BEYOND THE DIPLOMA
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
College 101 (Introducción a la universidad)
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students; Parents and Caregivers
This session will introduce middle and high school students and parents and caregivers to the various types of colleges and universities. Presenters will explain key features and offerings of the California Community Colleges, the California State University system, and the University of California System, as well as explain general differences between two-year and four-year institutions, and between public, private nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Presenters should also touch on the differences between CTE, associate degree, transfer and bachelor's degree pathways.
CSU and UC Admissions Process
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: Students in Grades 11-12; Parents and Caregivers
This session will provide an overview of the application process for juniors and seniors who are interested in attending a California State University or a University of California campus. Presenters will cover: high school course sequences (i.e. "A-G") required for CSU/UC admissions eligibility; how to secure an application fee waiver; components of the CSU and UC applications; and key dates and deadlines. Presenters may provide tips and recommendations on approaching the personal statement section, securing letter of recommendations, and other aspects of the application process (e.g. SAT/ACT testing, EOP section of the CSU application, requesting housing, etc).
Applying for Community College & the L.A. College Promise (Promesa de Colegio de L.A.)
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students; Parents and Caregivers
This session will provide an overview of the enrollment process for students interested in attending a California Community College, including: key deadlines, eligibility for tuition fee waivers, on-campus support services for students, and various degree offerings such as vocational certificates, associates degress, and transfer pathways to a CSU or UC. This session will also introduce students and families to the L.A. College Promise, which provides free community college to LAUSD and charter graduates in Los Angeles. Students and families will learn how to take advantage of the L.A. College Promise to meet their educational goals—whether that is an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university.
Surviving Your 1st Year of College
Friday, November 9 | Audience: Students in Grade 12
Current college students and recent graduates will lead this panel session on what high school seniors need to k now as they transition into college. Presenters will touch on the academic expectations that students will face in colleges, strategies to meet these expectations, how to find support on campus, and how to maintain a successful balance between the academic and social aspects of college.
Your Child Got Accepted to College: Now What? (Su hijo fue aceptado en la universidad ¿Ahora que?)
Saturday, November 10 | Audience: Parents and Caregivers
This session will cover the transition from high school to college and will address the important ongoing role that parents can play to support their student's success in college. Presenters will help parents understand the experience that their child is about to embark on, including the demands of college academics and student life. Presenters should keep in mind that parents and caregivers in the room will have varying levels of education and may have limited firsthand experience with college.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Scholarship Opportunities and Resources (Recursos y becas)
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students; Parents and Caregivers
This presentation will inform students about the availability of additional financial aid dollars through private scholarships. Students who attend this session will learn how to apply for “merit-based” scholarships, about different sites and organizations where they can find scholarship opportunities, and what materials scholarship applications may require (e.g. personal statement, resume, letter of recommendation, etc).
AB 540 and CA Dream Act: Higher Education Opportunities for Dreamers (AB 540 y el Dream Act de California: Oportunidades para estudiantes inmigrantes)
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students; Parents and Caregivers
This session will educate attendees about state resources to help undocumented students pursue higher education in California. Participants will learn about how to access in-state tuition at California colleges and universities through Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), and how to receive state financial aid through the California Dream Act application. Students will also learn about resources available for undocumented students on campus such as Dream Resource Centers and off campus supports.
EXPLORING CAREERS
How to Get Work Experience and Internships
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students
This session will discuss the important role that work experience and internships can have on students' academic and career development. Students who attend this presentation will learn why work experience and internships are becoming more and more critical, and will receive tips for successfully applying and landing a job or internship.
Career & Legal Resources for Dreamers
Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 | Audience: All Students; Parents and Caregivers
This session will highlight pathways for employment for undocumented students, including updated information on the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit. Presenters will discuss DACA eligibility requirements, application process, and legal aid resources to assist with the process. Presenters will also touch on opportunities for undocumented students in California to pursue professional licensure and become successful entrepreneurs.