Sequoia College & Career Newsletter
Week of December 13 - 19, 2020
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 Deadlines
- Dec 14 - 18 - Finals Week - Good Luck, Finish Strong!
- Jan 20 - Bezos Scholars Summer Program Application Deadline (See Student Opportunities section below)
- Jan 20 - Girls State Summer Leadership Conference Application Deadline (See Student Opportunities section below)
- Jan 20 - Coolidge Scholarship Deadline (See Scholarships sections below)
- Jan 29- Bank of America Student Leaders Summer Program Deadline (See Student Opportunities section below)
- Jan 26 - PSAT for Juniors (sign up information below)
- Feb 14 - Facebook Summer Academy Deadline (see Student Opportunities section below)
Good Luck with Finals!
Good grades on your transcript are very important and open up many more post-high school options!
Mental Health Tips from The Youth Advisory and TRC for the Week:
- Give yourself breaks throughout the day like taking a walk, getting a snack, journaling, listening to music!
- Set up a study schedule for yourself.
- If you feel overwhelmed with the workload, sometimes helpful to create a to-do list and prioritize what needs to get done first.
- Get lots of sleep.
- Take five minutes to breathe, practicing mindfulness.
- Make use of apps like Atlas or headspace for ongoing support.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Create study groups on zoom with friends and classmates.
- BREATHE
PSAT Information
At this time, Sequoia is planning on administering the PSAT to all juniors on January 26th. The final decision will be made according to health and safety guidelines by the county, district and our administration closer to the deadline.
This year the exam is optional for juniors ONLY.
STUDENTS: If you are interested in taking the PSAT in January please sign up using this form
You must use your school (@seq.org) email
Sign Up Deadline: December 16th
REMINDERS
If you are interested in preparing for the PSAT, there are Student Study Guides available at the front lobby at Sequoia.
Covid19 has changed the college requirements for this year’s seniors but the Class of 2022 is still undecided by most colleges.
WUE- Discount Program for Regional Out of State Public Schools
What is WUE? (From the WUE website)
WUE (pronounced “woo-wee”) is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE, students in western states may enroll in more than 150 two-year and four-year college institutions at a reduced tuition level: 150 percent of the institution's regular resident tuition. WICHE member states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Search the WUE Online Database to see which institutions participate and which programs are available at the discounted WUE rate.
For more information, go to the their website http://www.wiche.edu/wue/students
Things to Remember
- WUE colleges individually sets their policies and they are all different
- Watch out for details, certain majors are sometimes excluded (nursing and engineering are often excluded)
- Some are automatically given to students if admitted and some students must meet a given criteria
- A way to get the cost down even lower is called "stacking" - they allow you to get the WUE and other scholarships from their school
FOR EXAMPLE University of Colorado, Colorado Springs located one hour outside of Denver offers the WUE automatically if admitted to all majors except nursing (but they offer an out of state Nursing PEAK scholarship similar to WUE). All can STACK a Presidential Out of State Scholarship (4 areas, Athletics, Leadership, Excellence in Arts and Excellence in Sciences) If a student gets both, the price of college is similar to attending a CSU.
The Coolidge Scholarship (JUNIORS ONLY!) MERIT BASED FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
DEADLINE January 20, 2021
From their website https://coolidgescholars.org/
The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any accredited American college or university. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program.
Primary Criterion: Academic Excellence
Above all, Coolidge scholars must possess a distinguished academic record. Competitive candidates will have pursued and succeeded in the most rigorous course of study available to them. Awardees will demonstrate an uncommon academic depth and intellectual curiosity. In the case of the Coolidge Scholarship, depth matters as much as breadth. Coolidge winners’ interest in scholarly and intellectual pursuits goes beyond the classroom.
Secondary Criterion: Interest in Public Policy and Appreciation for Coolidge Values
Candidates also should demonstrate an awareness of and appreciation for the values President Coolidge championed throughout his life. Some such values include: civility, respect for enterprise, government thrift, federalism, and respect for constitutional government. The award is not restricted to candidates planning to pursue degrees in fields such as public policy or government. To the contrary, all academic disciplines are valued by this award.
Secondary Criterion: Humility and Service
Humility is a hallmark quality of leaders in the Coolidge tradition. In his autobiography, Coolidge wrote: “It is a great advantage to a President, and a major source of safety to the country, for him to know that he is not a great man.” The Coolidge Scholarship seeks young people who display a sense of service and care for the well-being of others.
