December 2015
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
DENISE HALSTEAD, PRINCIPAL
(714) 663-6375
COUNSELORS:
ADRIANA ESQUIVEL (HOB-NGUYEN,D)
LUCY FITZRANDOLPH (R –Z)
SHERRI GRELLE (A-HOA)
HUY TRAN (NGUYEN,E-Q)
A MESSAGE FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
Congratulations! … For many of you, you have succeeded at taking that first step towards
pursuing a higher education. We commend you on all your hard work and dedication but
must remind you that it’s not over. It is most important now more than ever to pay close attention to all CSU and UC deadlines. Open your email often and submit documents as requested by the DEADLINES. Those of you who are applying to any private colleges/
universities must remember to keep track of the important deadlines that you have coming up
within the next few months. Many of these colleges will require you to get a letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or counselor. It’s important that you give your teachers/
coaches/counselors at least two weeks notice.
Financial Aid
ALL Seniors should apply for financial aid regardless of where they will be attending college, or trade school after their high school graduation. Even if you do not qualify for free
money, you will be put on different college lists for possible scholarships. Counselors will be
working with both students and parents to assist them through the financial aid process.
A Financial Aid Workshop for seniors is scheduled for Friday, January 15 during your
English class. In order for you to be prepared for the workshop you must bring:
 Your social security number
 Your parent’s 2014 tax returns (2015 when completed)
 The date your parents got married, divorced, or separated
 The date you and your parents moved to the US
A Financial Aid Workshop for your parents is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19
from 6:00-7:30. The workshop will be offered by representatives from the University of
California, Riverside. They will help parents understand the financial aid process and review the steps necessary in filling out the FAFSA. The workshop will be presented in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
La Quinta High School Fall 2015
Do you need $$$ for college?
Apply for financial aid January 1, 2016 - March 2, 2016.
The counselors will be hosting Financial Aid Workshops with the students on Friday
January 15th during the school day. During this time we will be reviewing the financial aid process and introducing the students to the FAFSA website.
Students could qualify for:
* Federal Aid
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Academic Competitive Grants
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal Plus Loans
* California Grants
Cal Grant A (tuition and fees at public or private universities)
Cal Grant B (living expenses, transportation, books & supplies)
Cal Grant C (books & supplies at Community and Technical schools)
Work Study
Loans
In order to be eligible for any of the financial aid
opportunities listed above students must:
1) File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 2, 2016 at www.fafsa.gov
2) Turn in your GPA Verification Form to the counseling office NOW
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED EARLY …..
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Turn in your GPA Verification Form with parent signature to Ms. Grelle. ASAP. If you have misplaced the form stop by the guidance office to pick up a new one.
BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th so that you can successfully complete the FAFSA:
- Social Security Numbers (yours and your parents’)
- 2014 (2015 if it’s been filed already) Federal Tax Information or tax return
- All of your Parent’s W-2 forms from their employers (these state how much money your
parents earned during the year)
- Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security Benefits, Welfare Benefits, and
Veterans Benefits
- Information on savings, investments, and business assets
La Quinta High School Fall 2015
CSU Fullerton 2016 Deadlines
2/01/2016
Official Test Scores (ACT, SAT or TOEFL) received by CSUF
2/15/2016
Application Fee (if submitted by check or money order)
3/21/2016
7th Semester High School Transcript (only if this item is on your
“to do list” in your Student Center)
5/01/2016
Accepting Admission and Enrollment Deposit (Applicants admitted after April 15 have two weeks from the date of admission,
printed on the admit letter, to accept their admission offer.)
5/07/2016
ELM/EPT last date to take the test(s)
5/13/2016
New Student Orientation (NSO) registration
Attention Seniors applying to Cal State Universities. There is still time to apply to EOP.
The Educational Opportunity Program is designed to help low-income and educationally
underserved, disadvantaged students succeed in college. Go to CSUMentor.edu, click on
the apply Online tab and choose Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) application
which requires two recommendations. Space is limited and deadlines vary for each CSU.
Additional instructions can be found on La Quinta’s homepage
CSU Student Portals
All students applying to CSUs will receive a letter in the mail or email with your assigned
student ID and password to log onto online student accounts for each campus you applied to.
You must use the information from the letter to create an account and log into CSUF’s website for updates and “to do” items. You can also check your admission status and financial aid
status through this portal. Visit La Quinta’s homepage for instructions on how to create and
navigate CSUF’s portal.
How to Apply for Scholarships
WHAT ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS?
Few scholarships will find their way to you. In the majority of cases you must look for them yourself. While
many scholarships are available, their requirements vary greatly. Applying for scholarships takes work. Time
has to be devoted to researching different kinds of scholarships. Not all scholarships require strong GPA’s.
