Cal Grant Information for Seniors and Families
Hello Seniors and Families,
As you prepare for the college application process, many of you will also be applying for financial aid. One of the funding opportunities available to California students is the Cal Grant—a state grant that helps pay for college and does not need to be repaid.
The Cal Grant can be used at:
University of California (UC) campuses
California State Universities (CSUs)
California Community Colleges
Qualifying independent (private) universities and career or technical schools in California
How to Qualify
To be considered for a Cal Grant, students must:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Meet financial and eligibility requirements
Meet minimum GPA requirements
Be a recent high school graduate
List California colleges on the FAFSA or CADAA
For full details, please visit http://www.calgrants.org.
GPA Submission Requirement
Da Vinci Connect High School is required to submit students’ verified GPAs to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This information is used to determine Cal Grant eligibility.
By law, families have the option to opt out of this process. Please note:
If you submit an Opt-Out Form, your student’s GPA will not be submitted, and they will not be eligible for the Cal Grant.
If you do not submit an Opt-Out Form, Connect High School will send your student’s GPA to CSAC automatically.
Important Deadline
If you wish to opt out, please complete the Cal Grant GPA Opt-Out Form and return it to Kene Washington at kwashington@davincischools.org before Friday, September 26, 2025.
👉 Click here http://Cal Grant GPA Opt-Out Form
An unforgettable adventure awaits your child in Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca!
Dear families,
We’re thrilled to share that Da Vinci’s Atlas travel program is heading to Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca in Spring 2027, and we’d love for your student to join us! This opportunity is open to ALL Da Vinci high school students.
This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. We’ll be sharing all the details, including what we’ll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot at our informational meeting.
👉 RSVP here to join us: https://rsvp.eftours.com/p244a2c
We’ll also open enrollment during the meeting—spots are limited, and we would love to help you secure this experience for your child.
In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.
We hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life!
Discover the impact of the Atlas travel program in our recap of the 2025 Spring trip to Italy. Read the full story now.
Scholarships & College Planning Resources – Week of September 8th
Seniors & Families,
Here is your Senior Weekly College & Career Update for the week of September 8th. Each week, I will share:
📎 Scholarship opportunities (PDF attached)
🎓 College planning tips & reminders
🌟 Career exploration resources
Please review this week’s newsletter (attached) and take advantage of the opportunities that fit your goals. Staying consistent with applications, deadlines, and exploration will make this senior year a strong foundation for your next steps.
If you have any questions or need support, please feel free to reach out.
Senior_Weekly_Update_Sept8_2025
Best regards,
Kene
Connect HS Newsletter
Please click here to read the latest newsletter,
Attention Juniors! PSAT is coming to Connect HS!
Juniors! Please CLICK HERE to fill out the Google form to reserve your spot to take the PSAT!
When: Wednesday October 29th
Where: Connect HS campus, 8am-11:30am
Any Junior who wishes to take the PSAT MUST fill out the Google form. To access the Google form, students MUST be logged into and use their DV student email address to submit. No outside email address will be allowed.
Space is initally reserved for Juniors, and if there is remaining space, Sophomores will be notified.