College and Career Center

Local Community Colleges:

• MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE
• SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE
• LAS POSITAS COLLEGE

• Link to all California Community Colleges

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE INFO AND PROGRAMS:

• Modesto Junior College Summer/Fall 2025 Application Info click here
• MJC  Dental Assisting Program click here
• MJC Registered Dental Assisting Exam Prep Program click here
• MJC Certified Phlebotomy Tech 1 Program click here
• MJC Pharmacy Technician click here
• MJC Hospitality Industry & Culinary Boot Camp click here
• MJC School of Industry & Trades click here

PRIVATE CAREER Technical COLLEGES:

• San Joaquin Valley College (Modesto)-Business & Criminal, Trades & Industrial, Medical & Dental, and more!

• Universal Technical Institute (UTI)-Automotive, Diesel, Marine, Motorcycle, CNC Machining, Collision Repair, Welding

San Joaquin County Office of Education:

• CODESTACK ACADEMY FOR STUDENTS AGE 18-SPONSORED BY SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

• Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit toward both their high school diploma and a future college degree.
• College Early Start allows high school students to enroll in college courses as long as they meet the prerequisites. Students earn college credit, and each high school determines whether high school credit also will be granted
• Las Positas College-Concurrent Enrollment
• Modesto Junior College-Dual Enrollment Information
• San Joaquin Delta College-Early Start and Dual Enrollment Information
• If you are interested in any of these opportunities, see Ms. Urbina!

To qualify for the SAT fee waiver, students must be in 11th or 12th grade and qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Other qualifications include students who live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or is homeless, or is a ward of the state.

See information below regarding fee waivers:

• College Board Website
• College Board BigFuture (College and Scholarship Search) 
• SAT Student Fee Waiver Brochure 2024-2025
• SAT Student Self Identification Process Info-Steps for Fee Waiver
• SAT Student Fee Waiver Info

FREE SAT PRACTICE CLICK HERE

PSAT/NMSQT is offered to juniors (Grade 11) in October each year. Taking this test may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Dates and fees are announced in early fall.

AP (Advanced Placement) information can be found on the College Board website here

Contact the West High School AP Coordinator Melissa Rotondi for more information on AP classes and tests.

SAT tests may be optional for college admissions purposes. Check the admissions page of the college website you plan to apply for to get updated information. 

West High offers the following SAT & PSAT Test Dates for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Fall
  • PSAT/NMSQT (Priority for 11th graders, open to 9th and 10th grade): October 14, 2025
    • Click here for flyer/more information
  • SAT (Priority for 12th graders, open to 11th grade): October 16, 2025
    • Click here for flyer/more information​​​​​​​

To qualify for the ACT fee waiver, students must be in 11th or 12th grade and qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Other qualifications include students who live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or is homeless, or is a ward of the state.

See the information below for fee waivers:

• ACT Website
• ACT Fee Waiver Information

ACT tests may be optional for college admissions purposes. Check the admissions page of the college website you plan to apply for to get updated information. 

CaliforniaColleges.edu Link

TUSD promotes the free CaliforniaColleges.edu program to assist students on their path after high school. Students using this program can build knowledge, skills, and a plan to achieve their dreams. Parents and educators, guide and support them every step of the way. You can use this program to apply for colleges and financial aid. Use the link above to access the student's account. Counselors provide students with their log on information. Students can continue to access their account after graduation following the instructions below. Questions about this program should be directed to the student's guidance counselor.

• UC Application Link 
• UC Personal Insight Questions Link

• CSU Application Link
• CSU Academic Preparation Brochure
• CSU Student Success Academic Prep and Early Start
• CSU Paying for College
• CSU High School Student Success

• Common App Link
• What is Common App?
• Common App-Application Dictionary
• Common App Details Info Sheet
• Common App-How to approach the Essay
• Family Resources from Common App

• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Link

• California Community College Link

DOWNLOAD FREE HELPFUL COLLEGE MATERIALS HERE

DOWNLOAD FREE COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE HERE

Click here to learn more about common college definitions: CommonCollegeDefinitions.pdf

scholarship opportunities:

The scholarships posted below are just a few examples of the many opportunities out there! Click here to explore other scholarship websites.

PLEASE NOTE: Local Scholarships become available during the Spring Semester of Senior Year and will be posted here as received. For National scholarships, please create a profile at one of the sites listed above. National scholarship opportunities are posted here as received and through the national websites listed above.

Sign up for the College and Career Center Teams for all updated scholarship opportunities and newsletters!

