HS Transition Presentation

For 8th Grade Families - November 2025

Agenda

• Acknowledgements
• Welcome & Introductions
• Transition to High School
• Small Learning Communities (SLCs)
• SLC Placement Process
• Questions

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Land Acknowledgement

We are located on the ethnohistoric territory of the ancestral and traditional land of the Jalquin (hal-keen) / Yrgin (eer-gen) Chochenyo-Ohlone-speaking People. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Ohlone.

We have benefited from the use and occupation of this land since the San Lorenzo School District’s establishment in 1859.

Consistent with our values, we have a responsibility to acknowledge and make known through various enterprises the San Lorenzo Unified School District Board of Education’s relationship to Native peoples. It is important that we not only recognize the history of the land on which we live, work, and learn, but also, we recognize that the Muwekma Ohlone People are alive and flourishing members of the San Lorenzo and broader Bay Area communities today.

African Ancestry & Labor Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that African explorers and settlers arrived in the Americas long before the development of the American chattel system. The Black experience predates both the Middle Passage and American slavery.

We acknowledge and remember those who did not survive the Middle Passage, those who were beaten and lynched at the hands of White Americans, and those who are still suffering while fighting for their freedom.

We acknowledge all immigrant labor, including voluntary, involuntary, trafficked, forced, and undocumented peoples who contributed to the building of the country and continue to serve within our labor force. We acknowledge all unpaid caregiving labor.

Welcome & Introductions

Transition to High School

Transition to High School

• Credits are required for graduation
• Students earn credits by passing classes with D- or better
• Credits are earned 2x per year at the end of each semester (December & June)
• One class earns 5 credits for the semester
• Students take 6 classes per semester
• Each semester is divided into quarters that factor into the semester grade
• Students need to make up credits if they do not pass a class

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Sample 9th grade schedule

*Elective Examples:

Language Other Than English, ELD (English Language Development), Art, Music, Drama

Transition to High School

Get involved!

• Sports
• Clubs
• Dances
• Lunch time events
• After school activities

Supports available!

• Academic Counseling
• College & Career Guidance
• Wellness Center

Small Learning Communities (SLCs)

In SLZUSD High Schools all students are placed in a Small Learning Community!

What is a Small Learning Community?

• A Small Learning Community (SLC) divides a large school into smaller groups of students and teachers.
• The primary purpose of enrolling into SLCs is to create a more personalized learning environment to better meet the needs of students.
• Each SLC will often share the same teachers and students from grade to grade so that teachers keep up with the progress of their shared students.
• All SLC’s in SLZUSD are College Prep & Career Focused
• SLC’s provide hands on learning, career related field trips, career speakers, and internship opportunities

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SLCs available in SLZUSD

(In alphabetical order)

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• BADA - Bay Area Digital Arts (San Lorenzo High School)
• EBA - East Bay Arts (Co-located at San Lorenzo High School)
• Future - Future Leaders for Social Change (Arroyo High School)
• H & M - Health & Medicine (Arroyo High School)
• LLC - Law, Leadership and Culture (San Lorenzo High School)
• Tech Links - Tech Links Business & Finance (Arroyo High School)
• TREND - Transportation, Engineering and Design (Arroyo High School)

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SLC Placement Process

SLC Placement

• San Lorenzo Unified School District does not use address as a high school placement factor.
• Students are placed according to their SLC request.
• Students and families select 5 SLCs to request, ranking in preference from 1-5.
• SLZUSD aims to place students in one of their top 3 requests.
• There are considerations for students with siblings currently attending a high school, and students with IEPs or in need of newcomer services.

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Which SLC to request?

• Students learned about the SLCs in 8th grade classes
• Review the SLC detailed information in the Appendix of these slides or in the Program Guide on the SLC website.
• Students can take the Career Pathways Survey and may have done so in class.

Slides and google form will be sent via email!

