High school seniors living in the South Bay (both citizens and eligible non-citizens as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) are eligible to apply for a Sandpipers Scholarship for the 2025-26 school year.  Detailed eligibility requirements are stated below.

Application Requirements and Process

High school seniors meeting all eligibility requirements below may apply for a Sandpipers Scholarship.

· U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education in The Student Guide)

· Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher

· Permanent resident of the South Bay area of Southern California (roughly bounded by the 105 and 110 freeways)

· Students residing outside the South Bay area are eligible if they attend a high school in the defined South Bay area

· Demonstrate a financial need

Sandpipers has provided financial assistance to college-bound students since 1941 and is the oldest continuing aid program in the South Bay. Supporting more than 50 students per year, the program is unique in funding our qualified recipients throughout the four continuous years of their undergraduate studies.  View our video about our Scholarship Program here:  https://www.sandpipers.org/scholarships

For the 2024-2025 school year, Sandpipers awarded more than $303,000 to 51 college students (Freshman – Senior years). Each student received a minimum of $500 with some receiving as much as $10,000 for the school year. This amount is based on their outstanding financial need from their FAFSA report.

The entire Sandpipers Scholarship Application is online.  The application is now available and can be accessed at this link:https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/100654-Sandpipers

All applications are due on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 11:59pm, no exceptions.  Please submit applications early in case of technical issues or other unforeseen delays. 

Current 12th grade students,

Many Cal State (CSU) campuses have extended their application deadlines! This means you can still apply, regardless if you submitted a CSU application by December 2nd or not!

THIS LINK will allow you to see which campuses are still accepting applications and their new deadline. Select Freshman from the Entry Level field and Fall 2025 as the Enrollment Term and it will generate a list. Please take note of those campuses with a Closed status – they are no longer accepting applications.

Please click here for our latest newsletter!

Hi Connect High Families,

Please click here to view the information on the Connect HS Advisory information slides!

The Aerospace STEM Endowment Scholarship Application is open!

Application due date: January 24, 2025

The Aerospace STEM Endowment Fund was established in 2015 to support students pursuing careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students not traditionally well represented in STEM careers.

Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership potential for students studying STEM disciplines who are enrolled for undergraduate study in a public or private four-year college or university. Scholarships are awarded and/or renewed annually (up to 4 years), provided funds are available and the award recipient meets the conditions outlined below in Scholarship Renewal.

Apply here: https://students.aerospace.org/aerospace_stem_endowment_scholarship_application/

Upcoming Free SAT/ACT Practice Tests held in conjunction with PJ Test Prep! The seats in Hermosa Beach are $10, but zooming for the test and presentation is FREE!  Students who want in just need to go to www.pjtestprep.com/rsvp to RSVP!

Please click here for this week’s newsletter.

Hello Connect HS Senior Families!  We are excited to announce the “FAFSA Fridays Workshop Series”  This opportunity will be held on the DV Communications (DVC) floor and is open to all Da Vinci Schools senior families:

WHEN: 

• Friday, November 22nd, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.)
• Friday, December 6th, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.) *Ayuda en Español*
• Friday, January 17th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)
• Friday, February 7th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)

Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.

WHERE: 

• Da Vinci Communications (DVC) Room 3203

Workshop Description:
Join us for a practical, hands-on FAFSA Workshop designed specifically for parents navigating the FAFSA process for the first time. In this 1 hour and 30-minute session, you’ll learn the essentials of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including what it is, why it matters for your family’s financial planning, and how to complete it accurately and confidently.

We’ll start by breaking down the FAFSA process, covering everything from basic eligibility requirements to deadlines, key documents, and common questions about financial aid. Then, parents will have the chance to practice filling out a sample FAFSA, with guidance from experts available to answer questions in real-time.

What You’ll Gain From This Workshop:

• Clear Understanding of FAFSA Basics: Learn the purpose of the FAFSA, how it affects college affordability, and what types of aid your student could qualify for.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: We’ll walk you through each section of the FAFSA form, demystifying terms, identifying common challenges, and clarifying exactly what information you’ll need to provide.
• Hands-On Practice: Work on a mock FAFSA application to get comfortable with the format and practice identifying tools, documents, and information you’ll need for the real application.
• Tools & Tips for Success: Get expert tips on maximizing your student’s financial aid opportunities and take home a checklist of essential resources to keep the process smooth.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel equipped and empowered to tackle the FAFSA with confidence and ensure your student gets access to the financial resources they deserve.

REGISTRATION:

Click HERE to register. Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.

For families who speak Spanish/prefer help in Spanish, register for the December 6th workshop.

Familias que necesitan ayuda en español, por favor regístrense para el 6 de diciembre.