HS & First Year Students |
Summer is just around the corner and for some that may mean relaxing and recharging by going on camping trips or just hanging out with family and friends. But for others, summer break is a chance to catch up or get ahead in classes. Taking a summer class at a community college allows students to narrow their focus on a single subject – rather than your typical four, five or even six classes during the longer semesters. Although taking a summer class may not sound like a fun way to spend your summer break, taking these classes offer several major benefits. Here are some benefits if you are considering taking a summer class:
Benefit 1: You save money
Whether you are a high school or college student, taking summer classes at a community college can save you money in the long run. Community college course credits are typically more affordable than those offered at universities. At a CC you may pay only a few hundred dollars or even less than that if you qualify for fee waivers. At a four year university, you may end up paying a few thousand dollars for the same course credit at a CC. Saving money is important even if you are still in high school.
Additionally if you are a high school student and you want to get ahead in your coursework for college, taking summer classes at a CC may put you ahead of the curve when you apply to college. When you first start college, you will be placed at different levels of mathematics or english classes. To be placed in the correct level course, you need to take a placement test. If you took advanced placement or even college courses, these may count towards your college credits and you will be placed in more advanced courses. This is a benefit as you won’t waste time taking placement tests and in classes you already passed.
Benefit 2: You are able to transfer to a four year institution or graduate faster
If you started your higher education at a community college your main goal may be to transfer in two years. For some fields, like STEM fields, transferring in two years may be challenging as there are many courses to complete. But taking summer classes can help you complete your courses faster and in turn, transfer to a four year institution faster.
Since taking summer classes gives you the opportunity to earn more credits, this brings you closer to graduating faster.
Benefit 3: You complete your core courses and/or are able to catch up on credits
Summer semesters are shorter than your fall and spring semesters, this may be seen as either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you see this. It may be seen as a bad thing because it means you are learning a semester’s worth of material in five or six weeks. The plus side of this is that you are able to put all of your time and energy into a single subject rather than juggling multiple courses. So if you are dreading to take a challenging course during a long semester, consider taking it during the summer.
Benefit 4: Opportunity to study abroad
If summer vacation is about traveling and experiencing new things, why not do it while getting ahead in your studies? Many study abroad programs take place during the summer, and depending on that the school has to offer, it could be a great opportunity to both learn and travel.
HS & First Year Students |
When choosing what college to attend, one of the most important components to consider is the campus’s diversity. Not only in terms of race or ethnicity of the student population but also considering how diverse the campus is in terms of cultural background, geographic location, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. These components tend to get overlooked because we are caught up in the beauty of the campus or its reputation.
Diversity is crucial. You must be able to relate to your peers and feel comfortable knowing that your values align with the campus you will earn your degree in.
To learn more about why and how to consider diversity when comparing schools, download this guide Diversity. Guide provided by DecidED
Mental Health & Self Care |
As we enter the Spring and Summer seasons, we are excited to see the leaves change in colors, and enjoy our summer outfits as we prepare for the warmer weather. However, some of us might not be as enthusiastic about the change due to an unwanted visitor: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is brought on by seasonal changes; it begins and ends about the same time every year (Mayo Clinic). One of the treatments for this disorder is therapy and if you’re a college student, we have some good news for you – you are able to receive therapy through your institution! What’s even better is that you are now able to receive therapy without having to show up in person thanks to teletherapy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions have now implemented telehealth services for their students to make healthcare more accessible. Though, you are still able to receive in-person services if you prefer. Our Mental Health Directory now shows where you are able to receive teletherapy at your campus in addition to in person sites that offer therapy.
Preview and link to the map: http://bit.ly/3FbsG3S
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Paying For College |
Managing finances is one of the biggest challenges for college students, especially for those living independently for the first time. Fortunately, there are many resources available to students through their college or university to help with the costs of living and college expenses.
Tapping into the Financial Resources at Your School
The first step is to always fill out a FAFSA or CADAA. The priority deadline is March 2, and aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if students are not expecting much federal aid these applications are necessary for other financial aid like state grants and scholarships. We’ll link the FAFSA and CADAA websites down below, as well as places to find and apply for scholarships. At each college there are resources for students of all backgrounds, such as first-generation college students, POC students, students who are parents and many more. Most California colleges have an EOP, Educational Opportunity Program, which offers academic and financial support to historically underserved populations of students. It may have different names at different schools, but regardless it serves the student population with financial resources. Some of these resources include, but are not limited to transportation assistance like free/reduced bus passes, discounts on Uber rides to and from campus, textbook assistance, and much more. Working on-campus is a great way for students to pay for living expenses and cut down on the cost of transportation to a job off-campus. It also helps students hear about financial resources, opportunities and events on campus much sooner, as well as contributing to their resume. Students can also actively seek out paid internships that align with their career goals and receive payments or a stipend from these programs. Lastly, students should be mindful of the financial resources available through the state, county, or city they live in. We encourage everyone to apply for CalFresh, look into their local food pantry or food distribution sites. Budget with priority for their necessities and later factor in expenses for entertainment and leisure. Being mindful of these expenses while trying to manage school life is not easy, but knowing where to access help and how to allocate money wisely is a necessary skill for college students.