Placement Timeline

November

December

December - January

Late

January

February

8th Grade Family Night Meetings

Dec 4th:

Google Form Requests Due*

*After this date, 8th grade counselors will follow-up with families who haven’t submitted

SLC placement letter sent via mail**

SLZUSD reviews requests and works on placements

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High school counselors meet with 8th grade students at the middle schools

**Appeal form will be made available for families who wish to appeal their assigned placement

SLC Request Form:

Submit By

December 4, 2025

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Students who do not submit a form are placed in SLCs that have space

English

Chinese

Spanish

https://bit.ly/3IBSrig

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https://bit.ly/4gMF2AS

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https://bit.ly/3Vx0UX5

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SLC Request Google Form

The form will be sent out via email and can be found on the website at https://bit.ly/slzusd_slc

Things to Note

• Enrollment to high school is automatic for students who live in our district and attend a district middle school. Student’s only need to submit the SLC Request Form and do not need to submit an enrollment application.
• For students attending a district middle school who live outside of our district - information will be sent in February about renewing your student’s Inter District Application (IDA). You must renew your student’s IDA to retain SLC placement.
• Enrollment for new to district students will begin in January. Visit the SLZUSD Enrollment page for more information: bit.ly/slzusdenroll.

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Newcomer Support

SLZUSD newcomer program is only available at San Lorenzo HS (students who need sheltered core classes and higher level of English support)

• Students who need Newcomer support should request BADA or LLC for their SLC
• Students who are ready to be in mainstream classes may request any SLC

If you are not sure if you are in the Newcomer program, talk to your counselor and/or ELD teacher(s)

Students in the newcomer program at Edendale MS will be placed at San Lorenzo High School

Hear from

our Students!

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• BADA
• EBA
• Future
• H & M
• LLC
• Tech Links
• TREND

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LIGHTS!

CAMERA!

LEARNING!

A College Preparatory Small Learning Community at

San Lorenzo High School

BADA: Building success through community, technology & confidence

• Academics:
• Video Production / Digital Media Career Pathway
• A-G College Prep Classes
• Internship Opportunities
• Productions in a State of the Art Digital Studio
• Advisory for life, school, college and career planning

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Beginning in the 9^th grade, BADA students have access to a variety of electives at San Lorenzo including:

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Multi-Media, Video Production, Advanced Video (SLz-TV News), & Media Arts,

Digital Arts: College Preparedness and Career Training

• Field Trips:
• UC and CSU college tours
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• Cinemark Theaters
• SF Symphony
• Academy Museum of Arts & Sciences
• Universal Studios
• Clubs:
• TV and Film Club

Be

SEEN

HONORED

Heard

Believed

Inspired

and

loved

at…

Grow your

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Confidence

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Community

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Curiosity

Courage

Compassion

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Feel the LoVE at East Bay Arts!

East Bay Arts is a small, socially just, arts-integrated, college preparatory high school where love serves as the foundation for all we do! We have a CTE (Career Technical Education) Pathway in the Arts, Media and Entertainment field. Knowing art is a form of protest, we believe that we can transform education in radical and revolutionary ways. At EBA, students will embrace the artist’s habits of mind as they problem solve, take risks, build lasting friendships, express their lived experiences, and connect with the larger community and world.

We offer A-G courses through a lens of anti-racism, embracing critical thought, community building, student voice, and collectivism, all while embracing self-expression and personal identity.

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What makes East Bay arts unique?

ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

EBA is the place to be, where school feels like a family!

• Social, emotional and academic support
• Project-based learning
• Performances
• Field trips
• Full School Cultural Learning Days
• Student Voice at the center!

What makes East Bay arts unique?

ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

• Individualized social, emotional and academic support
• Cross-curricular, project-based learning
• Caring Community that embraces individual expression and identity, where people are connected and no one is anonymous
• Fall Showcase, Student Leadership Spirit Weeks, Cupid’s Kickback,

Expressions!, Student-Curated Art Galleries, Poetry Readings, Musical Theater performances and Summer Jam!

