Community College and Beyond

Planning for Your Future

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Class of 2026

Counseling Team

Mrs. Aguila (A-Ca & Po-Ra)

daguila@guhsd.net

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Mrs. Steveson (Ce-Gon & Re-Roc)

asteveson@guhsd.net

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Mrs. Porfirio (Ke-O)

jporfirio@guhsd.net

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Ms. Vargas-Wilson (Ru-Z)

rvargaswilson@guhsd.net

Academic Advisor (11th and 12th grade)

Ms. Santoro

ksantoro@guhsd.net

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Mrs. Dawson- Wellness Center Coordinator

ldawson@guhsd.net

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Mrs. Manuel (Goo-Ka & P-Pl)

jmanuel@guhsd.net

Today’s Agenda

• We will review
• Exploring Resources for Post-Secondary Planning
• Overview of Local Community Colleges
• Application Process
• Transfer Pathways
• Apprenticeships, Military, & Trade schools Opportunities
• Job Corps Programs
• Financial Aid Options

• Review your transcript provided today
• Check GPA, Grades, A-G eligibility.

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• Check for accuracy of academic history
• Plan to retake any courses you failed that you need for graduation or A-G eligibility.

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• Remember…. you need 220 credits at the end of your senior year to graduate!
• You should currently have 130-140 credits.

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• Attend summer school if necessary. “Crash” for any failed courses this semester if you are not signed up!

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• Continue researching your post secondary options

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Click HERE for graduation and A-G requirements

Post Secondary Planning Resources

College & Career Exploration

• CCGI (California College Guidance Initiative): Helps plan high school courses, explore careers, and track college applications.
• Big Future - College Board: Explore colleges, scholarships, and career paths with personalized matches.
• Cappex: Compare colleges, find scholarships, and see your chances of admission.
• College Express: Browse college lists by major, location, or interest; great for brainstorming options

Community College & Program Search

• CA Community College Program Finder: Search community college programs across California.
• Program Finder: Discover specific degree or certificate programs in your area of interest.
• Career Coach: Connects community college programs with local labor market data and salaries.
• Academic and Career Pathways: Explore Grossmont College Career Pathways.

Post-Secondary Options

Post-Secondary Options

What can a Community College Offer?

• A fresh start! There are no SAT/ACT or GPA requirements
• Smaller class sizes!
• Affordable education- Even free with The Promise! May be eligible for two years of free education.
• General Education that can transfer with you to a 4-year University
• Allows you to explore majors and career options if you are not sure what you want to do.
• Flexible Pathways:
• Associate Degrees, Certificate Programs, Apprenticeship Programs
• Specialized programs that can be completed in under 2 years
• Career fields include:

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• Interior Design
• Graphic Design
• Cosmetology
• Fashion Design
• Medical Assistant

• Paralegal
• Real Estate
• Child Development
• EMT
• And more!

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• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Drywall
• HVAC
• Machine Tech

Community Colleges

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• Research the websites to find out which Community College is a good fit for you.
• There are many options in San Diego!
• Different colleges offer a variety of specialty programs.
• Do you know what you would like to study, but are not sure which community college offer those programs? Visit the Program Finder website to discover schools that match your field of interest.
• Discover specific programs using the Program Finder HERE

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Local Community Colleges

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• Grossmont College
• Cuyamaca College
• Southwestern College
• Mesa College

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• Miramar College
• San Diego City College

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Explore Your Options at Grossmont College

• What can you study?
• Grossmont College offers many programs like:
• Science & Health (Nursing, Biology, Allied Health)
• Arts & Media (Theater, Music, Digital Art)
• Technology & Business (Cybersecurity, Business Admin, Computer Science)
• Trades & Career Education (Auto Tech, Culinary, Child Development)
• General Education & Transfer Majors (Psychology, Sociology, History)
• You can find more information about all programs HERE

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Facts about Grossmont College

• Highlights, requirements to graduate, associate degrees offered and athletic information can all be found here: More info
• Total number of students enrolled- 18,241
• Programs Offered: Over 150 associate degrees and certificates
• Campus Size: 135 acres
• Minimum number of units required to graduate with an associate degree is 60 units
• Career Center, Financial Aid office, Transfer center, and more is available to students
• Student Organizations: 23 clubs, student-run newspaper (The Summit), radio station (Griffin Radio), and theater group

Cuyamaca College Information

• Similar to Grossmont College, many of these programs offer degrees and certificates. Click HERE for more information about these programs.
• About 10,000 students enrolled
• Unique programs to Cuyamaca College include:
• Horticulture – Landscaping, floristry, turf & nursery work
• Water Studies – Careers in water treatment & conservation
• Automotive – Ford/GM training & ASE certifications
• CADD – Design for architecture & manufacturing

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• Use this link to find out more information on Programs & Degrees: HERE
• Take a Virtual Campus Tour: HERE

Grossmont and Cuyamaca College

• Costs to attend are much lower than going directly to a 4-year university
• First two years of community college can be free!
• $46 per unit

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• Financial aid and scholarships are available

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• Representatives from these colleges visit GHS often! Be sure to visit the College and Career Center in the Counseling Office to sign up to talk to a representative to find out more about application deadlines, programs and more

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise

• Free tuition for first-time college students
• You must fill out your FAFSA/CADAA, complete the college application process and enroll full-time.
• You must maintain a 2.0 college GPA to remain eligible for the spring semester.

