College and Career Center
Welcome to the College & Career Center at the STEM Academy of Hollywood! Here, we believe that preparing for the future goes far beyond academics. It’s about equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors essential for a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately into a successful career.
Our comprehensive resources are designed to support students and parents alike, providing guidance on cultivating the academic prowess, emotional intelligence, and social competencies needed for long-term success. We’re committed to helping every student find their unique path, and our Counseling Office is here to assist in tailoring that journey to fit individual goals.
We invite you to explore the valuable information and tools available here and to take advantage of the personalized support offered by our team. For additional insights or to discuss your College & Career plan, feel free to visit the College Office or contact Ms. Mayra Alonzo to schedule an appointment. Your future starts now—let’s make it extraordinary!
College & Career Center
STEM Academy of Hollywood
Your future starts now—let's make it extraordinary!
Contact Ms. Mayra Alonzo to schedule an appointment
Explore Your Options
Scholarship Opportunities
Discover funding opportunities to make your education affordable
Academic Merit
- • National Merit Scholar Program
- • Honor Society Scholarships
- • Academic Excellence Awards
- • Valedictorian/Salutatorian Programs
STEM Focused
- • National Science Foundation
- • Engineering Scholarships
- • Technology Innovation Awards
- • Mathematics Excellence Programs
Community & Leadership
- • Community Service Awards
- • Leadership Excellence
- • Volunteer Recognition Programs
- • Student Government Scholarships
Scholarship Search Resources
College Admission Requirements
Understanding UC and Cal State system requirements
UC System Requirements
A-G Course Requirements:
- • History/Social Science: 2 years
- • English: 4 years
- • Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- • Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- • Language other than English: 2 years (3 recommended)
- • Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year
- • College Prep Electives: 1 year
Test Requirements:
Test-optional for 2024 admissions cycle
GPA Requirements:
Minimum 3.0 GPA in A-G courses for CA residents (3.4 for non-residents)
Cal State Requirements
A-G Course Requirements:
- • History/Social Science: 2 years
- • English: 4 years
- • Mathematics: 3 years (Algebra II or higher)
- • Laboratory Science: 2 years (1 biology, 1 chemistry or physics)
- • Language other than English: 2 years
- • Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year
- • College Prep Electives: 1 year
Admission Index:
Based on GPA and test scores (if submitted)
GPA Requirements:
Minimum 2.5 GPA in A-G courses for CA residents (3.0 for non-residents)
Tips for College Success
Maintain High GPA
Consistent academic performance throughout high school
Take Rigorous Courses
AP, IB, or Honors classes show college readiness
Show Passion
Extracurriculars and leadership demonstrate commitment
Financial Aid & Strategies
Smart strategies to make college affordable
Financial Aid Timeline
Junior Year
- • Research colleges & costs
- • Start scholarship search
- • Take PSAT/NMSQT
Senior Fall
- • Complete FAFSA (Oct 1st)
- • Apply for scholarships
- • Submit college applications
Senior Spring
- • Receive aid awards
- • Compare financial packages
- • Make final college decision
Summer
- • Finalize aid documents
- • Set up payment plans
- • Prepare for college
FAFSA Tips
- • File as early as possible (Oct 1st)
- • Use IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- • List colleges in order of preference
- • Update with tax corrections
Scholarship Strategies
- • Apply to many smaller scholarships
- • Focus on local opportunities
- • Meet all deadlines
- • Tailor essays to each scholarship
Cost Comparison
- • Calculate total cost of attendance
- • Compare net prices
- • Consider 4-year graduation rates
- • Factor in career outcomes
Alternative Pathways
- • Community college transfer
- • Work-study programs
- • Military education benefits
- • Employer tuition assistance
Budget Planning
- • Create a realistic budget
- • Factor in all expenses
- • Plan for unexpected costs
- • Consider part-time work
Negotiation Tips
- • Appeal financial aid decisions
- • Provide additional documentation
- • Compare competing offers
- • Be professional and persistent
Essential Financial Aid Resources
Alternative Career Paths
College isn't the only path to a successful career
Success Comes in Many Forms
While college is a great option for many students, it's not the only pathway to career success. Alternative routes can lead to fulfilling careers, financial stability, and personal growth. Here are some excellent alternatives to traditional four-year college education.
Trade & Vocational Schools
- • Electrician (Median: $56,040)
- • Plumber (Median: $53,910)
- • HVAC Technician (Median: $50,590)
- • Automotive Technician
- • Welding Specialist
- • Cosmetology & Aesthetics
Duration: 6 months - 2 years
Cost: $3,000 - $30,000
Technology Bootcamps
- • Web Development (Median: $73,760)
- • Data Analysis (Median: $86,200)
- • Cybersecurity (Median: $103,590)
- • UX/UI Design
- • Digital Marketing
- • Cloud Computing
Duration: 3-9 months
Cost: $10,000 - $20,000
Entrepreneurship
- • E-commerce Business
- • Freelance Services
- • Content Creation
- • Food Service & Restaurants
- • Consulting Services
- • Technology Startups
Investment: Varies widely
Potential: Unlimited
Military Service
- • Technical Training Programs
- • Leadership Development
- • GI Bill Benefits
- • Career Specializations
- • Veterans Preference
- • Healthcare Benefits
Commitment: 2-8 years
Benefits: Education + Career
Apprenticeships
- • Construction Trades
- • Manufacturing
- • Transportation
- • Energy & Utilities
- • Healthcare Support
- • Information Technology
Duration: 1-4 years
Earnings: While learning
Community College Programs
- • Associate Degrees
- • Professional Certificates
- • Transfer Programs
- • Healthcare Programs
- • Business Administration
- • Public Safety
Duration: 6 months - 2 years
Cost: Very affordable
Alternative Path Success Stories
Self-Taught Developer
"Started coding at 17, now leading a tech team at a Fortune 500 company without a degree."
Master Electrician
"Trade school graduate, now owns electrical contracting business with 20+ employees."
Entrepreneur
"Started online business at 19, now running a multi-million dollar e-commerce company."
Resources for Alternative Careers
Get Personalized Guidance
We invite you to explore the valuable information and tools available here and to take advantage of the personalized support offered by our team. For additional insights or to discuss your College & Career plan, feel free to visit the College Office or contact Ms. Mayra Alonzo to schedule an appointment.
Contact Information
Ms. Mayra Alonzo - College & Career Counselor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (323) 817-6461
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM