Google Computer Science Summer Institute for the Class of 2020

Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) opportunities are now live for Summer 2020! High School seniors are encouraged to apply by Friday, February 28th 11:59 pm PT.

CSSI is not your average summer camp. It's an intensive and interactive program that seeks to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow by supporting the study of computer science, software engineering, and other closely related subjects.

You can expect:

• a specially designed project-based curriculum to help prepare for your CS studies
• daily development sessions to help you prepare for future job opportunities
• an opportunity to interact directly with Google engineers
• exposure and insight into Google’s internship programs and technical career opportunities

Here’s what a previous student had to say about CSSI:
“Coming in not knowing, not writing more than a few lines of code before, I learned what it is like to be in the field and what I am interested in. I made connections that will last a lifetime and built relationships with my peers and instructors that I will cherish. The program couldn't be any better.”

To apply, students will need to do the following:

• Complete the general application, found on the website. This will include a high school transcript and answers to two essay questions.
• Participate in Google’s Online Challenge after the general application closes. You will receive further instructions after the general application closes.

The San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation

The San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation is offering need-based scholarships for first-year, full-time college students in San Diego County. The amount of each scholarship award will be announced in June or July. Last year, $170,000 was awarded to 170 students.


To apply, students need to complete the application, www.sdccsf.org, by March 2, 2020.

Save the Date!

Mesa College is thrilled to present Jumpstart Your Success: Cash in on Community College! This is a FREE event for prospective students, their families and friends on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 8:30am-12:00pm. The campus will be open as we host various workshops, demonstrations, and presentations to showcase the diversity and depth of programs and services that Mesa College has to offer. In addition, we will have an opportunity drawing to win one of four $250 to attend Mesa College in the Fall.

Sign Up:
Prospective Student Registration Form : Spread the word by encouraging prospective students and family members to join this FREE, Engaging, and Informative introduction to Mesa College life!

You are invited to attend the Festival of Science and Engineering EXPO!

The Festival of Science and Engineering is a nine-day educational experience kicking off with 26,000 community members every year at EXPO Day at PETCO Park on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00am – 5:00pm. More than 75,000 kids, parents, teachers, industry leaders and community members participate in STEM Week, engaging in free interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, showcasing San Diego County’s vibrant STEM community.

The main objective of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Week is to engage K-12 students, teachers, parents, and the greater community in exciting STEM activities, introduce the target audience to diverse STEM careers and role models, and increase awareness of STEM and its role in everyday life. This is done through the over 70 STEM-focused community events across San Diego County during Festival Week. More information is available at https://www.lovestemsd.org/

North Island Credit Union Student Scholarship Program

North Island Credit Union is awarding 10 students with a scholarship of $1,000. High school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. Selection criteria include academic performance, school or community involvement, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission.  Applications are available through Monday, March 16, 2020. Interested students can find more information and apply online at https://northisland.ccu.com/scholarship2020

STEM Conference for Young Women Grades 6-10 at USD

Expanding Your Horizon of San Diego is a conference supporting young women along their path to a STEM career and will be held at the University of San Diego on March 14, 2020. This annual STEM conference for young women in grades 6-10, connects 350-450 girls from around San Diego County with STEM professionals in the San Diego community.  Each group of 15-20 girls is mentored by 2-3 female STEM undergraduate students, providing the girls with additional STEM-based interactions.  The goal is to increase the girls’ interest in STEM careers by providing exciting and engaging hands-on experiences. Follow the link for more info. https://eyhsandiego.org/

Miramar College Signing Day

On Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, San Diego Miramar College will host a Career Education Signing Day for San Diego Unified High School District students as well as current Miramar College students wishing to pursue an educational career in fields such as Advanced Transportation Technology, Biotechnology and Public Safety, among many others. The festivities are set to begin at 9 a.m. at Miramar College in L-105 and run through 1 p.m. National Career Education Signing Day is intended to celebrate the life-changing moment when students choose and commit to their future careers. Participants will receive a tour of various career education program facilities, sign a letter-of-intent to attend Miramar College, receive program swag, and enjoy a meet-and-greet with faculty and employers over lunch. Parents and family supporters are welcome to attend.

Do you Know a Future STEM Leader? The Athena Pinnacle Scholarship Applications are Now Open

Applications for the 2020 Pinnacle Scholarships are now open as Athena prepares to award merit-base scholarships to five remarkable high school seniors who are poised to be the next generation of women leading in STEM.

If you know a high-school senior planning to enter a four-year university to study in the sciences, technology, engineering or math fields, be sure to share the application with her.

Outstanding applicants are well-rounded women who’ve demonstrated academic excellence, leadership in school organizations, and community involvement. Winners receive their scholarships at our annual Pinnacle Awards celebration on May 13.

To apply:

· Complete the SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

· Provide an official copy of high school transcript

· Provide a letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher at your school

· Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2020

Submissions must be made by mail (no online application process is provided, and no emailed applications will be accepted.) Please note that all documents must be postmarked on or before that date – including school transcripts. Please email staff@athenasd.org with questions.

Ocean Science Student Competition at USD

The University of San Diego's Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department invites high school students to compete in the 2020 San Diego Garibaldi Bowl. This event is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) academic competition and program that aims to engage students with ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related careers, and helping them become environmental stewards. 

The Feb. 29 event at USD includes optional events in the months before the event for competing students, as well as specialized preparation for first-time participants or for schools with a high proportion of low-income students. For more information visit the Garibaldi Bowl webpage (http://home.sandiego.edu/~jcprairie/nosb.html) or the NOSB website (http://nosb.org/). Contact Dr. Jennifer Prairie (jcprairie@sandiego.edu) to schedule mentoring.

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

The WACAC IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Committee would like to ensure that all members are informed about TheDream.US, the largest college access and success program in the country for undocumented students. 

This program’s application rounds are open for our two scholarship programs: 

• Opportunity Scholarship: an $80,000 award for undocumented students living in states where they do not qualify for in-state tuition (January 30 deadline). 
• National Scholarship: up to a $29,000 award for undocumented students living in states where they do qualify for in-state tuition (February 27 deadline). 

Please visit https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/ for more information.