As we head into the final month of the semester, we’re here to support students and families in wrapping up the year on a high note! For seniors, this is the last stretch to complete college applications, with UC and CSU deadlines on December 1st—aim to submit early to avoid last-minute issues. Remember, our College Application Workshops are available for extra guidance.

With finals approaching, we encourage students to take care of themselves by practicing mindfulness and managing stress in healthy ways. Winter Break is just around the corner, so stay focused and make these last days count!

Upcoming Key Dates

December 19, 2025 - January 4, 2026 - Winter Break
January 6, 2026 - Spring ECP Final Deadline & Summer ECP Priority Deadline
January 14, 2026 - District Financial Aid Night

Wishing everyone good luck on finals and a joyful, restful holiday season!

Remember, you want to file FAFSA & CADAA for 2026–2027 School Year

• FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov) is for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens
• CADAA (https://dream.csac.ca.gov) is for undocumented/AB 540 students
• Both applications open December 1 and give access to grants, loans, work-study, and college/institutional aid

Why Apply?

• Access free money like the Cal Grant
• Required by many colleges for scholarships
• Helps determine financial need and aid eligibility

Use CaliforniaColleges.edu

• Launch FAFSA/CADAA directly from your CCGI account
• Personal info auto-fills to reduce errors
• Flags common mistakes before submitting
• Track FAFSA/CADAA completion
• See if your Cal Grant GPA was submitted
• Get reminders before deadlines

Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026

Need help? Visit the College & Career Center or attend a financial aid workshop (dates coming soon).

Cal Grant Overview

The Cal Grant provides free money for college or career training at eligible California colleges. It can help with tuition, fees, and sometimes living costs. Eligibility is based on financial need and GPA.

No Separate Application

Complete the FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2026 to be automatically considered. After your application is processed, create a WebGrants for Students account to check your award and make updates.

WebGrants Steps

Submit FAFSA/CADAA
Wait for processing
Create your WebGrants account

Automatic GPA Submission

Our school sends your Cal Grant GPA automatically during Semester 1. If you do not want it submitted, you must complete the opt-out form by the deadline.

Types of Cal Grants

Cal Grant A: Four-year universities
Cal Grant B: Low-income students at community colleges or universities
Cal Grant C: Career and technical programs

Next Steps

Submit your FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2026 to remain eligible.

Sign up for Spring/Summer College Credit Classes!

We’re excited to remind students and families that our Spring and Summer 2026 ECP schedules are now live — giving you plenty of time to plan ahead as we head into winter break!

Students can complete their enrollment steps now to secure priority placement in their preferred courses. Spring and summer are great opportunities to get ahead, explore new subjects, and earn FREE transferable college credit while still in high school.

🌟 New this Summer: The Physical Therapy Aide Program launches this year — a strong option for students interested in health care and high-demand allied health careers.

If you haven’t checked out the schedules yet, now is the perfect time to review the course list and complete your enrollment steps before deadlines arrive.

Spring Deadline:
🔴 Final Deadline: Tuesday, 1/6/2026 at 11:59 PM

Summer Deadlines:
🟠 Priority Deadline: Tuesday, 1/6/2026 at 11:59 PM
🔴 Final Deadline: Monday, 4/6/2026 at 11:59 PM

View the ECP Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/ausd-ecp-classes

Please Note: We’ve also updated and streamlined our enrollment process this year: students now complete only two steps — the ELAC application (as applicable) and the Dynamic Forms Commitment Form. There is no interest form and no additional contract form. Returning ECP students do not need a parent signature again; it was only required once after Fall 2024.

Important Notes about ECP

Please note the class schedule for class modes & times. All courses are online and in either Synchronous or Asynchronous formats.

Synchronous Classes

Real-time, live Zoom sessions with set schedules.
Immediate interaction with instructors and peers.

Asynchronous Classes

No set meeting times; work is done on your own schedule.
Ideal for flexible, independent learning.

Regardless of the format, students are responsible for staying on top of their work.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming presentations designed to help students explore post-secondary options and navigate the college and career landscape. These sessions will provide valuable insights on career pathways, financial aid, and specialized programs. All presentations will be held from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Zoom.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – ELAC Programs & Resources

Learn about ELAC’s College Promise, skill certificates, Summer Bridge, and pathways in Law/STEM.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ccsf1210

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – AUSD CTE Pathways & Labor Market Trends
Explore post-secondary CTE options and how they connect to current labor market demands.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ccsf128

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Financial Aid & Scholarships
Learn strategies for securing financial aid and scholarships for your higher-education journey.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ccsf225

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – ELAC Department Highlights
Discover ELAC certificate programs and resources available to AUSD students.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ccsf0311

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – Financial Aid Award Letter
Understand how to read and compare college financial-aid award letters.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ccsf0408

We’re excited to share that we’re planning college field trips for the upcoming 2025–26 school year! Visit your school's College & Career Center for more information! While final details are still being confirmed, our tentative list includes:

Woodbury University
East Los Angeles College
Rio Hondo College
Electrical Training Institute

Please note: This list is tentative and subject to change based on each college’s availability. While we aim to visit as many campuses as possible, some trips may not occur due to factors beyond our control.

Past Field Trips for 2025-2026 School Year:

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
University of Southern California (USC)
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside)

9th Grade

Reflect on your first semester: What went well, and what can you improve?
Update your activity log with extracurricular activities and achievements.
Continue exploring clubs, sports, or volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
Practice time management and organizational skills to prepare for the spring semester.
Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your goals and plans for next semester.
Consider attending any available career exploration workshops or webinars.
Explore summer programs or camps that align with your interests. Applications for some open in January.
Read books or articles related to your hobbies, interests, or potential careers to expand your knowledge.

10th Grade

Review your semester grades and create goals for the new semester.
Deepen involvement in clubs, activities, or leadership roles.
Update your activity log with any new accomplishments.
Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss next year’s course options (e.g., honors/AP classes).
Explore summer opportunities like camps, internships, or enrichment programs that open in January.
Research local college tours you can attend during spring or summer.
Read about potential careers or majors to identify areas of interest.

11th Grade

Reflect on first-semester grades and plan for improvement if needed. Junior year grades are critical.
Update your activity log with accomplishments and leadership roles.
Research colleges online and make a preliminary list of schools to explore further.
Begin planning spring college visits if possible.
Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your college list, course options, and testing plans.
Start looking into scholarships with January/February deadlines.
Athletes: Ensure your courses meet NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
Begin brainstorming ideas for your personal statement.

12th Grade

Finalize any Regular Decision applications by early January. Double-check all requirements, including test scores, essays, and transcripts.
Confirm your FAFSA and CSS Profile have been submitted for financial aid consideration.
Follow up with recommenders to ensure your letters of recommendation were sent.
Check for scholarships with deadlines in January/February and submit applications.
Prepare for spring admissions decisions by planning visits to accepted schools.
Review housing and meal plan options for colleges you’re considering.