Welcome to Passport to Success – College & Career Edition!

We want you to follow your college and career dreams! Through Passport to Success – College & Career Edition, you and your family are encouraged to participate in learning activities, take virtual tours of colleges and institutions, and attend virtual college and career sessions and events between June 7, 2021 – August 1, 2021.

We will be awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students living in California in grades 5-12. Three of the five scholarships will be awarded to students in Los Angeles County.

To be eligible for a scholarship, we ask that you download and complete the Passport to Success – College & Career workbook due on August 1, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Please submit your workbook via bit.ly/PTSSubmission2021 or email it to jtorres@familiesinschools.org. Please note, 2020 Scholarship Winners and Runner-Ups will NOT be eligible for a second scholarship but are encouraged to participate.

To be eligible for the $1,000 scholarship, the selection committee will consider the following.

Explore colleges and trade institutions virtually. Some colleges and trade institutions are offering virtual tours, where you can learn more about the institution. Click here for a list of colleges and trade institutions offering virtual tours. If the college or trade institution you are interested in does not offer virtual tours, consider exploring the college by checking their website and social media channels. The selection committee will be taking a look at the following in the review section of the workbook.

  • Institute’s logo, address, admission’s phone number, date, and time of tour
  • Thoughtful reviews of your
    • major, academic, or career program
    • campus, class, and program size
    • campus location, dorms vs. living at home, commute, etc.
    • clubs, sports & on-campus activities
    • financial aid /scholarships/cost
  • Use the Comparison Sheet to rate your top three colleges or institutions

Attend five virtual events or sessions on college and career preparation. Families In Schools will be providing a series of virtual sessions between June 7, 2021 – August 1, 2021, but we also want you to explore other sessions in your community. Below you will find a list of approved sessions. If you would like to check something out, but it is not on this list, please contact Jessica Torres at jtorres@familiesinschools.org to review, approve, and add it to the list.

Panel #1: Navigating College During a Pandemic: Students' and Their Families' First-Hand Experiences, Wednesday, June 16th, 5 PM - 6 PM on Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube

The pandemic has changed higher education for students across the world. During this panel, students and their families will have the opportunity to listen to the challenges, accomplishments, and advice from current college students, and how they have navigated their educational journey throughout the pandemic, whether taking courses on campus or online. We will also hear from their parents and guardians, who will offer their own experience and advice on supporting their student, especially during such unprecedented times. Our goal is for students and their families to consider their options as we shift into a “new normal.”  We highly recommend parents and guardians attend this session to learn about the types of support they can offer their students. 

Panel #2: Paying for College - Lessons Learned, Wednesday, June 30th, 5 PM - 6 PM on Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube

Students and families will have the opportunity to hear directly from current college students and their parents/guardians about how they are paying for college and the steps they took to learn about the many options. Both students and families will learn how they can begin preparing for and managing college expenses. 

Panel #3: The Benefits of Volunteering and Internships, Wednesday, July 14th, 5 PM - 6 PM on Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube

Students and their families will have the opportunity to hear from current college students and graduates who were highly involved in extracurricular activities prior to college. Students will have a better understanding of the benefits to volunteering and interning as a step to exploring their interests, determining which careers appeal to them and which do not and how this may help them choose their college major. Parents and guardians will gain understanding as to how they can best support their students with this process. 

Panel #4: Self Care Tips for Students During and After a Pandemic, Wednesday, July 28th, 5 PM - 6 PM on Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube

Students and their families will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of prioritizing self-care during college, understand the various types of self-care, and hear from current college students on how they are taking care of themselves as they navigate college during a pandemic. Families will better understand how they can support their student’s mental wellness and help their students to build healthy habits that will aid them in high school, college, and beyond. 

Summer is a great time to be productive. Join this virtual workshop presented by The Scholarship Plug to learn about things you can do during your summer break. Make the most of your summer break! All students are welcomed.  

High school and college students are highly encouraged to join Gavilan College in their Financial Literacy Summer Series. In this webinar, students and parents will be introduced to credit.  

High school students and parents, this webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. MEFA will discuss financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. 

High school and college students are highly encouraged to join Gavilan College in their Financial Literacy Summer Series. In this webinar, Gavilan College will discuss budgeting for college students and how to prevent debt.  

This webinar is for parents with children of all ages and describes information and resources that families can use to put a college savings plan in place. MEFA will answer questions such as: Why and how much should I save for college? When and how should I start? What is the best way to save? How will saving affect college financial aid? Join to learn how to prepare best for college costs.  

High school and college students are highly encouraged to join Gavilan College in their Financial Literacy Summer Series. In this webinar, students and parents will learn how to identify scams and fraud.  

College may seem expensive, but with the right planning and knowledge, it can be affordable. Parents with children of all ages, join Applerouth and Stuart Canzeri in this webinar to learn the 4 primary ways to save on college costs. 

Concerned about the cost of college? Look no further. This UCLA EAOP virtual workshop will help you understand the four types of financial aid available: scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Parents with children of all ages come and learn about the different eligibility requirements for scholarships and grants. 