• Kids’ Chance of California Scholarship (May 18, 2026 Deadline): Kids’ Chance of California (KCCA) provides college scholarships to the children of California workers who have been severely or fatally injured in a workplace-related accident. APPLY NOW!

• CalKIDS Scholarship (May 31, 2026 Deadline): CalKIDS is a free scholarship given by the State of California. To help jumpstart college savings for children statewide by awarding scholarship accounts to youth for use at accredited educational institutions. The Jakara movement is offering assistance with the application. APPLY NOW!

• Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship 2026 (May 31, 2026 Deadline): The Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship was created to award women with the same dedication to academics and our community as the sisters of Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. will provide the top one (1) applicant with a scholarship of $600 and the next nine (9) runner-up applicants will receive a scholarship of $400. APPLY NOW!

• The Vipin Agrawal Memorial Scholarship Fund (June 1, 2026 Deadline): The VAMSF provides scholarships to students from low-income and immigrant backgrounds. Students are provided $2,000 per year for a 4-year program to attend a California state university. APPLY NOW!

• The School House Connection Scholarship (June 2, 2026 Deadline): This scholarship is one of the nation’s only scholarship programs specifically for youth who have experienced homelessness. Homelessness is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. APPLY NOW!

• Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship (June 30, 2026 Deadline): $2500 CASH scholarship you can use for any educational purpose, from books to summer camp. In just two steps, you’re in! Apply by signing up for a Cirkled In account and then complete your portfolio. This scholarship is available for grades 8 to 12 and applicants must be at least 13-years-old. APPLY NOW!

• The Health Careers Scholarship Program (July 1, 2026 Deadline): The LOCAL HCSP offers $3,000 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing medical careers. Students applying for the program must have attended a local high school, demonstrate a commitment to pursue a medical or health care profession in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, El Dorado, or Alpine counties, show academic excellence and have a passion for community service. APPLY NOW!

Scholarship Websites & Information:

• Helpful Scholarship websites and information
• Going Merry - Create an Account Flyer
• Going Merry - Six Great Options for Finding Scholarships
• fastweb Scholarships and Grants
• fastweb helpful guides for scholarships, financial aid and more
• College Board BigFuture Scholarships
• College Board BigFuture Scholarships PowerPoint
• Link to TUSD District Scholarship Website Page
• For National scholarships, please create a profile at one of the sites listed above. National scholarship opportunities are posted here as received and through the national websites listed above.

View Scholarships 101 for more info

FAFSA and California Dream Act (CADAA) application opens for the 2026-2027 application on October 1, 2025. 

An FSA ID is required for students and parents/guardians to electronically sign your applications. There is not a separate application to apply for Cal Grant. West High sends Cal Grant GPA verifications electronically to the State of California. The State of California pulls the information from FAFSA/CADAA to determine Cal Grant Status. Have your 2024 income tax information available to file and choose the year 2026-2027 FAFSA/CADAA. Priority deadline to file is March 2, 2026, after the October 1, 2025, application release. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible once the application opens to determine your financial aid status. It is recommended you apply for FAFSA/CADAA even if you feel you won't qualify. Colleges and universities use this information to determine eligibility for financial aid and scholarships available at their campuses. When you receive confirmation your FAFSA/CADAA was accepted, be sure to read and follow all the directions provided. Ask your counselor if you have questions. 

The following links provide additional information to assist with your financial aid applications:

• Start your FAFSA application here
• Cal Grant Program Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here 
• Middle Class Scholarship Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here
• CA Dream Act Application Here 
• California Student Aid Commission (Cal Grant) Information Here
• Create your Cal Grant account through Web Grants 4 Students Here
• Creating the FSA ID 
• Is My Parent a Contributor Handout for FAFSA
• California Student Whose Contributor does NOT have a SSN Handout

COLLEGE BOARD-PLANNING CHECKLIST FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FEE WAIVER OPPORTUNITIES:

If you want to play NCAA sports at a Division I or II school, or an NAIA school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center.  
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) works with you and your high school to help you prepare for life as a student-athlete.  To register, go to the NCAA Eligibility Center website.  This is where you will find the tools and information you need to begin your college experience as a student-athlete. Allow at least 15 minutes to one hour to register completely. If you need to exit and come back at a later time, you can save and exit once your account has been created.

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by following these steps: 
1. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org and enter as a college-bound student-athlete. 
2. Create an account by clicking on the “New Account” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. On the Account Creation page, provide a valid email address to create an account and begin the registration process. Be sure you provide an email address that will be active even after you complete high school.
4. On the About Me page, enter some quick facts, including your name, address, date of birth and gender.