Many scholarships require membership in service organizations or involvement in community and extracurricular activities. The trick is to find a scholarship that fits you.
Helpful Scholarship Databases
The Internet is an invaluable resource for scholarship information. Scholarship searches can
be done with immediate results coming directly to you through email. New websites become
available on a weekly basis. Check these out:
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund - maldef.org, Merit-based scholarships - meritaid.com, The College Board - www.collegeboard.org, Sallie Mae College Answer Service Online www..salliemae.com, California Student Aid - www.csac.ca.gov, EdFund - www.edfund.org, U.S. Department of Education - www.ed.gov/students, Mapping Your Future - www.mapping-your-future.org, Yahoo http://www.yahoo.com/Education/financial_Aid, United States Department of Education – www.ed.gov/
index, U.S. News & World Report – www.usnews.com, Scholarships: www.scholarshipworkshop.com,
www.scholarships.com, www.gocollege.com, www.educatorsconnection.com/register.php, fastweb.com
www.scholarshipcoach.com, www.collegeanswer.com, Academicinvest.com
GRANTOR
REQUIREMENTS
DEADLINE
Elks National
Foundation Most
Valuable
Student
Scholarship
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Ranging from 1,000 to 12,500 a year
Must be citizens of the US
Based on Scholarship, Leadership, Financial Need
Apply: www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm
Deliver application to 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove
More info visit: www.elks.org/enf/scholars
December
4, 2015 no
later than
4pm
CAEOP
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$1,000
Attend a course of study in an institution of higher education
Minimum GPA of 2.0
Continue education in the field of business administration or education
One page essay “why I am Choosing a Career in Business or Education.”
Three letters of recommendation
See Ms. Grelle for an application
December
15, 2015
Video Contest
California
Pluralism
Project
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December
16, 2015
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Grand Prize $3,000, 3 runner-up: $1,500, 10 Honorable Mentions: $500
Tell your story: of California’s Extraordinary Religious Diversity by creating a 3-9 minute video: “My Diverse California Religious Experience”
Information and instructions: www.californiapluralism.org
NFIB Young
Entrepreneur
Foundation
Scholarship
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$2,000 - $25,000
Own business, babysitting, lawn care, dog walking, tutoring, etc.
Attend 2 or 4 yr. college or vocational school in Fall
Essay explaining your entrepreneurial experience w/small business
Apply: www.NFIB.com/YEA
Financial need is not a factor
December
18, 2015
GRANTOR
Odenza Marketing Group
Volunteer
Scholarships
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Shout it Out
Scholarship
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2016 Profile and 
Courage Essay 
Contest
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REQUIREMENTS
DEADLINE
$500
Minimum GPA 2.5 or higher
Must have contributed at least 50 hours of volunteer (non-paid) service
within his/her community over the last 12 months.
Apply: http://www.studentscholarships.org/college.php
December
30th,
2015
$1,500
Respond (250 words max): “If you could say one thing to the entire world
at once, what would it be and why?”
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx (many others too)
December
31, 2015
January
$10,000 & paid trip to Boston with family and nominating teacher!
Essay between 700 - 1,000 words. Describe an act of political courage by a 6, 2016
U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956
Go to: www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest
GE-Reagan
Foundation
Scholarship
Program
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$10,000/year for 4 years toward Bachelor degree at university
Exceptional student leaders and min GPA 3.0 & financial need
Community service and demonstrated leadership potential
Apply: http://www.reaganfoundation.org/GE-RFScholarships.aspx
January
7, 2016
APIASF Asian
&
Pacific Islander
American
Scholarship
Fund
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$2,500 - $15,000 Must also apply for federal financial aid
Asian and/or Pacific Islander as defined by the U.S. Census
US citizen, national, or legal permanent resident
Enroll in a college or university in the Fall of 2016
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
Submit one letter of recommendation online
Apply: http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html
January
8, 2016
The Eugene
McDermott
Scholars
Program at the
University of
Texas at
Dallas
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4-year full tuition to The University of Texas at Dallas
1450 or higher on the 2-part SAT (verbal & math), 33 or higher on ACT
Class rank in the top 5% of graduating class. Accepts all majors
A long list of community, volunteering, and leadership in school
Broad and eclectic interest in science, literature, and the arts
Welcomes all majors!