• Field trips: College Tours, Music and Drama performances,

Science exploration, political activism, art museums, cultural sites

• Full School Community Learning days to honor our students’ many identities: Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month,

Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride month,

Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian Heritage month

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Future Academy

Overview of the Future Academy

The Future Leaders for Social Change Academy is a college preparatory academy that helps students develop leadership skills. Students learn about issues of justice, equality, and social change and apply that knowledge to their work in our school, the community, and beyond. Future Academy students take core classes with other Future Leaders.

From English and history to math and science, core classes help students become a leader for positive social change, which in turn, prepares them for success in any career path of choice.

In the Future Academy, students have many opportunities to better themselves and their community. As a Future Leader member, students have a team of passionate teachers who provide engaging and rigorous classes as well as after school tutoring and mentorship throughout their four years of high school.

Future Academy Opportunities

Community Action

Town Hall Performances

Unique field trips and college visits

Academy of

Health & Medicine

Health & Medicine

Focus:

Practical training and career exposure in a variety of health fields combined with academic preparation for future careers in health, medicine and wellness professions.

For students interested in learning about:

Possible careers in health, medicine and/or wellness

For students interested in becoming:

Nurse, Physician, Veterinarian, Dental Assistant, Dentist, Surgical Technician, Medical Examiner, Physical Therapist, Molecular Biologist, Biochemist, Nutritionist, Dietician, Phlebotomist and more

HM Activities and Events

• Field trips- career exploration and college campus visits
• Certification in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid
• Internship opportunities
• Participation in HM Leadership Club activities, such as our annual toy drive

LAW, LEADERSHIP & CULTURE ACADEMY

Stand for Justice. Lead with Courage. Embrace a Better World.

LLC Overview

LLC provides the skills and programs necessary for students to achieve college and career goals in the growing fields of public service, leadership, law, politics, law enforcement, and communication, preparing its students for the demands of the 21st century in an ever-changing and diverse world.

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LLC Courses & Programs

Careers in Law I

(Chabot Credit)

Advanced Careers in Law (Chabot Credit)

Peer Mediation I

Peer Mediation II

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All students can access:

Link Crew Support

Future Ready Collective

Advisory College & Career Planning

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LLC College and Career Exploration Field Trips

UC Davis

Las Positas College--Admin. of Justice program

SF 9th Circuit Courthouse

Hayward Courthouse

REACH Air Medical Helicopter Facility

Alcatraz Island

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to name a few!

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LLC Field Trips & Guest Speakers

College & career exploration field trips depend on the classes you take. The trips are different for Careers in Law and Peer Mediation.

LLC College and Career Exploration Guest Speakers

Former FBI Agents

California Highway Patrol

Social Services Representatives

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Tech Links

Small Learning Community

Tech Links Small Learning Community

Engaging pathways into Business, Marketing & Finance

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✨ Mission Statement for Tech Links Small Learning Community

“Our mission is to empower students through hands-on learning,

leadership development, and real-world experiences in business, marketing, and finance.

By fostering critical thinking, communication, and confidence, Tech Links prepares

innovative, career-ready leaders equipped to thrive in today’s global economy.”

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Why Choose Tech Links?

✨ Hands-on projects, collaboration & real-world experiences

🎤 Build confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills

💡 Emphasis on critical thinking and communication

📘 Blend of rigorous academics with practical application

🚀 Preparation to thrive as innovative, career-ready leaders

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🌍 Explore careers: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance,

Hospitality, and International Business.

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Project Lead the Way

ENGINEERING PATHWAY

Become Tomorrow’s Problems Solvers Today!

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of Engineering & Computer Science

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Trend Field Trips: UC Berkeley, Chabot College, Astra, USS Hornet and more ��

Meet and Speak with Actual Engineers

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Project Based Learning

Student Created Video�

Questions?

1. Visit the website: https://bit.ly/slzusd_slc

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• Contact your students’ middle school counselor.

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• Contact the Enrollment Office: (510) 317-4630 or enroll@slzusd.org

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Appendix

48

LIGHTS!

CAMERA!

LEARNING!

A College Preparatory Small Learning Community at

San Lorenzo High School

BADA: Quiet on the Set! ACTION!

• Academics:
• Video Production / Digital Media Career Pathway
• A-G College Prep Classes
• Internship Opportunities
• Productions in a State of the Art Digital Studio
• Advisory for life, school, college and career planning

​

​

Beginning in the 9^th grade, BADA students have access to a variety of electives at San Lorenzo including:

​

Multi-Media, Video Production, Advanced Video (SLz-TV News), Media Arts, Photography and Digital Music

Digital Arts College and Career

• Field Trips:
• UC and CSU college tours
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• Google Campus
• Youth Radio
• Cal Shakes
• Universal Studios
• Clubs:
• TV and Film Club

Sample 9th-12th Grade BADA Schedule

Be

SEEN

HONORED

Heard

Believed

Inspired

and

loved

at…

Grow your

​

Confidence

​

Community

​

Curiosity

Courage

Compassion

​

Feel the L VE at East Bay Arts!

East Bay Arts is a small, socially just, arts-integrated, college preparatory high school where love serves as the foundation for all we do! We have a CTE (Career Technical Education) Pathway in the Arts, Media and Entertainment field. Knowing art is a form of protest, we believe that we can transform education in radical and revolutionary ways. At EBA, students will embrace the artist’s habits of mind as they problem solve, take risks, build lasting friendships, express their lived experiences, and connect with the larger community and world.

We offer A-G courses through a lens of anti-racism, embracing critical thought, community building, student voice, and collectivism, all while embracing self-expression and personal identity.

What makes East Bay arts unique?

ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

• Individualized social, emotional and academic support
• Cross-curricular, project-based learning
• Caring Community that embraces individual expression and identity, where people are connected and no one is anonymous
• Fall Showcase, Student Leadership Spirit Weeks, Cupid’s Kickback,

Expressions!, Student-Curated Art Galleries, Poetry Readings, Musical Theater performances and Summer Jam!

• Field trips: College Tours, Music and Drama performances,

Science exploration, political activism, art museums, cultural sites

• Full School Community Learning days to honor our students’ many identities: Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month,

Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride month,

Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian Heritage month

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Current Course of Study

9th Grade Schedule (Reflection/Retrospection)

• English 9
• Integrated Math 1/Algebra Support
• Anatomy/Physiology
• Ethnic Studies/Health
• Cultural Arts Exploration (Art, Music, Drama or Dance)
• Physical Education

Real Agency

Relevant Advocacy

Rigorous Activism

The FUTURE Leaders for Social Change ACADEMY

Overview of the Future Academy

The Future Leaders for Social Change Academy is a college preparatory academy that helps students develop leadership skills. Students learn about issues of justice, equality, and social change and apply that knowledge to their work in our school, the community, and beyond. Future Academy students take core classes with other Future Leaders.

Our academy classes help students become leaders for positive social change, which in turn, prepares them for success in any career path of choice. But some of our career pathways include law, education, social work, psychology and politics, to name a few.

In the Future Academy, students have many opportunities to better themselves and their community. As a Future Leaders, students will have a team of passionate teachers who provide engaging and rigorous classes as well personal tutoring and mentorship throughout their four years of high school.

Future Academy Classes

Future Academy Opportunities

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Community Action

Town Hall Performances

Unique field trips and college visits

Academy of Health and Medicine

The Academy of Health and Medicine (H&M) is an academy designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the health, medicine and wellness fields. The program incorporates academics, as well as practical training and health career exposure.

Students who take the pathway elective courses have the opportunity to participate in field trips to medical facilities, college campus visits and hear a variety of guest speakers to help them determine their future path.

Students also have the opportunity to get certified in Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid.

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HM pathway courses

• Health (1 semester)

- 9^th grade

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• Principles in Biomedical Sciences (PBS) - 10^th grade

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• Human Body Systems (HBS) OR ROP options - 11^th grade

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• Biotechnology OR ROP options - 12^th grade

HM Activities and Events

• Strong Start- HM freshman transition program
• Field trips- career exploration and college campus visits
• Certification in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid
• Internship opportunities
• Participation in HM Leadership Club activities, such as our annual toy drive

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A college preparatory small learning community at

San Lorenzo High School

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Leading with empathy, courage, and knowledge to positively impact the world around us

We believe the collective power of our diverse cultures, experiences, and knowledge can enrich our ability to be leaders for change.

