Blog

Dear Connect High Families,
We are currently working with WASC to strengthen our school’s practices.
To gather your feedback, we have prepared a brief Google Form to collect your input.  If you have not already please click the survey link and give your  WASC Input by March 6th.  Thank you!  Survey Link.

Latest Connect HS Newsletter click here.

Here are some summer 2024 pre-collegiate opportunities in which students can take classes at college campuses or online and earn college credits. Some of these programs offer financial aid to help with program costs:

1. Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs
   • About the program: As New York State’s first university, rooted in one of the world’s most influential cities, Columbia University embodies both history and progress. As an institution of higher learning, it represents a similar duality: study and experience. Beyond the classroom, special opportunities such as featured lectures and writing workshops expose students to expert knowledge delivered by world-class instructors. Through guided excursions, students can learn firsthand everything New York City has to teach—from the financial market of Wall Street and celebrated productions on Broadway to renowned landmarks and museums.
     
     Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs emphasize rigorous instruction and critical thinking within a cohort of students from across the globe. With courses in over a dozen subject areas, ranging from programming and mathematics to psychology and art, students are challenged to think independently and creatively.
     
     Outside of class, students can experience our enriching co-curricular activities, from attending college-prep workshops and lectures to preparing for the academic rigors of university life with sessions like Finding the Right College for You and Insider Tips for the Common App.
   • Regular Application Deadline for Summer Session A & B is March 4th, 2024
   • Find more information and start your application HERE.
2. UCLA Summer Scholars Support
   • Summer Scholars Support award amounts will vary and can cover up to one of the following:
     • One summer course (up to 5 units)
     • One Summer Institute
     • Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP/eSCIP/SCIP+; including only one approved course)

The Summer Scholars Support scholarship will cover program fees only. For all programs, the scholarship will NOT cover course materials, textbooks, and travel costs. Please be sure to check whether your program includes housing before applying for this scholarship.

1. • To apply for Summer Scholars Support, you must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

1. • 1. You are 15 years of age or older and attending grades 9 – 11 as of Spring 2024 in a California high school (international or out-of-state students are not eligible; current 12th grade students are not eligible);
     2. You have not received UCLA Summer Scholars Support in the past;
     3. You have a family annual adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less; and
     4. You have applied to or enrolled in a 2024 UCLA Summer Sessions program: either a Summer Course, a Precollege Summer Institute, or the UCLA Summer College Immersion Program.
        • Payment of the registration fee is required (with the exception of those applying for Deferred Deposit – for more information, read the “Deferred Deposit” section). The registration fee will be refundable for those who can no longer participate if they are not selected as a recipient of the scholarship.
        • Most programs will take 2-3 weeks to provide you with an acceptance decision. Please be sure to leave enough time to apply to your program and learn of your admission BY the March 15 scholarship application deadline. Students still awaiting for admission decisions after March 15 are at risk of having their scholarship application be ineligible.
   • UCLA will be hosting three webinars to provide an in-depth overview of UCLA Summer Sessions programs, scholarship eligibility requirements, important dates, how to apply and required application materials, and scholarship application tips. The first webinar will be next week on Wednesday, January 24! If you would like to attend any of these webinars, you may RSVP at the links below.

• Wednesday, January 24 from 5-6pm
• Thursday, February 8 from 5-6pm
• Tuesday, March 5 from 5-6pm

1. • APPLY HERE, Scholarship Application Opens: February 1, 2024
   • Scholarship Application Closes: March 15 at 5pm

3. UC Davis Young Scholars Program

• • About the program: The UC Davis Young Scholars Program is a summer residential research program designed to expose approximately 40 high-achieving high school students to the world of original research within the fields of the biological, agricultural, environmental and natural sciences. Participants in the UC Davis Young Scholars Program work one-on-one with research faculty and research groups in state-of-the-art laboratories for six weeks. Each student will work on an individual project and prepare a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation about their work.In addition to scientific research, the UC Davis Young Scholars Program strives to introduce participants to the climate and culture of living and learning on a university campus. Staff make every effort to model the experiences that participants will have during their first years of college.

All participants will be enrolled in five units of University Group Study Credit. Assignments for the program include research notebooks, a written article of journal quality describing the research project and its conclusions, presentation of the individual project at a research symposium and presentation of research to students at the home high school. All work in the program is graded and credit will be awarded after home presentations are completed.

