College & Career Newsletter
October 4-17, 2026 TWO WEEK EDITION
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email (Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us)
Mr. Rebello jrebello@seq.org
All HCA, Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
and/or
Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org
All DAA, ELD Students and Last names M-Z
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
Oct 14- Freshman Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting
Oct 21- College and Career Day (see information below for 9th graders)
-All 11th graders will be registered for the PSAT. Students do not have to do anything in regards to registration. More information will be shared in October regarding day of testing logistics.
Sequoia High School X RACC College Fair
Sign up below, 16+ universities will be on campus on the quad on October 14
Uni. of Oklahoma
Arizona State University
UW-Madison
Northern Arizona University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Texas Christian University
Washington State University
Stony Brook University
University of Oregon
University of Arizona
Oregon State University
Elon University
Creighton University
UNR
University of Delaware
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
College and Career Day, October 21, 2026
Sophmores
On College & Career Day, 10th and 12th graders will sign up to attend three Flex sessions of their choosing to explore college & career resources and gain advice from professionals in our community in areas of interest.
Sessions will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not be available if they reach maximum capacity, so make your selections early! Flex sessions will open on Friday, October 9th. Please make your selections no later than Friday, October 16, 2026.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE SCHEDULE AND WORKSHOPS
Announcements
Annual Grade Level IB/4 Year College Bound Meeting
Freshmen: Wednesday, October 14th
7:00 PM-8:30 PM
The annual college/IB/ICAP meetings are specifically focused on the requirements, deadlines of the IB Diploma, the IB/ICAP program, and the college application process for attending a four-year college. Ms. Nino-Sears (IB Coordinator) and our College and Career Advisors present specific information and a different focus for each grade.
Meetings are for students and parents.
All GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS will be:
- Presented on zoom in English and Spanish.
SLIDES will be Posted on the SHS College and Career website.
Links will be available in the Weekly Newsletter and on the school website.
Junior Meeting Recording
English Recording Passcode: k0xdt?bM Slides IB Slides
Spanish Recording Passcode: ZU7hs+Hn Slides IB Slides
Sophomore Meeting Recording
English Recording Passcode: @5lEfSq$. Slides IB Slides
Spanish Recording Passcode: .wg7f0@= Slides IB Slides
9th grade College Day Field Trip- Permission Slips
When: Wednesday October 21, 2026
Where: TBA but past schools have included UC Berkeley, San Jose State, University of San Francisco, Sonoma State, San Francisco State, University of the Pacific, or Santa Clara University
What: All Sequoia freshmen will visit a Bay Area College Campus.
Make sure your permission slips (google form) are submitted online or to Room 115 (College & Career Center) today!
English or Spanish paper permission slips
List of Submitted Permission Slips
Complete the 2026-2027 Meal Application
We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.
Needs to be completed every year!
Sequoia High School PTSA Mini Grants
Fall 2026 Add/Drop Dates
9/25: Last day to add a class or drop a class without penalty on transcript. 10/30: Last day to drop an IB course in an IB testing year. 11/12: Last day to drop with penalty on the transcript. No drops after this date.
Credit Recovery
For students in need of credit recovery for graduation and/or A-G, Sequoia offers an online credit recovery (Subject) where students can make up courses needed. Your student’s counselor will enroll them in a Phoenix Subject, and once enrolled, students may contact the Subject teacher, for additional support or questions. Please note that in order for counselors to clear your student for graduation, your student must complete all credit recovery, including submitting emergency grade releases/official transcripts for concurrent enrollment no later than May 28, 2027.
College Visits and Beyond and How to Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia Signing Up for a College Visit at Sequoia High – READ CAREFULLY
It is a good practice to look at the list of schools visiting Sequoia (or the area) on a regular basis.
If you want to attend you must follow all the procedures in a timely manner in order to leave class and listen to a thirty-minute presentation in Room 115.
Students need to sign up at least ONE SCHOOL DAY (ends at 3:45) before the visit.
There is a deadline on Naviance to avoid students leaving class at the last minute out of respect for the teacher.
Students who attend should be prepared for the visit.
If you do not have a class during the visit time, register on Naviance, and let us know when you enter the room.