LLC Academy: All Rise!

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With us, here’s what you can expect:

• Access to Law, Leadership & Culture themes in core classes
• Access to an LLC Peer Mediation & Advocacy elective
• Access to Careers in Law, Forensics & Public Safety courses, Social Justice, Power of Culture & Language in our Society
• Preparation for college and career expectations
• Advisory (life, school, college, and career planning)
• Internships & career experience opportunities
• A diverse and exciting learning environment with study trip opportunities

Sample 9th-12th Grade LLC Schedule

LLC College & Career

Programs & Events

▪LLC Field Trips: State Capitol, Alcatraz

▪College Trips: UC Davis, CSU East Bay, Chabot, Las Positas Law & Justice Day, etc.

▪Guest Speakers via Law & Public Service

Tech Links Business Academy

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Mission Statement

Tech Links offers a rigorous, relevant, business and finance curriculum that prepares students for post-high school, college and career opportunities.

Our shared vision is based on the following core values:

· To integrate a technical and academic education leading to potential careers in business, finance, marketing and technology.

· To create a learning environment fostering respect for self and others while promoting honesty, integrity and empathy.

· To provide programs with high expectations that develop individuality and teamwork.

Tech Links Business Academy Career Pathway Electives

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9th Grade - Ethnic Studies/ Health

10th Grade - Bus. Ownership/Entrepreneurship and DECA - CTE Articulated with Chabot

11th Grade - Marketing Economics Business Owner and DECA - CTE Articulated with Chabot

12th Grade - Marketing Economics & Finance and DECA - CTE Articulated with Chabot

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Tech Links Activities and Events

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP

•Create and lead activities & meetings

•Get involved on campus

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•Make a difference & have your opinions matter

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•Mentorship from teachers

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FIELD TRIPS

•College and Career - Santa Clara University, U.C. Berkeley,

USF, SFSU, San Jose State, Sac. State,

•Tech Interactive, Art Museums, Exploratorium, Disney Family Museum

Sports and Marketing Entertainment •DECA Career Conferences

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We Believe that Our Students Belong on the Cutting Edge of Innovation and Technology

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of Engineering & Computer Science

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Building a Strong Foundation for College and Career

From redesigning urban infrastructures, programing robots, exploring artificial intelligence, launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities around the world, Engineers and Computer Scientists find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality.

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The TREND Academy of Engineering & Computer Science empowers students to step into the role of a real world Engineer and/or Computer Scientist, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and help them make the leap from dreamers to doers.

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The program’s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students graduate from our courses with professional industry skill sets and workforce computer software affiliation they can use for the rest of their lives on any career path they choose to take. �

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TREND Engineering & Computer Science Students Become Tomorrow's Problem Solvers Today

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• Courses are approved Lab “D” Science Courses
• UC Approved Honors Designations
• Opportunity to earn up to 6 Articulated College Engineering Credits�
• UC Approved “F” Visual & Performing Arts Course�
• UC Approved “C” Mathematics Course�
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses�
• Affiliated Eden Area ROP Programs by which Students can earn Industry Certifications and Graduate with Distinction�
• Nationally Recognized Engineering & Computer Science Clubs to help Students Build their College & Career Resumes�
• Ever-Growing Access to STEM Industry Internships and Jobs

Student Opportunities

Opportunity to participate in Nationally Recognized Clubs with College Chapters helping students to Build their College & Career Resumes

• Explorer Post- Engineering & Technology (Boy Scouts of America Sponsored)

Grade 9 (NOT just for boys!)

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• Femineers (Cal-Poly Pomona Sponsored)

Grade 9-10

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• Girls Who Code

Grades 9-12

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• Pioneers in Engineering: Robotics Competition (UC Berkeley Sponsored)

Grades 9-12

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• Horizon Grand Prix Hydrogen Car Competition (Toyota Sponsored)

Grades 9-12

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