College & Career Newsletter

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

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

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.

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

Freshmen Meeting Recording

English Recording Passcode: +wqKSk&8 Slides

Spanish Recording Passcode: Ma2Ij8=& Slides

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!

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.

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.

Upcoming Visits

Monday October 26

Miami University-Oxford @ 11AM

Virgina Tech @ 1PM

Tues October 27th

Davidson College @ 8:30 AM

Wed October 28th

Heriot-Watt University @ 9:15 AM

Mitchell College @ 2:30 PM

Week of Nov 2nd

UC Santa Barbara

CSU Chico

Pacific Northwest College of Art

The University of Utah

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.

Registration Link

Join Professor Deborah Schildkraut for a lecture that will explore how emotions, such as anxiety and anger, affect political attitudes and behavior. It will also consider when and why emotions might have different effects on different groups of people.

Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM (Eastern)

Registration Link

Showcase your artistic evolution! Visit with counselors, admissions team members, and faculty from art and design schools for a portfolio review before applying to colleges or universities.

REGISTRATION LINK

National Portfolio Day – Bay Area

Date: Sunday, November 8

Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Rotunda Building

300 Frank Ogawa Plaza

Oakland, CA 94612

Holistic review

While we look at many factors in reviewing applications for admission, academic preparation and performance are still primary.

Please note: The UW removed the SAT/ACT requirement for admission. Read more on the SAT/ACT page.

Preparation & performance

Indicators of preparation and performance include:

• An overall strong level of academic achievement, as demonstrated by grades, depth and breadth and rigor of curriculum.

• Taking advantage of college-preparatory courses during high school, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Running Start or college in the high school; or academic subjects beyond the minimum required for college entrance.

• Taking full advantage of the senior year

• Demonstrating a positive grade trend

Note: The UW does not weight or prioritize one model of college-level course over another. Comparable coursework completed through AP, IB, Cambridge, Running Start and College in the High School are viewed equally for admission purposes.

Personal achievements & characteristics

What have you done outside of the classroom? Personal achievements and characteristics may include:

• Demonstrating a commitment to community service and leadership

• Exercising significant responsibility in a family, community, employment situation or through activities

• Attaining a college-preparatory education despite socio-economic disadvantage (Washington state residents only)

• Demonstrating unique perspectives or experiences

• 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

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:

College Board

ACT

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.

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

National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Award

Due: October 27th

Eligible Grades:9th-12th

Students involved in technology. Join for free or be a member of the online Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Community, which supports students and early-career professionals who are interested in computing and engineering.

BigFuture Scholarship, College Board

Due: October 31st

Eligible Grades:11th-12th

Grades: 10/31/2026 Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win

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"

Calling all middle and high school artists in San Mateo County! Assemblymember Diane Papan and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier are excited to announce a joint student art contest celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in our community.

We invite students to submit original, two-dimensional, non-digital works of art that creatively reflect the theme:

"America 250: The American Experience reflected in San Mateo County.”

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we invite you to reflect on what the American experience means through your eyes. From the communities that have shaped our history to the individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen our future, we want to see how the spirit of America is reflected in our County.

Whether your artwork highlights local history, cultural diversity, civic engagement, social movements and protest, innovation, natural landscapes, or everyday moments that capture the values and experiences of our community, we encourage you to share your perspective through art.

Winning Entries Will Receive:

• Commendations and a Display of their artwork from both Assemblymember Diane Papan and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier
• A private lunch with the Assemblymember and Supervisor
• Recognition on official social media channels and official websites

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, November 6 at 5:00 pm.

Go here to learn more.

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.

Lean More & Apply Here

Due: 11/30/2026, 10th-12th grade

Only submit still photographs, “tells a story”, NOT looking for “art” photography. Five (5) Digital SLR Cameras will be awarded to five (5) high school students. Must be US citizen

Due: 11/30/2026, 10th grade-12th grade

Do you love to write poetry? Then here's a great opportunity for you! Submit to the Annual Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers, presented by the Kenyon Review, one of the country’s most respected literary magazines, and judged by acclaimed poet Ruth Awad. If you are the winner or one of the two runners-up, your poem will be published in our print magazine and on our website. Must be in 10th or 11th grade. One submission per student.

TopSpin is EPATT’s paid internship for high school students ready to take the next step. Interns gain real-world work experience and leadership roles in EPATT departments -- including elementary, middle school, social media, administration, tennis, operations, and more -- while strengthening academic skills and college and career readiness through tutoring (including a remote option) and enrichment workshops catered to their interests. The Student Success Coordinator supports interns through weekly check-ins, tutoring, and structured professional development. For more information, click here.

Looking to make SUHSD more sustainable and advocate for the environment in the community? Join the SUHSD Sustainability Committee! We will work on passing a School Board Resolution, conducting outreach, and creating climate initiatives through our three subcommittees, Climate Policy, Climate Literacy, and Zero Waste. The committee is an awesome opportunity to grow your advocacy and communication skills while meeting others who care deeply about the environment.

Here are our contact pages

Emails:

825712@seq.org: Ella Lee-Donley (Vice Chair)

Remind Code: @suhsdsc

Instagram: suhsdsustainability

Our first meeting is on October 28th at 4:30

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.

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.

Application Link

What is the purpose of the Cadet Program?

The Redwood City Police Cadet Program has a long and well-established history of offering valuable experience to local teens and young adults as they explore the vocation of law enforcement. At the same time, these volunteers provide hours of service to the Redwood City community during city events and large-scale incidents handled by the police department. The program also strives to provide participants with direction and guidance to prepare for the responsibilities of becoming a successful adult.

What are the requirements to become a Cadet?

• Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21 years old
• Enrolled in school or completed high school education
• Copy of your most recent report card showing a GPA of 2.0 or better
  • If your current GPA is below 2.0, a letter from your teachers must be provided stating you are on track to achieving a GPA of 2.0 this semester
• Letter of recommendation from either a current or former teacher, school counselor, coach, or employer
• Applicants must not have any felony convictions and no pending criminal cases
• Applicants must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours a month to the program as well as attend monthly meetings and training sessions

To find our more, visit this website

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

Due: 11/30/2026, 10th-12th grade

SEAP places academically talented high school students with interest and ability in science and engineering as participants in Department of Navy laboratory research for eight weeks during the summer.

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

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.

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

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)

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.

What it Offers: An interactive tool that helps students explore career options based on their interests. It includes detailed job descriptions, education requirements, salary expectations, and job outlook.

It is run by O’Net (US Labor Dept)

WEBSITE

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.

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!

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

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!

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

August 16-22, 2026- Start of the year

August 23-29, 2026

Aug 30-Sept 5, 2026

Sept 6-12, 2026

Sept 13-19, 2026

Sept 20-26, 2026

Sept 27-October 3, 2026

October 4-17, 2026

Oct 18-24, 2026