Budgeting Food
In college, food options are endless, so it can be difficult to avoid spending excess amounts of money on food. College meal plans are convenient for certain students such as for those living in the dorms or spending long hours on campus. These plans offer them on-site dining and time preferences. Most colleges have established on-campus food pantries that provide emergency relief resources for those in need. What’s more, quick bites to eat are often offered on campus through student organizations, it’s just a matter of finding them. There is certainly no shortage of food options on campus, but off-campus resources are just as abundant. EBT, such as CalFresh, provides food assistance in the form of monthly stipends. Food discounts are widely available both online or on print. In addition, certain areas across California offer mobile food discount platforms.
Acquiring Textbooks
Textbooks for college are unnecessarily expensive. Students want to avoid paying the market price for textbooks as the money spent on them could be used for various other goods. Students can avoid this problem by applying to textbooks waivers provided by organizations or financial assistance programs at their college. What’s more, online websites such as Chegg, Amazon, and Archive.org often have reduced priced books for purchase or rent in new or used conditions. Free or affordable PDF versions of textbooks are also available through the internet. Sharing textbooks with a peer or purchasing it from former students is yet another budget friendly option. Bottom line is, unless the textbook is an investment for future courses, it is worth looking into free or low-cost textbook options.
Student Discounts
There are a lot of discounts that are exclusively available to students if they search online, view websites, or even ask in person. Options range from technology, clothing, entertainment, and utilities among others. By taking full advantage of student discounts, budgeting and saving, are two of the many benefits incurred. Popular examples are UniDays, Honey extension, and Student Beans. In addition, various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Doordash, Chegg, Hulu, Spotify, and Youtube among others, offer student plans.
Links
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
CA Dream Act Application
CalFresh
California Scholarships
Chegg – Used Textbooks
UNiDAYS
Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
We’re excited to share these upcoming scholarships with students residing in the North region of CA! Whether you’re ready to start the application process today or not, the Let’s Go team advises that you save these opportunities and get connected with the organizations who allocate these funds to further support your education.
As always, good luck with the process! If you have any questions or would like to access additional scholarship opportunities, follow us on Instagram @gotocollegeca
Dare To Dream Scholarship
Each year the Dare-to-Dream Scholarship Program provides higher education funding opportunities for a number of current or former foster high school graduates and GED recipients in VOA’s service areas. Scholarships are given to former foster youth who are motivated to attend college in order to build emotional, financial and social security.
Eligibility:
- Current or former foster youth living or have lived in Northern California
- Be a 2023 graduating high school student or has already earned a high school diploma or GED
- Accepted or expects to be accepted to an accredited 4-year college/university, community college or vocational program
- Current GPA of 2.0 or higher
Deadline
April 14, 2023
Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship
Each year, CLF selects 40-45 students to be part of the Leadership & Scholarship Program. As a recipient, awardees will participate in a year long program in the following ways:
- Awardees will attend all Leadership Institute sessions in August 2023 and February 2024
- Awardees will receive a scholarship of $1,500, which is split into two payments.
- Awardees will be invited to attend the Annual Award Dinner in January 2024.
- Awardees will act as CLF Ambassador for 10 hours during the 2024 Application cycle by completing outreach on their campuses
Eligibility:
- Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina
- Be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo
- Commit to attending the CLF Leadership Institute Sessions & CLF Annual Awards Dinner
- Commit to volunteering 10 hours as a CLF ambassador before March 2024
Amount Awarded
$1,500
Deadline
March 31, 2023
10,000 Degrees Scholarship
10,000 Degrees proudly provides scholarships to students with significant financial need who exhibit a strong desire to go to college and accomplish their educational goals. Scholarship recipients will receive one-to-one support from trained Fellows who provide the student with ongoing mentorship both on campus and off during their entire college journey. After a student graduates, they will also have access to Career and Alumni Success services, and will be invited to stay connected to 10,000 Degrees through their Alumni LinkedIn group and Young Professionals and Alumni Council networking group!
Eligibility:
- Must demonstrate financial need in pursuit of your first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, or certification for a technical program
- Must be enrolled in 12 academic units or more
- Must be a student in the Bay Area: Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Lake counties.
- Must have completed either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application
Amount Awarded
$1,500
Deadline
Rolling-basis until all funds are distributed
Don & Roy Splawn Scholarship
The Don and Roy Splawn Charitable Foundation West Scholarship Grant Program is open to financially disadvantaged students who wish to further their pursuit of post secondary education; whether it be of an academic or vocational nature.
Eligibility:
- Must be a High School Senior
- CA resident
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have a 2.6 GPA and above
- Must engage in paid or unpaid Community Service Extracurricular Activities
Amount Awarded
$200 – $2,000
Deadline
April 9, 2023