How To Apply

• If you are interested in attending either Grossmont or Cuyamaca college, the application process will happen starting in February of your senior year.
• All students who are legal CA residents and meet basic requirements and apply are admitted.
• Undocumented students are also able to apply and take courses.

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• First: Fill out online application
• Then: Complete the 4-step onboarding process, which includes Application, Orientation, Assessment and Education Plan.
• Lastly: You will get a registration day to choose your classes (via email)!
• More information to come regarding workshops with Grossmont College during your senior year.

Transferring to a 4-Year University

• Why Transfer?
• Most Community Colleges do not offer Bachelor's degrees.
• If your career requires one, you'll transfer to a 4-year university after completing your general education.

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• How It Works
• With proper planning, your community college credits transfer
• You can enter as a junior at a university after completing 60 transferable units
• Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) give you priority admission to CSU campuses
• It is very important to meet with a community college academic advisor in your first semester to share your goals and ensure that all the classes you are taking will help you obtain your long term goals.

Different Transfer Programs

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)

• Guarantee admission to a CSU (not a specific campus) through redirection
• AA-T: Associate in Arts for Transfer
• AS-T: Associate in Science for Transfer
• SDSU will use tiers for admission when students apply using an ADT to an SDSU-approved AA-T/AS-T major:
• Tier 1: student who has earned ADT from a local college
• Tier 2: student who has earned ADT from Palomar or Miracosta
• Tier 3: student who has earned ADT from another CCC
• Tier 4: student who applies to ADT major without the ADT

Transfer Success Pathway (TSP)

• An agreement with California State University that guarantees admission into the selected CSU and program as long as the student meets all admission requirements within three years.
• TSP Agreements must be signed between Aug. 1st - Sept. 30th of your first semester at the college
• Not all majors are included in the TSP agreement
• What is the difference between TSP and Associates for Transfer?
• ADTs provide priority admission and guarantee graduation with 60 units.
• A TSP agreement guarantees admission provided the student meets the requirements of the agreement.
• Learn more HERE

SDSU Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

• TAG provides an opportunity for guaranteed admission to San Diego State University
• TAG is only available for local student and only for certain majors
• For applicable majors, TAG requires:
• Complete 100% of your transferable units from community colleges in SDSU's local admission area.
• No separate contract like (Transfer Success Pathway- TSP).
• 60 transferable units and completion of General Education
• Major Preparation—Complete all major preparation courses by the end of the spring term prior to fall admission.
• Grade Point Average—Maintain the cumulative GPA required for your major -based on all transferable units attempted

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• Visit this link for more information on the TAG program CLICK HERE

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University of California (UC)

UC TAG

• Guarantees admission to 1 of 6 participating UC campuses
• Davis
• Irvine
• Merced
• Eligibility requirements vary by campus and major
• Learn more HERE

UCSD UniversityLink

• Offers guaranteed admission to UCSD from a local community college
• Unlike SDSU TAG program, this program has a few requirements:
• Family income is less than $40,000 per year
• For first time college students, student veterans, active duty military or current/former foster youth
• 3.5 minimum GPA required at time of application
• You would apply for this program in your first year at community college through the link found HERE.

• Riverside
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz

Trade & Technical Schools

• Provides specialty training in a particular field/career and help you enter workforce quickly with the skills needed to compete.
• Important things to consider:
• Accreditation: Is the school reputable and recognized?
• Career Commitment: Will you stay in this field? (Credits often don’t transfer.)
• Cost – Could you get the same training cheaper at a community college?
• Time – How long is the program? Can you start right away, or is there a waitlist?
• Certification: Is a license or certificate required for your career?
• Financial Aid: Not all programs accept federal/state aid—ask before enrolling!
• For more information about trade, career, and technical schools, visit this website: CLICK HERE

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Apprenticeship Programs

• What is Apprenticeship?
• An Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) with classroom instruction. You learn a skilled trade while earning money!
• Can range from 3-4 year programs

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• Benefits of Apprenticeships
• Earn while you learn – Get paid from day one
• No student debt – Training is often free or employer-sponsored
• Job security – High demand for skilled trades
• Hands-on experience – Learn directly from professionals

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• Common Apprenticeship Trades
• Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, HVAC, Sheet Metal Worker, Construction, Automotive Technician, Ironworker and more~

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Resources for Apprenticeship Programs