For complete details go to their website https://coolidgescholars.org/
Bezos Scholars Program (Juniors only)
Application Due: January 11, 2021
Every year, the Bezos Scholars Program selects 12 ambitious high school juniors from across the US and 12 educators from their respective high schools, who bring energy, excellence, a commitment to create positive change, to be part of Bezos Scholars Teams. The program kicks off with an all-expense paid scholarship to the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado (June 25 - July 1, 2021.) in a power packed week of seminars and informal meetings with global leaders, acclaimed thinkers and social entrepreneurs. Previous Scholars have met with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, and New York Times David Brooks.
Student Scholar applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a junior during the current academic year and a senior the following academic year.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have received DACA status.
Have a proven track record of demonstrated leadership in their school and/or community.
Be enrolled in, or have taken, one or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, or college-level courses.
Be available to fully participate in the year-long program and attend all dates for the Aspen Ideas Festival trip in Aspen, Colorado: June 25 - July 1, 2021.
If you are interested in this leadership development opportunity, please visit website to learn more about the application
Girls State Leadership Conference Application (Juniors Only)
Deadline to Apply: Jan 20th
Girls State is a nationally recognized leadership conference. Due to the pandemic, it will be held virtually the week of June 28, 2021. Want to apply as a candidate to be your school’s Delegate? Junior Girls APPLY ONLINE here. (PDF copy of online application.)
Application Deadline: WEDNESDAY, January 20, 2021 11:59pm Pacific Time. Zoom interviews will occur in February 2021 when Auxiliary panelists select one junior Delegate (and two alternates) to represent Sequoia High School.
California Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Redwood City Unit 105. Questions? Contact Terri Ignailtis tignaitis@seq.org or Unit 105’s Girls State Chairman Peggy Toye at AuxUnit105secy@gmail.com or leave a message at 650-341-5857.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program- 11th and 12th Grade Only
DEADLINE January 29, 2021
OVERVIEW: The B of A Student Leader Program is a summer 8-week paid internship with a nonprofit organization selected by the bank. It is designed to help students develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience. Also a week-long all-expense paid student leadership summit in Washington DC to introduce students to civic, social and business leadership.
For more information or to apply click here
Facebook Summer Academy (FBA) Application (Sophomores Only)
On behalf of Facebook Summer Academy (FBA), Our online application is now live!
Deadline to apply: 2/14/21
Facebook Summer Academy is a six-week summer program that immerses students from underrepresented backgrounds into the tech world. Students must be current sophomores, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be residents of either East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City. Transcripts with Fall 2020 grades and a Letter of Recommendation are required.
Interested in a San Carlos Skate Park? Get Involved in Your Community
Girls That Code - Online Activities
They “release activities bi-weekly— some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.” Click here for more information
Interested in Becoming a Pilot? Must be 16 yrs
The Upwind Scholarship Program at the San Carlos Flight Center is an opportunity for high school students (juniors are preferred) to earn their private pilot or helicopter pilot certificates over the summer break! In 2021 the Upwind Foundation will award scholarships for both airplane and helicopter training. They are trying to set up a virtual information session.
If interested, please complete the short interest form and the College and Career Center will get back.
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers, 16 years old and older, to help at our construction site in Daly City. If you are curious about Habitat and how you can get involved, we are holding informational sessions to provide a glimpse of our work. In these sessions, you can also expect to hear about the Covid-19 protocols currently in place to ensure the safety of volunteers.
For More Information Click Here
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking to earn some extra money this holiday season? Spend your holidays with great design and a 30% discount (that should come in handy for gifts).
Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center is currently building their holiday team. Sales ~ Stockroom ~ Merchandising ~ Customer Service
Flexible hours. Day shifts & Evening shifts. Weekend availability is important.
Please fill out an application online.
https://jobs.crateandbarrel.com/?st=Jobs
Location: Palo Alto
Put my name down as a referral. (John Durkin)
Please fill out the online application. 16 years old with a work permit is the minimum age.
It’s a fun place to work. If hired, you enjoy a nice 30% off employee discount.
Please ask if you have any questions. Please send an email to johnfdurkin@yahoo.com for more details.
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
How To Videos for students now on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Dec 6-12, 2020
Financial Aid- WUE
PSAT - Juniors - Deadline to Register to take the Exam in January
EVENT- Future Grads Workshop - Juniors
Student Opportunities- Girls That Code Activities, Upwind Pilot Program (Juniors), Stanford’s Young Women’s Leadership Conference, Bank of America Leadership (juniors only)
Scholarship for Juniors - The Coolidge Scholarship (JUNIORS ONLY!) MERIT BASED FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Nov 21-Dec 5th
Virtual College Visits and Events
Financial Aid- Types of Financial Aid
Student Opportunities- Girls That Code Activities, Upwind Pilot Program (Juniors), Stanford’s Young Women’s Leadership Conference