Colleges visits are updated on Naviance. If there is a college you want to speak to, email sequoiaccc@seq.org and we will try to schedule a visit.
Below are the steps you must follow to attend the visiting college meetings at Sequoia High School:
STEP 1: In your Naviance account, go to the “Colleges” tab on the top bar, click on “College Visits”, to get the complete list OR under “What’s New” on your homepage, select a college you want to visit and click on “Register Now" and it will change to "Registered".
STEP 2: Ask your teacher, of the class you will be missing, for permission to leave their class during the time listed on Naviance.
PROBLEMS –
If you are not on the list, you will not be admitted.
The College and /Career Center does not excuse students from a class, only your teacher can allow you to attend a college visit.
NEED HELP
How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia
If you get the email below with the subject Visit Reminder, that is not confirmation that you are signed up for a college visit, it is an invitation to go to Naviance and sign-up.
Upcoming Visits
Upcoming Visits
Monday, October 5
Rollins College @9:15am
Mount Holyoke College @10:30am
Tufts University @11:00am
Tuesday, October 13
New York University @ 8am
University of Iowa @ 8:30am
Grinnell College @ 9:15am
Bowdoin College @ 10:30am
UC Irvine @11am
Tulane University @ 1pm
University of Michigan @ 1:30pm
University of San Diego @ 2pm
Wednesday, October 14
Boston University @ 8am
St. Olaf College @ 8:30am
Allegheny College @ 9:15am
Thursday, October 15
Drexel University @ 8am
Vanderbilt University @ 8:30am
Northeastern University @ 9am
Friday, October 16
Loyola University Chicago @ 8am
Brandeis University @ 8:30am
Loyola Marymount University @ 9am
Syracuse University @ 11:15am
Other College Events
Harvard, Princeton, the University of Virginia, Wellesley, and Yale would like to spend some time with you.
You know our names, but find out more at our evening programs. Don't miss your opportunity to hear admissions officers from all five schools discuss the variety of opportunities one can find at our institutions. Learn about scholarships and our generous need-based financial aid offerings.
We are committed to making education at our schools affordable, accessible, and unforgettable. Please join us.
Virtual Program: Sunday, September 27th
Virtual Program: Sunday, October 4th
Admissions Resources
Davidson College Admissions Workshops
Join the Davidson College Admission Staff this fall for a workshop series designed to help prepare you for the college search and application process. Sessions will cover topics including building your college list, admission & financial aid basics, college essay writing, and more. All workshops are free to attend and conducted virtually. Make sure to register in advance. Questions? Contact us at: admission@davidson.edu.
College of Engineering at Oregon State University
Join us for a series of online events to connect with Oregon State University College of Engineering students and hear their stories firsthand. Click the hyperlinked title of the event to access the registration form. After submitting your registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link to access these sessions. Whether you attend one event or all of them, we encourage you to also visit our campus and take a tour with one of our students.
College Information Day and UC Berkeley Showcase
Saturday October 24, 2026
Held on the UC Berkeley campus, this event is designed for prospective middle school, high school, and transfer students, their families, and community partners to explore the path to college and discover what makes UC Berkeley a place to learn, grow, and belong.
Students can:
- Gain insights into the college admission and financial aid processes.
- Participate in sessions designed to guide them through their next steps in college planning.
- Speak with representatives from 30+ universities at the College Fair.
- Connect with UC Berkeley college representatives and support services.
- Tour the UC Berkeley campus and experience life as a Golden Bear.
College Tip of The Week
Johns Hopkins: How we review applications
We’re looking for students who will follow their interests to make meaningful contributions to society. In the application, we want to understand how your students have thrived academically and contributed to their school environment, extracurricular activities, and community.
Learn how we consider different aspects of your student’s experiences when deciding if they’re a match for Hopkins.
Juniors
Standardized Testing
Do You Need Accommodations for Testing?
- Your 504 or IEP accommodations are not covered for outside testing.
- If you want accommodations for the SAT or ACT, you need to request them separately through the College Board or ACT.
- It is the responsibility of the families to research and provide all necessary documentation since these tests are not associated with Sequoia.