High school and college students are highly encouraged to join Gavilan College in their Financial Literacy Summer Series. In this webinar, Gavilan College will discuss how students and parents can be "money smart."  

Parents and students concerned about the cost of college? Look no further. This online workshop with EAOP UCLA will help you understand the four types of financial aid available: scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Come and learn about the different eligibility requirements for scholarships and grants.  

All students are welcomed to join this college readiness virtual workshop hosted by the Broward County. In this workshop, students will learn about different top-paying careers.  

If your child is a current 9th, 10th, or 11th-grade student, this webinar is for you. Join Dana Ponsky and NYC Admissions Solutions to discuss:

    • 2020-2021 Admissions Cycle Trends 
    • The role of testing in the application process 
    • How to view the admissions process moving forward 
    • What can your student do to pivot with the new changes and still find the right fit  
    • How to incorporate wellness support into the college process 
    • What will next year bring? 

High school juniors, seniors, and parents join the Newport Beach Public Library and Collegewise in this virtual workshop to learn some secrets on how to stand out from the crowd and discuss what colleges are looking for beyond good grades and scores.   

Students in grades 10-12 join this webinar hosted by an Applerouth expert to review test structure, content, and how to develop a focused test-prep plan. During this session, you will review:  

    • How the SAT has changed over the years 
    • Timing + structure 
    • Content tested on the SAT  
    • Differences between the SAT + ACT 
    • How colleges use SAT scored in admissions
    • How to develop the best testing plan for your student  

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

In this webinar, you will focus on how your pet, or someone else's pet, can help you feel better, and the things you can do to ensure your pets live a happy and fulfilled life. This group is for discussion on how pets impact your wellness and the importance of unconditional love that doesn't change due to preconceived notions about yourselves.

Grades, test scores, and impressive activities alone won't get a student admitted to schools that reject almost all their applicants. Join Collegewise and NYPL to learn how students who get accepted to the nation’s most selective colleges set themselves apart. Get straight answers about what it will really take to have a shot at getting admitted!  

With guest speaker, Andrew Carter, Senior Associate Director of Admissions from College of the Holy Cross, MEFA will give an interactive webinar for families of high school juniors. Acquire tips on how students can put forward their best college admissions application. The webinar will also discuss parents’ role in this process and how to best take advantage of virtual college visits. 

All students and parents are welcomed to join UCLA EAOP to learn how to prepare your student to be a competitive college applicant! The virtual workshop will provide an in-depth review of the A-G requirements for UC/CSU admission, explain validation rules, and show you how to do a GPA calculation. 

Join the Project Return Peer Support Network for a peer run support group where everyone can come together to talk about the next steps to take in order to move forward after living in a restrictive environment. Everyone is welcomed!

In this webinar, Collegewise experts will separate fact from fiction and give parents the information they need to make upcoming decisions. Join the workshop to have a conversation on college admissions and how to keep focus on what you can control for your student and their college process. 

Students in grades 10-12 join this webinar hosted by an Applerouth expert to review test structure, content, and how to develop a focused test-prep plan. During this session, you will review:  

    • How the ACT has changed over the years 
    • Timing + structure 
    • Content tested on the ACT 
    • Differences between the SAT + ACT 
    • How colleges use ACT scores in admissions  
    • How to develop the best testing plan 

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

Do you identify as sogie? This is a virtual writing group for anyone who wants to use their creative writing in healing. You check in, they provide the prompt, and you write for 15 minutes. Afterwards everyone shares what they wrote and provide feedback if you're open to it! For anyone who identifies as a morenx.

You’re invited to join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to discuss mental health and focus on developing self-care/ self-love techniques through peer support.

Current 4th and 5th graders join CALSOAP in this free 3-week virtual summer program to learn about college and career, prepare for middle school, virtually tour college campuses, and create your college-ready kits!

A Safe Place to Feel is a support group curated especially for Black folx. Join this webinar in collective care as our volunteer facilitator provides a safe space that will allow you to feel seen, heard, & feel validated in your authentic expression of self. In this peer run group, culturally appropriate strategies to address mental health stigma within the Black community will be used.

If you operate on the assumption that there will be a worst-case scenario you are probably not alone. A lot of us do this without even thinking about it. Join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to explore these types of experiences and gain insight into how you can redirect your thought patterns.

The Broward County invites all parents and students to join this college readiness workshop to discuss financial aid and colleges that offer full need financial aid packages.   

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

In this webinar, you will focus on how your pet, or someone else's pet, can help you feel better, and the things you can do to ensure your pets live a happy and fulfilled life. This group is for discussion on how pets impact your wellness and the importance of unconditional love that doesn't change due to preconceived notions about yourself.

For young adults ages 16 to 24, join the Palisades Branch Library to learn the best tips and tricks of the job application process at this two-day workshop. Job searching, resume writing, and interviewing skills will be covered. Contact jlevy@lapl.org to register.  