REGISTRATION FEE AND WAIVER  Your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee is paid or waived. You must pay online by debit, credit card or e-check. The registration fee is $90 for students.
 
The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is the governing  body of small athletic programs throughout the United States.  Register with the NAIA Eligibility Center by following these steps:
 
1. Visit www.playnaia.org to check out schools and to register.
2. Create a Student-Athlete Profile.
3. On the Student-Athlete Profile page, provide a valid email address to create an account and begin the registration process.  Be sure you provide an email address that will be active even after you complete high school.
4. Be sure to read all instructions regarding how to submit transcripts and required documents.

REGISTRATION FEE AND WAIVER  Your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee is paid or waived.  You must pay online by debit or credit card.  The registration fee is $80 for students

Community Service is volunteer work that benefits and brings your community together. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to help others, gain hands-on experience, learn new life skills, improve your community, and build connections. Volunteering is a way to donate your time and skills while learning from real world experiences.

Volunteer work is also a great thing to add on to your resume, scholarship applications, and job applications. Participating with an organization can enhance your application, especially if you have limited work experience.

By volunteering, you can also create connections with others! This allows for students to practice their networking skills, opening a door to potential employers. At the very least, these new contacts can provide references, write recommendation letters, and help you with job/development opportunities!

The purpose of the Community Service Program at Merrill F. West High School mirrors the mission itself that is to prepare each student to become a responsible, active citizen. To that end, the program strives to instill in each an awareness of the multiple needs of the community, a sense of moral obligation to help those less fortunate, and the desire to make one's community a better place to live. This program is provided in the spirit of community service and not intended as a bridge to college/university entrance. 

The completion of 100 hours of volunteer service under the specified guidelines set forth by the Tracy Breakfast Lions (minimum of 2 organizations/activities). All deadlines must be met, or forms will not be considered. No exceptions. The deadline to submit all completed volunteer hours is April 10, 2026. 

The organization(s) must be a Non-Profit (501c3) and have an ID #. Students will not receive credit for hours obtained while working for a private individual or profitable organization. 

Sign-ups for this program have closed!

• WHS - Block W Community Service Agreement 
• WHS Community Service Log Sheet

• Community Service Organizations in Tracy List for the 25-26 School Year
• Log Sheet for Community Service Hours Tracking

26-27 event Volunteer Opportunities:

• Mexican Independence Day brought to you by South Side Community Organization
  • Volunteers are needed for SSCO's upcoming event, 16th of September Celebration, held at Lincoln Park (next to Tracy Public Library) on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
    
    Community service duties include:
    **Event set-up (7 a.m.- 10 a.m.)
    **Decorating (7 a.m. - 9 a.m.)
    **Working Kids' Zone crafts and games (10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
    **Monitoring and controlling Bounce House usage (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
    **Pulling and replacing filled trash can liners (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)
    **Picking up trash from grounds (12 noon - 4 p.m.; 3 - 7 p.m.)
    **Tear-down vendors, SSCO booths, and decorations (5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
    
    To sign-up, TEXT Danette Poole, at 209-914-1157 and let him know your hours available and duty(ies) preferred.

     

Are you ready to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and make an impact in one of the friendliest cities in California? The City of Tracy invites you to apply for our 2026 Summer Internship Program! Whether you're interested in public policy, sustainability, engineering, technology, or community engagement, there's an opportunity for you.

This year's program will provide 25 paid summer jobs to youth who live or attend high school in Tracy. 

• Students will participate in six weeks of work experience by contributing to various departments at the City of Tracy. 
• Students will work up to 20 hours per week in City departments and be paid bi-weekly. 
• The program will provide valuable work experience for young people interested in learning more about their local government. 

Visit the City of Tracy website for more information and for the application: Summer Internship Program | City of Tracy, CA

The Academy’s PCADE program is a free, college level program for students ready to explore what makes their creative perspective unique. Their hands-on classes let students build their portfolios and sharpen their style! Classes are held onsite at their downtown San Francisco campus and online.

Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 registration is now open!

Tracy Area Alumnae's free mentoring and leadership program, designed especially for African American young ladies, ages 14-18, grades 9-12.

• Monthly Workshops
• Community Service
• Leadership, Service, Sisterhood

Click here to enroll: Delta GEMS Interest Form

Through KP LAUNCH, Kaiser Permanente offers young adults a variety of paid internship opportunities in our headquarters, hospitals and medical offices across Northern California. Interns get the opportunity to work for an industry leader on projects that matter.

