El Camino and Da Vinci Partner Class
Greetings current 11th and 12th grade students:
Da Vinci Schools is continuing to partner with El Camino College to offer dual enrollment courses. This semester we are offering FILM 110 (see description below). This course will be fully online and asynchronous!
*El Camino’s Fall courses will start next week, so this opportunity is available to 11th and 12th grade students who already have an El Camino ID (ECC ID).
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to have passing grades for all academic classes, and have no credit recovery for a-g classes. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come, first serve basis!
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FILM 110- Film Analysis and Appreciation
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units
Course dates: 8/25 – 12/13
This course is CSU and UC transferable, and also satisfies your high school graduation requirement for art!
This course provides an introduction to the art and language of film. It covers the critical analysis of film form, narrative structures, genres, and the historical development of cinema. The course explores the major elements of film, including cinematography, editing, sound, and production design, as well as the cultural, social, and ideological contexts in which films are made and received. Students will view and discuss a variety of films, developing skills in film analysis and an appreciation for the artistic and cultural significance of cinema.
If you are interested, please email Sylvia Soria at ssoria@davincischools.org
Summer 2025 Impact Makers South Bay Cohort
Applications are now open for the Summer 2025 cohort, which kicks off the last week of June.
Impact Makers – Building Skills for Life is an 8-week summer program that empowers high school students to better understand themselves and the world around them. Through immersive service-learning experiences, participants explore local issues, strengthen their sense of identity, and learn about available community resources. Our Summer 2025 cohort will be our 8th to date, with students from 26 high schools having participated and contributed more than 5,000 service-learning hours to the community.
Group Sessions
Dates: June 24 – August 14, 2025
Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: The Volunteer Center, 1230 Cravens Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
In addition to weekly group sessions, students will volunteer 2 hours per week at one of our partner organizations to apply their learning through hands-on community service.
Eligibility
Open to all current high school students.
Cost: Free.
Their first-ever Long Beach Impact Makers cohort is launching this summer. If you would prefer to participate their Long Beach location, please visit their website or reach out to programs@volcenter.org for more information.
To learn more about the program, visit volcenter.org/joinimpactmakers and check out a short video created by their Spring 2025 cohort.
El Camino College Summer Class Schedule is Live!
Hello Connect H.S. students!
Are you interested in taking El Camino College courses this Summer? The El Camino schedule of classes for Summer (and Fall) 2025 has officially been released and registration opens May 17th. You can view the online schedule of classes by visiting www.elcamino.edu/schedule.
Summer has 3 session options
1st 6-week session: June 23 – July 31
2nd 6-week session: July 7 – August 14
8-week session: June 23 – August 14
If you would like additional information or assistance with the dual enrollment process at El Camino College, please reach out to your counselor or visit their website at www.elcamino.edu/academics/dual-enrollment
Scholarship Opportunity for DV Students!
Da Vinci Seniors:
The 7th annual Johnstone Scholarship application is now open and ready for Da Vinci Seniors to apply! Applications are due Friday, April 25th. No late applications will be accepted. The application link is below.
They intend to select one deserving scholarship recipient from each Da Vinci school.
About the Johnstone Scholarship:
Through the Wiseburn Education Foundation, Dr. Tom and Terry Johnstone have set up a scholarship to help five lucky Da Vinci seniors get a head start their freshman year of college. Dr. Johnstone was the superintendent in Wiseburn for many years and played a significant role helping to open the high school. With his help, Wiseburn Education Foundation is thrilled to be able to offer scholarships to our high school seniors.
Link to Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxrG-VbkCUHw4dB0huJRc_t8v5yWCV-v9JtyS_pk6W9tcZJw/viewform
ATTN Seniors: UNIFY Financial Credit Union Scholarships
Are you a standout graduating high school senior planning to attend college in fall 2025? The application for UNIFY’s Patricia R. Dempster Scholarship Program is now available!
Eight Scholarships Will Be Presented:
$5,000 (one awarded)
$3,000 (one awarded)
$2,000 (six awarded)
Eligibility
Applicants need to be graduating high school seniors and have their own UNIFY membership, or be the primary on a joint account with a parent/guardian. For UNIFY membership application information visit:
UnifyFCU.com/Join
Application requirements include two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a verifiable GPA of 3.5 or higher; detailed information is available in the application.
All application materials need to be completed and submitted by Monday, April 21, 2025. Apply HERE
Questions?
We are happy to help.
Email: scholarship@UnifyFCU.com
Phone: 877.254.9328, x2177
12th Grade Families: Negotiating Your College’s Price Workshop
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How to analyze, assess, and adjust financial aid award letters.
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Strategies for writing clear, compelling, and convincing financial aid appeal letters.
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Proven methods to negotiate, navigate, and knock down your college’s cost-effectively.
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Dates:
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Friday, March 14
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Friday, March 21
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Friday, April 4
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Friday, April 11
*You only need to sign up for ONE workshop as all workshops will repeat the same information.
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Your student’s financial aid award letter(s)
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A notepad or laptop for notes
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Any relevant financial documents or estimates
Get ready—Neurodiversity Celebration Month begins next week!

Earl Woods Scholarship Info for 12th Grade Students
Hello 12th Graders!
On Thursday, February 26th, a representative from the Earl Woods Scholarship Program will be visiting Connect High School to share all about this incredible scholarship and mentorship program. Join us during lunch at 12:20 PM to learn more!
The Earl Woods Scholarship Program, part of the TGR Foundation, offers much more than financial support for college. Scholars receive:
- Scholarship Assistance: Financial support for college tuition and expenses.
- Mentorship: Guidance from dedicated mentors who help navigate college life and career paths.
- Career Development: Access to internships, workshops, and networking opportunities to support future goals.
Whether you’re still exploring your college options or have specific plans, this is a fantastic chance to learn how the Earl Woods Scholarship Program can support you.
Bring your lunch, bring your questions, and bring a friend! Don’t miss out!