Getting ready to apply to college this fall? Join The Princeton Review’s Director of College Admissions Counseling to give you the expert’s take on what and when rising seniors need to do to tackle the application process.  

Attention 2021 high school seniors attending a university or college in fall 2021! Join this virtual program by CALSOAP to get prepared, gain skills and knowledge on how to better transition to college. The program will include workshops, student panels, virtual tours, and advising.  

Join the Project Return Peer Support Network for a peer run support group where everyone can come together to talk about the next steps to take in order to move forward after living in a restrictive environment. Everyone is welcomed!

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

Do you identify as sogie? This is a virtual writing group for anyone who wants to use their creative writing in healing. You check in, they provide the prompt, and you write for 15 minutes. Afterwards everyone shares what they wrote and provide feedback if you're open to it! For anyone who identifies as a morenx.

You’re invited to join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to discuss mental health and focus on developing self-care/ self-love techniques through peer support.

Attention all students, join UCLA EAOP in this online workshop to learn more about California's four systems of higher education, including UC, CSU, Privates, and Community Colleges. You will learn the admission requirements of each one, their differences, and understand the cost of each so that you can assist friends and families.  

If you operate on the assumption that there will be a worst-case scenario you are probably not alone. A lot of us do this without even thinking about it. Join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to explore these types of experiences and gain insight into how you can redirect your thought patterns

Maximize your summer break! Join the Broward County in this virtual workshop to get insight on how to prepare and start applying for scholarships. Acquire tips on how you can optimize your chances of getting scholarships! 

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

Gather the entire family and join Family Connect team members to learn ways to boost social-emotional learning and connectedness at home throughout the summer. The webinar will be sharing activities and resources for both adult and child health at home.

In this webinar, you will focus on how your pet, or someone else's pet, can help you feel better, and the things you can do to ensure your pets live a happy and fulfilled life. This group is for discussion on how pets impact your wellness and the importance of unconditional love that doesn't change due to preconceived notions about yourself.

For young adults ages 16 to 24, join the Palisades Branch Library to learn the best tips and tricks of the job application process at this two-day workshop. Job searching, resume writing, and interviewing skills will be covered. Contact jlevy@lapl.org to register.  

Join the Project Return Peer Support Network for a peer run support group where everyone can come together to talk about the next steps to take in order to move forward after living in a restrictive environment. Everyone is welcomed!

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

Do you identify as sogie? This is a virtual writing group for anyone who wants to use their creative writing in healing. You check in, they provide the prompt, and you write for 15 minutes. Afterwards everyone shares what they wrote and provide feedback if you're open to it! For anyone who identifies as a morenx.

You’re invited to join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to discuss mental health and focus on developing self-care/ self-love techniques through peer support.

What's the deal with the SAT and ACT? Do they still matter? Can you get into a good college without them? Which test is the better fit for you, and how should you prepare? How can parents best support their children? Students in grades 10-12 join Josefine Borrmann, the founder of Strive to Learn, to learn which test is better to take, as well as some of the most relevant advice. The first 30 students to sign up and attend this webinar will receive a free ACT or SAT test prep book. When you sign up, please comment SAT/ACT or either. 

High school? Possibly intimidating. After high school? Possibly even more intimidating. Join this webinar, hosted by The Peahce Project, to get insight into life after high school and to answer your questions about the college process and experience.  

Interested in law, politics, social-good, art, economics, or business with technology? Then attend GirlCon! It is a free conference taking place ONLINE this year, featuring workshops, keynote speeches, and professional development sessions all aimed to inspire high school females.   

If you operate on the assumption that there will be a worst-case scenario you are probably not alone. A lot of us do this without even thinking about it. Join the Project Return Peer Support Network in this webinar to explore these types of experiences and gain insight into how you can redirect your thought patterns.

Join Applerouth Tutoring in this webinar to learn about the SAT and ACT, as well as up-to-the-minute updates on the test administrations. Come learn about the main differences between the two tests, how to decide which one is better for your child, when to take them, how much to prepare for them, and more.  

For students in grades 10-12, the city of Newport Beach is partnering with Strive to Learn to offer free ACT practice tests. Sign up to take one of each to figure out which test is right for you. Both tests are proctored online via Zoom, so you can take them at your home in a virtual setting at the given time. After you take the practice test, you will receive a detailed score report to help you determine which test showcases your strengths. Additionally, you'll be able to meet with a Strive to Learn counselor to get feedback on how you did, how you can self-study, and ask any questions you have about standardized testing. 

Join Grand Park’s popular yoga session to give you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize. Yoga sessions will take place live on Facebook and Instagram! Everyone is welcomed!

Complete a short essay of 500 words or less detailing what you and your family, caregiver, or mentor have taken away from your experience with Passport to Success – College & Career Edition. How will this experience help you reach your college and career goals?

Complete the passport workbook and send it via bit.ly/PTSSubmission2021 or to jtorres@familiesinschools.org by August 1, 2021, at 11:49 p.m.

We will announce the winners on September 27, 2021, on the Families In Schools social media channels.