Interns are provided with work experience that expose them to administrative and supporting careers in health care environments. Interns will not participate in medical treatment or procedures for patients or members during this internship.

For more information: High School Program – KP LAUNCH

About the experience:

• A seven-week paid summer work experience, earning the hourly wage of $24 per hour for healthcare workers
• Weekly workshops designed to give participants valuable personal and professional skills development
• A unique relationship with supervisors and mentors to gain insight on how to prepare for a career in health care
• Networking opportunities with peers and senior leaders through work-based activities, community service projects, or social events

Eligibility: 

• Be ages 16 – 19 by June 1st, 2026.  Applicants must be 16 years of age by June 1st, 2026. If you will not be 16 by June 1st, 2026, you are not eligible to participate in the 2026 Summer Program.
• Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students
• Be a current high school student and/or graduating senior of the Class of 2026*
• Be available to work full-time during the seven-week summer program, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 8a – 5pm (hours may differ depending on department)
• Provide proof of eligibility to legally work in the United States
• Have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.
• In order to protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients, and communities we serve, Kaiser Permanente may require employees, including remote workers, to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 or receive a medical or religious exemption.  There may also be a COVID-19 vaccine booster requirement depending on where you work.  For more information on Kaiser Permanente’s response to COVID-19, visit the Resource Center
• Dependents of Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians are not eligible to participate in KP LAUNCH programs.

For more information: High School Program – KP LAUNCH

Applications Open 11/17/25 at 12pm PST

The 2026-2027 Khair Internship is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year!

This statewide internship program will give you experience in learning the science of substances, making healthy choices, and becoming a health advocate on campus to prevent substance use. Interns will earn $800 for their year-long involvement.

Students 16+ are welcome to apply! Khair - Jakara Movement

Click the flyer for more information!

StemMed Students is offering two virtual summer programs! View flyers for more information→

Roots in Research (June 29 – July 30)
A 5-week research program where students collaborate in small teams and develop skills in:

• Hypothesis formation
• Literature review
• Research methods
• Scientific presentation

Students will present their work at a final Virtual Science Symposium. You can find the link to apply here!

Seed to Suture (June 28 – July 26)
A 5-week program introducing students to surgical medicine through:

• Interactive lessons on medical and surgical topics
• Mentorship from individuals in healthcare
• Hands-on suturing practice (kits provided)

You can find the link to apply here!

What career interests me? What career would I be good at? See thee many free resources for Career Exploration below:

• College Board Big Future Explore Careers
• California Colleges
• California Career Zone
• Career One Stop

Need help with creating a resume? Resources including sample resumes and cover letters below:

• Resume Builder
• Canva.com
• Indeed.com
• California Career Center

Use this form letter as a template to ask your teacher, counselor, club advisor, staff member, coach, church official, etc. for a recommendation letter for scholarships, internships, colleges, and/or employment.

DOWNLOAD FORM LETTER HERE

Listed below are the five Military Academies in the United States. To learn more about each academy, click on the links below:

• U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
• U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
• U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut 

To learn more about the nomination process to attend a military academy, click here for more information and deadlines to apply

Note: You should begin this process at the end of your junior year if you intend to apply to a military academy.

Click on the military branch links below to learn more about enlisting after high school:

United States Army

United States Navy

United States Air Force

United States Marines

United States Coast Guard

Army National Guard

Air National Guard

California National Guard

ADDITIONAL MILITARY ACADEMY RESOURCES HERE

A Guide to U.S. Military Service Academy Admissions | GovFacts

See chart below or click here for information on who must register for the Selective Service at age 18.

Link to register:  REGISTER HERE

West High offers the following ASVAB Test Dates for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - Periods 1, 2, and part of 3 if needed
• Wednesday, March 3, 2026 - Periods 1, 2, and part of 3 if needed

Test is administered online using your TUSD issued laptop. Be sure to bring it with you on the test date fully charged and your charger. A rep from MEPS in Sacramento administers the test with a West High staff member present. The test sessions will be held in IMC-1 during periods 1, 2, and part of 3rd if needed.

Sign-up sheets and passes will be available as we approach testing dates. An announcement will be made in the bulletin and on Teams when available.

Scores will be available on the following dates:

• Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Period 3
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Period 3

A MEPS rep will visit the College and Career Center to review the scores with students who would like to attend. This is optional but highly recommended. Sign-up sheets and passes will be available approximately one week prior to the event.

What is the ASVAB CEP?

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), is a comprehensive career exploration program that harnesses the power of the world’s most validated aptitude test paired with a tried-and-true interest inventory empowering and motivating young people to explore their career options and make a post-secondary plan as individual as they are. West High holds at least two ASVAB CEP tests open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 each school year with one test session in fall and one in spring. 