• California Apprenticeship Program Directory
• Explore registered apprenticeship programs across California CLICK HERE
• U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship
• Learn about national programs, how to apply, and benefits of apprenticeships CLICK HERE
• State of California Department of Industrial Relationship
• Find rules, program standards, and career pathways in trades CLICK HERE
• List of List of local programs HERE

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Military

• Enter directly from high school or at a higher rank if you attend college first
• Benefits include:
• Job training, leadership, education, steady salary, scholarships, and life experience
• Armed Forces Branches:

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• ASVAB (Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery)
• Required placement test (minimum score required for both entrance and specific jobs)
• Available at the Military Recruiters Office
• Military recruiters come on campus frequently
• If you would like to meet with one, come to the Counseling office and notify Ms. Santoro. She can help you connect with a recruiter email at ksantoro@guhsd.net

Going Straight Into the Workforce

• A resume will be highly needed.
• List any work experience, volunteer activities, skills or projects!
• Read more HERE
• Check out some of these resources to learn more:
• America's Job Bank
• CalJOBS - State of California
• San Diego Workforce Partnership
• How to Write a Resume without Experience

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Job Corps

• Free career training and education program for low-income young people ages 16-24.
• Earn a high school diploma or GED (if still needed) while receiving hands-on career training.
• Programs range from 8 months to 2 years.
• Most students live at one of the Job Corps centers
• Imperial Beach is the closest location
• Free student services:
• Dorm room
• Three meals a day
• Basic medical and dental care
• Clothing, supplies, and stipend
• Child Care assistance
• Zero tolerance policy for drugs and violence.

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• Drivers ed training
• Career counseling and job placement
• Clubs

San Diego Job Corps Career Training Options

• Auto Mechanic
• Carpentry
• Cement Masonry
• Computer Technician
• Construction (OSHA)
• Electrician
• Floor Covering Installation
• Hotel & Lodging
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Office Administration
• Microsoft Office Certification

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• Painting
• Pharmacy Technician
• Plastering
• Plumbing
• Security and Protective Services
• Tile Setting
• Welding
• Culinary Arts
• Bricklaying

Get Started with Job Corps

Liliana Delgado

San Diego Job Corps Center

Outreach and Admissions Counselor

Cell: 619.495.8387

Fax: 619.575.8242

Delgado.Liliana@jobcorps.org

151 Van Houten Ave El Cajon CA 92020

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Weekly virtual orientations every Wednesdays at 8:30am.

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San Diego Job Corps Virtual Walk Through

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=goAuOMzXjLM&app=desktop&_sm_byp=iVVnQFFRDt2FS7w5

How will I pay for it all?

What are your plans after high school?

If you plan to pursue college, trade/vocational school, or a technical program you will need to submit a financial aid application.

This will help you make college or trade/vocational school more affordable.

Graduation Requirement

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Regardless of your post-secondary plan…

California Assembly Bill 469 has been passed into legislation.

This requires graduates of GUHSD to submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application to graduate high school. See your counselor if you have questions.

What is Financial Aid?

Why do you need Financial Aid?

• College & Trade/Vocational School can be EXPENSIVE! You will need to pay for tuition, books, housing, meals, transportation, and other costs that may add up quickly.
• Financial aid isn’t just for students with "financial need"; it can help students from all backgrounds reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

Federal Government

Financial aid is money provided to help students pay for their education. It comes from a variety of sources:

State of California

Your College

or Scholarship programs

Main Types of Financial Aid

Cal Grant

• By filling out the FAFSA or CADAA you will automatically be considered for a Cal Grant.

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• Cal Grants are given for all California Public Universities (CSU, UC, Community Colleges, and most Private Institutions).

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• Our district automatically uploads your GPA verification, you don't need to worry about that!

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• Cal Grants are GPA/need based.

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College and Career Fair Today During Lunch!

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Location: Upper Quad- Blue Stage

Explore various college and career options such as:

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Community College Summer Class

• Are you interested in taking a summer class at the college and are interested in the STEM field?
• Grossmont College will be offering a class called: Counseling 130: Study Skills and Time Management
• Scan the QR code to sign up or click HERE
• Dates: 6/18-7/23 (Wednesdays from 10am-12:25pm

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Are you using all of the resources on our website?

We have loaded the Counseling website with TONs of great info.

There you can find out more on academics, colleges, careers, scholarships and much more.

Be sure to visit the link found by CLICKING HERE

Reminders and Updates!

Always check your school email!

This is the main communication method your counselor has with you.

Read the Counselor Connection newsletter in your email on the first Tuesday of each month!

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Follow us on Instagram!

@foothiller_counseling

Honor Graduates

Honor graduates are those students who are A-G eligible AND also have an overall GPA of 3.5 up to the 12 week progress report of second semester

Final Reminders!

• Advocate for yourself
• Utilize your resources for college and career search!
• Plan to take campus tours over the summer
• Finish the year strong!

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Thank You!

Questions?