September 2026 Newsletter

Happy September!

A lot of exciting things are happening this month, including our 19th Annual District College Fair! While our AUSD Fall Enrollment is over, ELAC's Open ECP for Fall 2026 is still open and our AUSD Spring 2027 Early College Program (ECP) classes, giving you the opportunity to map out your schedule for the entire school year while earning FREE transferable college credit in high school.

Whether you're taking your first college course or continuing your pathway, now is the time to enroll!

This school year, take advantage of ECP’s exciting college credit courses, designed to boost your college readiness and explore high-paying career fields!

AUSD FALL ECP IS CLOSED! 🚨 MISSED AUSD FALL 2026 ECP REGISTRATION?
You still have an opportunity to take an Early College Program (ECP) course this fall! Although AUSD Fall 2026 ECP Registration is now CLOSED, ELAC’s Open ECP Sections are NOW OPEN for students who missed the AUSD registration deadline.

📚 Fall 2026 Open ECP Courses:
🧠 Psychology C1000 – Introduction to Psychology (Think AP Psych)
🎨 Art 103 – Art Appreciation I (Think AP Art History)
⚖️ Administration of Justice 001 – Introduction to Administration of Justice
🩺 Health 011 – Principles of Healthful Living
👥 Sociology 001 – Introduction to Sociology

✨ All five courses are UC/CSU transferable, and several meet Cal-GETC requirements.

📅 Registration Deadline: September 25, 2026
📅 Classes Begin: October 26, 2026
💻 All courses are asynchronous/online.

🌸 Spring 2027 AUSD ECP Enrollment

Complete these 3 steps:

• Step 1: Submit an East Los Angeles College Application (if applicable)
• Step 2: Complete the Dynamic Form
• Step 3: Submit the Commitment Form

🟠Priority Deadline: Sunday, 12/6/2026 at 11:59 PM

🔴Final Deadline: Wednesday, 1/6/2027 at 11:59 PM

🌐 Learn More at ECP Website: www.ausd.us/ecp

View the Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 Class Schedule:
https://tinyurl.com/ausd-ecp-classes

Don't wait! Enroll early to get the classes you want and start earning college credit while still in high school.

Join us for our FREE virtual evening webinars designed to help students and families navigate college, career, and financial aid planning. All sessions are presented in English with live interpretation in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Other RSVP links to be released soon, so please keep a look out!

• Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• Resume Building & the Importance of Early Experience
• Learn how to build a strong resume and gain valuable experiences during high school.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs101426
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• CSU Application
• Review CSU admissions requirements, deadlines, and application tips.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs102026
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 7:00–8:15 PM
• Common Application & Out-of-State Colleges
• Learn how to apply to private and out-of-state colleges using the Common Application.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs102126
• Thursday, October 22, 2026 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• UC Application
• Review UC admissions requirements, Personal Insight Questions, and application tips.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs102226
• Wednesday, December 2, 2026 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Learn about FAFSA/CADAA, scholarships, and ways to make college more affordable.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs12226
• Wednesday, January 13, 2027 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• Market-Driven Futures: Leveraging Hobbies & CTE Pathways
• Discover how hobbies and CTE pathways can lead to rewarding careers.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs11327
• Wednesday, February 10, 2027 • 6:00–8:00 PM
• Virtual Career Panel Night I
• Hear professionals share their career journeys and advice.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs21027
• Thursday, February 11, 2027 • 6:00–8:00 PM
• Virtual Career Panel Night II
• Meet more professionals and explore a variety of career fields.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs21127
• Wednesday, March 10, 2027 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• The Summer Launchpad
• Learn how to find summer jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs031027
• Wednesday, April 7, 2027 • 7:00–8:00 PM
• College Search: Finding the Right Fit
• Learn strategies for finding colleges that match your goals and interests.
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/cccfs04727

The following events/presentations, held during the school day, are open to all 9th-12th grade students (unless otherwise specified). See the site-based info below for more details.

Scholarships are an incredible opportunity to reduce the financial burden of college, trade school, or career training. Many scholarships reward students for their academic achievements, community involvement, leadership, or future goals, and the funds awarded can make a significant difference in covering tuition, fees, and other expenses. For more scholarships and links to trusted websites, visit our District Scholarship Bulletin.

Now is the time to start applying for competitive national scholarships! Many of these awards provide full tuition, full rides, or up to $55,000 per year. Several applications open in August and September, with deadlines beginning as early as September 15—don't wait until college applications are finished to start!

🌟 The Gates Scholarship

For outstanding Pell-eligible minority seniors.
🔗 Website: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/
🗓️ Opens: July 15 | Deadline: September 15*

🌟 Coca-Cola Scholars Program

$20,000 scholarship recognizing leadership, service, and academic achievement.
🔗 Website: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
🗓️ Opens: August | Deadline: September 30

🌟 QuestBridge National College Match

A full four-year scholarship to one of 55 top partner colleges for high-achieving students with financial need.
🔗 Website: https://www.questbridge.org/
🗓️ Opens: Late Summer | Deadline: October 1

🌟 Horatio Alger Scholarship

For students who have overcome adversity and demonstrate financial need.
🔗 Website: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/
🗓️ Opens: August | Deadline: Mid-October*

🌟 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Awards up to $50,000 based on academics, leadership, and service.
🔗 Website: https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm
🗓️ Opens: August | Deadline: November*

🌟 Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

Up to $55,000 per year for high-achieving students with financial need.
🔗 Website: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/
🗓️ Opens: August | Deadline: November*

🌟 Ron Brown Scholar Program

$40,000 scholarship for academically talented African American seniors demonstrating leadership and service.
🔗 Website: https://ronbrown.org/
🗓️ Early Deadline: November | Final Deadline: January*

🌟 Dell Scholars Program

$20,000, a laptop, textbook credits, and ongoing student support.
🔗 Website: https://www.dellscholars.org/
🗓️ Opens: October | Deadline: December*

🌟 Burger King Scholars Program

Scholarships up to $60,000 for students demonstrating academic achievement, work experience, and community involvement.
🔗 Website: https://bk-scholars.com/
🗓️ Opens: October | Deadline: December*

🌟 Cameron Impact Scholarship

A full-tuition merit scholarship for students with exceptional leadership and service.
🔗 Website: https://www.cameronimpact.org/
🗓️ Applications open annually in the fall and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

*Dates are based on the annual application cycle and may change each year. Always verify deadlines on the scholarship's official website before applying.

We’re excited to share that we’re planning college field trips for the upcoming 2026-27 school year! While final details are still being confirmed, our tentative list includes:

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.

AUSD Field Trip Bulletin Link: https://tinyurl.com/ausd-ccc-fieldtrips

Please note: Due to funding, students are limited to two (2) 4-year college/university field trips a school year.

Wondering what you should be doing this month? We've put together a grade-level checklist to help students stay on track with college and career planning throughout high school. Whether you're just starting 9th grade or preparing college applications as a senior, these monthly to-do lists highlight important tasks, resources, and opportunities to keep you moving toward your goals.

Alhambra Unified School District is seeking local community partners to empower our Career Technical Education (CTE) students through internships, job shadowing, guest speaking, and workplace tours. Partnering with AUSD helps build a local talent pipeline while providing rewarding mentorship and real-world experience for the next generation. Ready to make an impact? Scan or click the flyer to fill out our AUSD Partnership Form and get involved today!