• ASVAB Fact Sheet click here
• ASVAB Overview for Students and Parents click here
• ASVAB Post Test Info click here
• ASVAB Prep Practice Test click here

• San Joaquin Building Trades Council

• Central Valley Plumbers, Pipe & Refrigeration Fitters Apprenticeship Announcement

• San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties Electrical Apprenticeship Info

• San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties Electrical Apprenticeship Brochure

• The Northern California Sound and Communication Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee helps to provide a highly trained and skilled workforce for apprentices in the low voltage electrical industry in Northern California. It also provides ongoing instruction for Installer/Technicians

• University of Iron-Iron Workers Local 118-4 year Apprenticeship Program Info

• Job Corps Information Here

• State of California Department of Industrial Relations Apprenticeship Information-Search by county and occupation

• United States Apprenticeship Information Here

Visit the Cal Apprenticeship website below for information on opportunities: 

• Nor Cal Carpenters Union-Fairfield Training Center-Women In Construction Event March 21, 2025 10am-1pm Flyer
• Carpenter's Union Wage Sheet
• Valley Build Flyer-Career in Construction
• Carpenter's Apprenticeship Info

• LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America) Construction Careers Job and Wage Info Sheet-Stockton Local 73

• Boilermakers 549 Apprentice Program and Wage Info
• Boilermakers Open House Info
• Boilermakers Press Release

• HOLT of California Info

• Northern California Tile Industry Info and Wage Sheet
• BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Crafts (Tile layers, Terrazzo, Marble) link

• Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Flyer

• Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16 Wage Sheet and Info

NOTE: WORK PERMITS ARE NOT ISSUED DURING SCHOOL BREAKS

Work Permit Requirements per the TUSD High School Handbook: Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and have less than 15 hours of Saturday school to be work permit eligible during the school year.

Download: Work Permit Info and Instructions for the 2025 - 2026 School Year

Download: Work Permit Application

Download: Department of Industrial Relations-Summary of Hours Students can work by age and Occupational Exemptions and Restrictions

Download: Know Your Rights Handout

NOTE: To apply for a work permit, you must already be hired or offered a job. Work permits are NOT required to apply for jobs. See the links above to read the Work Permit Info and Instructions and to print the Work Permit Application. Complete the student, parent, and employer sections, including the FULL Social Security number (required by state law), all signatures (no electronic signatures), and initials. Drop off the completed form during lunch or after school to the Career Center for processing. Work permit applications (Form B1-1) are no longer accepted through email. Official work permit (Form B1-4) is sent to the student's TUSD email upon issuance.

Visit the California Department of Education website below for more information on work permits: 

CDE WEBSITE HERE

To enroll in a work experience class, email your counselor for instructions and eligibility. If you are approved for work experience, notify Ms. Urbina by email so your work permit can be re-issued to reflect work experience information and hours.

NOTE 1: Work permits expire 5 days after a new school year begins each year per state law OR when you turn age 18 OR receive a high school diploma, even if you are still age 17 at the time of graduation.

NOTE 2: Summer work permit application information will be available the last week of school. GPA and Saturday School hours are not checked for summer work permits only. However, when students return to school in August, GPA and Saturday School Hours requirements are once again checked and must meet the requirements above for issuance.

Job flyers and announcements are posted on the College and Career Center Teams as they are received and are also listed below:

Current Job Opportunties:

Notices will be posted here when received

Other employment resources listed below:

• Indeed.com
• San Joaquin County WorkNet WorkStart Yes Program click here
• San Joaquin County WorkNet for Youth 16-24 living in San Joaquin County who are out of school, drop out, foster youth, low income, homeless, justice involved - click here

Use the link below for helpful job and career information in San Joaquin County

Go San Joaquin (GoSJ)

The official school record per California State Law is the student transcript. The transcript can be ordered through Parchment at any time by clicking on the link below.

REQUEST TRANSCRIPT HERE

The official school record per California State Law is the student transcript. The transcript can be ordered through Parchment at any time, see tab above.

The diploma or certificate of completion is a one time issued document by the high school showing graduation status.

If your original diploma or certificate of completion was lost or damaged, you may contact customer service for Herff Jones directly at 1-800-635-5670 to order a replacement copy at your expense.

Click on the link below to learn more about diploma or certificate of completion replacements from Herff Jones:

https://herffjoneshelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/27887920983437-K-12-How-can-our-former-students-order-replacement-diplomas