Early application deadline 11/7 w/3 letters of recommendation
http://www.utdallas.edu/mcdermott/award-qualifications
Or call 972-883-4610 with questions
January
5, 2016
Gates
Millennium
Scholars Program (GMS
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Thru PhD degree., merit scholarship, must meet Federal Pell Grant criteria
Be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American/
Pacific Islander or Hispanic American
Be citizens, legal permanent residents or nationals of the US
Cumulative GPA of 3.3 unweighted
leadership in community service, extracurricular, activities
Attend College or University in the Fall
Submit forms by deadline: Nominator Form and a Recommender Form
Apply: www.gmsp.org
January
13, 2016
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GRANTOR
Orange County
Mensa
Scholarship
Information
REQUIREMENTS
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California State
University Fullerton’s Presidents
Scholars
Program
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DEADLINE
January
$300 to $1,000
15, 2016
Must enroll in a degree program & be a Orange County resident
Essay 550 word max
Winner is not based on academics, financial need, or community service, it is all about the essay
Apply: http://www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships
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Full-ride for 4 years for registration, annual book and supply allow- January
15, 2016
ance, laptop computer, free parking & priority registration
Must have applied to CSUF by November 30, 2015
Attain weighted GPA of at least 3.75 in all academic subjects
Earn above-average scores on SAT and ACT exams
Demonstrate evidence of significant contributions to school and community service activities during high school
Admission to Honors program, employment opportunities etc.
Apply online: http://www.fullerton.edu/scholars
(HEEF) The
Hispanic Education
Endowment Fund
Scholarships
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January
$1,000 to $5,000
19, 2016
Latino/a who has lived in Orange County for the past 6 years
Qualify for financial aid & enroll in college/university fulltime in fall
US Citizens, Permanent Residents & Dream Act/AB 540 students
Family income limit of $45,000 & first generation college student
Apply: https://oc-cf.org/scholarships
Ronald
McDonald House
Charities
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January
Must be A-G eligible
20, 2016
Minimum 2.7 GPA
The RMHC scholarship program seeks to invest in students who are
exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to
fulfill their educational goals
Apply at: http://aim.applyists.net/RMHC
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California
Association of
Collectors, Inc.
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Navy ROTC
Scholarships
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$1,500- $2,500
Attend college, university or vocational school in Fall
Fill out a 1 page application
Write 700-1000 word essay on “The Importance of Establishing and
Maintaining Good Financial Credit During Your College years
Apply at: www.cacesf.org
January
20, 2016
January
$180,000 - earn your commission as a Naval Officer
25, 2016
Tuition, books, fees to 150 universities, & monthly stipend
Guaranteed employment for at least 5 years
Potential for post graduate degree at no expense!
SAT requirements: 530 Critical Reading & 520 Math or
ACT requirements: 22 English & 21 Math
Release scores to code 0656 via Collegeboard.com or Actstudent.org
Apply: https://www.nrotc.navy.mil Questions: call Travis Dobson:
714-396-2227 or 858-537-8044
GRANTOR
REQUIREMENTS
DEADLINE
I Have a Dream
Scholarship
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$1,500
Must enroll in University or Community College Fall 2016
Respond: 250 words max “what do you dream about?”
Apply: http://scholarshipexperts.clickmeter.com/em5k/
So Cal Edison
Scholarship
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February
30 scholarships of $10,000 renewable for 3 years
1, 2016
3.0 GPA or higher
Major in: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Computer, Industrial, or Environmental Engineering, or Computer Services/Information Systems, or
Environmental Sciences,
Plan to attend a 4-year university and demonstrate financial need
To apply visit: www.scholarshipamerica.org/edisonscholars
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PG&E
Employee
Resource
Groups (ERGs)
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$1,000 to $6,000
Students must complete the general scholarship application and the supplemental application to the specific Employee Resource Group. If you
are applying for multiple scholarships, complete applications for each
http://www.pge.com/about/community/scholarships/
January
31, 2016
February
1, 2016
Gilder
Lehrman
Institute Civil
War Essay
Contest
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Playing with
Purpose Award
Scholarship
Program
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From $75 - $2,000 to Christian Student Athletes!
2.0 minimum GPA
Currently a varsity level athlete in one or more sports
Apply: www.playingwithpurpose.org
February
1, 2016
The Dream.US
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Scholarship helps cover Tuition, Fees, and Books for an AA or BA
Must be DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS
(Temporary Protected Status) eligible and applied for or received DACA
or TPS approval
For highly motivated DREAMers who want a college education and
demonstrate significant unmet financial need
First-time college student & attend one of TheDream.US Partner
Colleges in 2016 and be eligible for in-state tuition
Minimum un-weighted 2.5 GPA
Have come to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
Go to: http://www.thedream.us/scholars/
February
15, 2016
$10,000 or more to selected applicants
Must be female and preparing to enter college in Fall 2016
Must complete an application and email, mail, or fax
See Ms. Grelle for an application
February
15, 2016
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The Make Sense 
Foundation
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(MSF)
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February
Up to $1,000
1, 2016
Examine Civil War era through letters, speeches, songs, photographs,
newspapers, military orders, etc. Use a minimum of five primary sources.
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-exhibitions/civil-war-essaycontest