- While families can submit their documentation on their own, Sequoia can also complete the final submission step. For more information about this process, go to our website: Accommodations for Testing
Signing up for testing
As you are considering different schools to apply to, make sure to check out their testing policies. If you need or want to take a test, it is your responsibility to sign-up and register for the tests.
Use these links below to sign-up for the SAT or ACT:
Monthly SHS Scholarships & Student Opportunities Lists
Click HERE to go directly to the Sequoia High School website for the most updated scholarship and student opportunities lists. How to Access Scholarships on Naviance (9-12th Grades)
If you find a scholarship you are interested in and want the link to the website or more information be sure to log in to your Naviance account, under the College tab, click on Scholarships and Money, then Scholarship list, and put the name of the scholarship in the search box, then click on the name of the scholarship.
Sept/Oct
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships
Due October 20th
9th-12th grade
Rewards students that are working to end hunger in their communities. Winners get a $10,000 scholarship for school and a $5,000 grant to give to the hunger-related charity of their choice.
Congressional App Challenge
Due: October 26th
Create and submit an original app for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district-specific. WEBSITE
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest
Due: October 31st
Provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence. 2026 Theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America"
🎨 Reflections Is Launching!
We are excited to launch Reflections, a national arts program that gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity and share their unique perspectives through the arts.
This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.”
Students can participate across multiple artistic disciplines, with submissions due November 9, 2026.
Blossom Program
The Blossom program is a FREE 3 day, 2 night mentorship experience program, hosted at the UC Berkeley campus, for first generation, low income 10th and 11th grade students with a 2.5 gpa or below. Throughout the experience, students learn about higher education and experience UC Berkeley’s campus life.
Over the weekend, students will participate in various workshops, panels, and personalized mentorship. Each Blossom mxntee will be paired with a current Latine undergraduate student, who will act as their host and mentor for the experience, and students will get to shadow a day in their life as a college student as part of the program.
This program is designed to demystify higher education for these students, and motivate them to consider college as an option for themselves. The intention is that students leave the program feeling empowered to make the best decisions for themselves about their future, and that they consider higher education as one such option.
This year, we are focusing on hosting students from the Bay Area as well as the Central Valley, although all students can apply.
When is Blossom this year? How can students apply?
This year, Blossom will be held from Thursday, November 12th to Saturday, November 14th. Students can apply by filling out the Mxntee Application, linked below, which includes more detailed information.
BLOSSOM 2026 Mxntee/ Student Application: https://tinyurl.com/BLOSSOMMxntee26
When are Blossom Applications Due?
Applications for Blossom Mxntees will be due on Friday, October 2nd by 11:59PM.
Youth Public Health Accelerator (YPHA)
Youth Public Health Accelerator (YPHA), a Stanford student-led initiative that empowers Bay Area high school students to become public health leaders.
Applications are now open for our 2026–2027 cohort. Our aim is to provide selected students with:
Regular one-on-one mentorship from a Stanford student on a community-based public health project or initiative of their choice
Virtual workshops and opportunities to collaborate with students and public health organizations across the Bay Area
The opportunity to present their work at an end-of-year symposium
Information on our program and the application are available here:
Link to information session on Sunday, September 27th
Deadline: October 4th, 11:59pm
Student Advisory Council for Sequoia Union High School District
Student Advisory Council for Sequoia Union High School District is looking for new members. Council members provide valuable student perspectives, connect directly with District leadership, contribute to special projects and take turns serving as student trustees at Board meetings.
Applications are now open to SUHSD students in all grade levels. Freshmen and sophomores are especially encouraged to apply, providing an opportunity to grow as leaders and serve throughout more of their high school experience.
Applications are due Oct. 5: https://lnkd.in/gjT_z--p
District Internship Program
The California State Assembly Volunteer Program offers students a unique opportunity to participate in and experience the work of a State Assembly District Office. Many legislators and district and policy staff began their careers in public service with an internship in a District office. It is an invaluable way of understanding California’s democratic legislative processes, as well as an excellent opportunity to build essential career skills while serving your community.
District Office Internship:
Under the direction of the District Director, interns will have an opportunity to learn about the operations of an Assembly district office, which includes assisting with general administrative tasks, answering phones, providing assistance on constituent casework, and working in coordination with the team on community events and meetings.