1. • Applicant Eligibility:

1. • • All participants must be currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior in high school.
     • All participants must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of the program but not 18 years of age at the end of the program
   • APPLY HERE by Friday, March 15th @11:59 pm

4. USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement

• • About the Program:The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.AYA strengthens students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing and ethnography — all essential competencies required for excellence in and out of the classroom in the 21st century. The students are introduced to USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and services and possible careers in media and journalism. They have opportunities to meet the school’s innovative scholars who are advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism communities of practice.AYA 2023 includes:
    • Free breakfast and lunch daily
    • AYA swag
    • One TAP card with a $50 value (if needed)
    • Educational field trips
    • Three periods per day
    • College advising and college essay preparation from the USC Annenberg Admissions Team.
    • Ability to meet new peers and engage with our faculty, students and staff
  • Applicant Eligibility:

1. • 1. Must have completed at least the 9th grade by June 17, 2024.
     2. Should be pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum.
     3. Must reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County. (Due to the popularity of the program we are not able to consider students from any other county; applications submitted from other counties will not be reviewed.)
     4. If accepted to AYA, you are required to attend all class meetings beginning Monday, June 17, 2023. Late arrivals and early dismissals cannot be accommodated.
   • Application Deadline: Friday, March 22nd at 11:59pm
   • Complete the application HERE

5. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies- Online Program

• • Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a summer enrichment program that provides passionate and intellectually curious students with intensive study in a single course. Our program covers advanced subjects rarely taught in high school, offering students a chance to challenge themselves by diving deep into cutting-edge topics. Our summer courses provide in-depth and interactive exploration of academic material. Courses are available in subjects including computer science, math, creative writing, social justice, engineering, and more. Bright peers from around the world create a truly special and unforgettable experience. Study and discuss academic topics alongside peers who share the same interests and curiosity.

With small class sizes, our online classes allow students to engage in every aspect of a course through real-time discussions in which instructors and students see, hear, and interact with one another.

1. • Application Deadline: Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm
   • Complete the application HERE. 

Most of these applications require essays and letters of recommendation(s), which can delay the application process if not completed ahead of time.

Questions? Contact your counselor!

Erin Knott eknott@davincischools.org 9th grade last names A-E

Kene Washington kwashington@davincischools.org 10th grade & 9th grade last names M-Z

Sylvia Soria ssoria@davincischools.org 11th grade & 9th grade last names F-L

CCSA’s Bragato Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2024 school year!  Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, April 17th at 11:59pm.

CCSA will award $2,000 scholarships to 10 charter high school students who are graduating from a CCSA member school in the 2023-24 school year. CCSA encourages students of all background to apply including English learners, non-citizens, LGBTQIA+, and students of color.

CLICK HERE for more info and to see if you are eligible and to apply!

With the SAT transitioning to a digital format effective March 9th, Prep Expert understands the importance of preparing students for this significant change.

Prep Expert is thrilled to announce a complimentary Digital SAT Book Launch Event on Sunday, March 3rd. Their founder, Dr. Shaan Patel, will guide parents and students through essential strategies to excel in the new 2024 Digital SAT and secure substantial college scholarships. You can register for free HERE.

During this free online event, Dr. Patel will cover the following topics:

• The changes and impacts of the new Digital SAT
• Learn 5 phrases that are always incorrect on Digital SAT Writing
• Solve math problems without algebra on Digital SAT Math
• Identify specific answer choices to avoid on Digital SAT Reading
• Win $100,000+ in college scholarships before 12th Grade
• Win $100,000+ in college scholarships during 12th Grade

They have also prepared this Prep Expert Digital SAT “Mini” Playbook that includes many highlights from the full book, including key strategies such as the “secret” to success on the Digital SAT, the “5 kiss of death” words on Digital SAT Reading, and how to “Test Answer Choices” on Digital SAT Math.

¡Hola, Connect High School students and families!

Join our 2025 International Immersion Trip to Costa Rica!

The deadline to sign up with the current plan is Thursday, 2/29/24!

We will be travelling to Costa Rica from February 22, 2025 to March 2, 2025 and doing a homestay with local families, attending Spanish classes in the mornings, and experiencing Costa Rican culture at its core through activities such as dance and cooking classes, zipline tours, and walks through the rainforest.

Sign up here:  https://enrollmentbyprometour.com/travel/2513/tk/eKJ8bP

Please reach out to Lauren at ltakahashi@davincischools.org if you have any questions!

Check out the Real World Learning Canvas Course!

Stay updated on all opportunities by visiting the RWL Canvas site, followed by additional resources to support self-discovery, career readiness and career exploration! If your student has not received the invitation to join the RWL Canvas, please email Evelyn at ehernandezrosas@davincischools.org .