subsequent site visits via Scholarship Manager.

Incoming students who have a COS Banner ID will login via MyGiant.

For more information, contact

the Foundation Office at (559) 730-3878.

Informational Webinars:

These webinars focus on providing students, parents and counselors more information about the Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State. Dr. Saeed Attar will highlight the benefits of the program, qualifications, application process and deadline.

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. .click here

Date: Thursday, October. 26, 2023, Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. click here

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Time: 6:00 -7:00 p.m. click here

Admission Requirements:

Admission into the Smittcamp Family Honors College is highly competitive, and for good reason. This is one of the strongest programs in the Western United States. It offers exceptional students a chance to achieve academic mastery alongside a very select group of like-minded learners.

In order to qualify for admission, you must be a first-time freshman who has not been enrolled full-time at any institution of higher learning (i.e., community college or any four-year university).

Eligibility Criteria:

Are you a candidate for our program? If you meet at least one of the following criteria, then you should definitely consider applying:

• Minimum 3.8 high school GPA (grades 9-11, weighted or unweighted)
• Ranking in the top 10 percent of your high school graduating class

Applications:

1. Cal State Apply Application (Mandatory)

2. Smittcamp Family Honors College-President's Honors Scholarship Application (Mandatory)

3. Free Application for Free Federal Aid (FAFSA) (Optional)

Source: https://academics.fresnostate.edu/honors/application/index.html

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Office Phone Number: 559-730-7510