This is an unpaid internship. Educational credit may be arranged upon request.
Qualifications:
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and should have an interest in learning about the legislative process and how state government can serve constituents. Candidates must possess strong written and oral communications skills, be able to work well in a fast-paced, team environment, and be proficient in Microsoft Word and general office tasks.
Please complete the below application and upload a resume, cover letter, and registration form. Qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to serve your AD-21 community.
Turn Up: Civic Internship Opportunity for Your Students
The internship's format is tailored to accommodate the ever-fluctuating commitments and responsibilities of a student's lifestyle. Our program is fully remote, offers start dates at the beginning of each month, and has a flexible time frame and schedule. All students have access to grow into more capable and responsible citizens and to develop their professional skills for a successful future. Students join remote teams that are energized by diverse students from around the country who work on amplifying youth civic engagement. Along with our unique curriculum, peer-to-peer learning, expert speakers, and professional development events deepen their experience. The program is free and students can count their participation for community service hours. Interns who complete the program receive certificates and TurnUp is authorized to give awards, including The President’s Volunteer Service Award. The internship has also been invaluable for bolstering resumes, widening networking reach, and for earning college letters of recommendation.
CuriOdyssey’s Leadership Development Program
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
CuriOdyssey’s Leadership Development Program is designed for high school youth in the San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in STEAM education, leadership, and career exploration.
Participants will:
- Develop leadership and critical-thinking skills
- Build portfolios and explore career pathways
- Gain hands-on experience in an educational museum and zoo setting
- Strengthen confidence as leaders within their communities
- Have the opportunity to continue their experience through a 2–3 week apprenticeship at CuriOdyssey
The Forest (Boys and Girls Club)
Civic Service Fellowship
Can Apply All Year
All Grades
Rhizome, a nonprofit organization built by and for students, is offering a community service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunity through their Civic Service Fellowship. Their website includes info on how the Fellowship boosts mental health determinants, leadership skills, and community connectedness while making an impact and receiving service hours. Check it out if you’re interested in civics, service leadership, or learning how to make a genuine impact.
MIT Open CourseWare
Grades: 9th-12th
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free and open collection of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum. No registration. WEBSITE
Volunteer Opportunities
Second Harvest Silicon Valley
Volunteer
all year
Grades Eligible: 9-12th
To sign up to volunteer, visit our website by selecting one of the following options: Sort food at our warehouses, Distribute food to community members - Distribution sites are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley,
Deliver food to homes – Load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. You must be 18 years old to volunteer for this activity. WEBSITE
Do you love dogs? Doggie Protective Services (DPS)
ELIGIBLE AGES: 14+
DPS Rescue is searching for new volunteers for our biweekly events in Palo Alto! We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds, ages 14+, and offer community service credits/sign-offs if needed. Complete form on their WEBSITE.
San Mateo County Historical Association
Available All Year
Eligible Grades:9-12th
The San Mateo County Historical Association offers a number of free public programs throughout the year for Lunar New Year, Happy San Mateo County Day, Fourth of July (half-price admission), Victorian Days, Día de los Muertos, and Hometown Holidays. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with craft activities and gallery monitoring for these events. Interested students can email carmen@historysmc.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities. WEBSITE
Project Read - Redwood City Library Volunteer Opportunities
This is a great opportunity for SHS students to be matched with a younger student to tutor once or twice a week.
If interested contact:
Email - rclread@redwoodcity.org
Phone- 650 780-7077
For more information go to their website and scroll down to the Teen Volunteer Section.
(Flier in College and Career Center)
City Trees Volunteer Opportunities
CityTrees loves working with volunteers from our community. The easiest way to volunteer with CityTrees is to sign up for an upcoming event.
There are opportunities all year round
Camp Volunteer Opportunities at Marine Science Institute
ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th Grade
There are both year around and summer volunteer opportunities at the Marine Science Institute. This is a great place for volunteers interested in science to help younger students learn about science.
Friends of the Redwood City Library
Eligible Grades:9-12th
Volunteer to staff the Bookstore in the Downtown Library. This requires a 2-hour per week commitment. Volunteers chat with customers and accept payment. There are Saturday shifts plus shifts from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 in the afternoon/evenings. WEBSITE
Financial Aid
Career
Gladeo Bay Area
Gladeo Bay Area offers resources that help student users
Learn about Careers by exploring top industries, career paths, and employers in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area region.
Watch Video Interviews that show how community college alumni from the Bay Area region navigated their way to successful careers.
Explore Career Progression Roadmaps that illustrate the types of jobs a person has within an industry as they progress in their career.
Search the Program Finder to find certificate, degree, and training programs that will help students reach their career goals.
Connect with Resources and Opportunities by receiving a personalized newsfeed of events, networking opportunities, and internships.
Take a Personalized Career Quiz to map personality type and interests to potential career options and industries.
20 In-Demand Jobs You Can Get With a Two-Year Degree
Discover 20 in-demand jobs that only require a two-year degree. Explore career paths, earning potential, and factors to consider when choosing a program.
Job Opportunities
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking to hire enthusiastic, responsible students as part time sales associates. Prospective hires must be available 2-3 afternoons per week AND Saturdays. Generally students will work between 10-15 hours per week. Please contact Brent Goetz at 650-366-4082 or brent@goetzsports.com for more information and an application.
Kodely Coaches – Afterschool, $20/hr (Hiring Now)
Help lead fun, hands-on STEM and creative enrichment programs for K–8 students after school. No prior teaching experience required—training is provided. We’re looking for dependable, upbeat coaches who take initiative and enjoy working with kids and are great team players!
Details
When: 1–2 days/week, after school (typically 3:00–4:30 PM or 3:30–4:30 PM, depending on the site)
Where: In person at school sites in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Jose, and Los Gatos — pick the locations most convenient for you
Pay: $20/hour with 2.5 hours of paid training at the start
What you’ll do: Lead engaging activities (LEGO, robotics, maker projects, basic coding), manage small groups, and support a positive classroom environment
Requirements
Reliable, responsible, and strong communicator
Prior leadership experience in clubs is great to have!
students can apply here!
KUMON San Carlos
High School Juniors/Seniors: Do you like working with kids? Kumon, the world's largest after-school enrichment program, seeks energetic Part-time Grader Assistants for immediate hire for the 2026/2027 school year.
Several positions open at the San Carlos Kumon center's after-school math and reading program. Responsibilities include:
• Assisting students (elementary and middle school) with Reading & Math (12 positions open)
• Working directly with early learners (aged 4 – 7 years old) in Math and Reading (Early Learner Grader Assistant position open)
• Grading math & reading worksheets
• Light administrative duties
* Experience in a paid or non-paid job working with kids including teacher’s aide, babysitting, coach, etc is a plus
* Strong English reading/comprehension & advanced Math proficiency is preferred Skills Include:
• Strong interpersonal/verbal communication skills
• Responsible and detail-oriented
• Able to work independently and multi-task
* Approximately 6 - 10 hours per week on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Ideal part time job for high school or college students. Hourly rate: $18+ DOE Please email your resume/qualifications & available work hours on Mon & Thurs if you are interested: kumonsancarlos@gmail.com
Teach with Hummingbird Music School
Teach with Hummingbird Music School
Teach with Hummingbird Music School
Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun, talented, and reliable high school musicians to join our team of music teachers!
Part-time teaching opportunities are available in San Carlos and Redwood City. Teachers may lead Group Piano and Group Ukulele classes at local elementary schools and/or teach private lessons. We welcome musicians who teach piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, drums, strings, woodwinds, brass, and other instruments.
This is a great opportunity for accomplished young musicians who enjoy working with children, want to gain teaching experience, and are excited to share their love of music with the next generation.
Pay
- Group classes: $60/hour
- Private lessons: $45/hour
We’re looking for teachers who are:
- Strong and enthusiastic musicians
- Dependable and responsible
- Comfortable working with children
- Friendly, encouraging, and patient
- Excited about creating a positive, low-pressure learning environment
Interested in joining us? Apply here!
Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center
ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 16yr+ (Must have own transportation)
Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!
Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.
If interested, please apply online
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Past Newsletters
Sequoia High School College & Career Center