College and Careers

The Sunnyside Unified School District offers several opportunities to help K-12 students prepare for a postsecondary education and career. In addition to the programs listed here, there may be other opportunities at the individual school sites. We suggest that you contact the counseling office at your child’s school to find out what is available.

Also see, Graduation & College Requirements

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) A program that identifies underserved students in grades seven through 12 who demonstrate high potential despite average grades, and prepares them to enter a four-year college. Contact: middle or high school counseling offices.

Arizona Academic Scholars Targeted at the middle 50% of students, Arizona Academic Scholars is an effort by area business and community volunteers to encourage students to complete challenging high school courses that will prepare them for careers and post-secondary education. Graduating Academic Scholars may be eligible for academic competitiveness grants.

Career and Technical Education Programs (CTE) and Joint Technological Education District (JTED) CTE and JTED courses enable students to acquire skills that can lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree in a specific career field. Contact: Jacqueline Croteau, CTE Coordinator, 545-2163.

College Academy for Parents (CAP) CAP is a program offered by the UA, for parents of elementary school children. Twelve weekly workshops offer information on academic preparation, college admission, financial aid and scholarships. Contact: UA Office of Early Academic Outreach, 520-626-2300.

College Visitation College representatives have a scheduled visit time on a monthly basis for each of our high schools. Students may sign up to meet with the college representatives for information on admissions, scholarships, financial aid, orientation and summer programs. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.

Freshman Focus This program is targeted at ninth-graders at Desert View High School. It is a collaborative effort between freshman English teachers and Desert View staff to help students be more focused, learn study skills, time management, and plann for the future. Contact: 545-4110.

GEAR UP Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergrad Programs GEAR UP is available to students of the cohort of 2012 and their families, and includes in-school activities, parent activities, field trips to UA and summer programs. Contact: UA GEAR UP Office at 626-4640.

Guidance Curriculum All SUSD counselors deliver a series of lessons to students that address School Board adopted competencies in the areas of academic, person-social growth, and careers. In those lessons, counselors consistently focus on postsecondary planning which includes helping students understand the connections between their career goals and their academic plans.

Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) JAG is an education-to-careers multi-year program designed to help high school sophomores, juniors and seniors graduate from high school, obtain a job and/or seek post-secondary education and start a solid career path. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.

Learning Community Initiative (LCI) Designed to increase the number of students who graduate from high school and pursue a postsecondary education, the LCI offers a variety of programs and activities for both students and parents. See page 13.

Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) An intensive college preparation program designed for ethnic minority and first-generation college-bound students. Programs are available in the middle and high schools for hands-on activities related to math, engineering, and science. Contact: UA Early Academic Outreach Office at 626-2300 or your school’s counseling office.

National Honor Society (NHS) NHS is a national honors program that recognizes students for excelling in high school coursework. Eligibility for NHS is primarily based on the student’s cumulative grade point average. In addition, elements of rigorous coursework and community service may be required. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.

Pima Community College Concurrent Enrollment Classes Both Desert View and Sunnyside high schools offer courses in math and writing, in which students may earn college credit. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.

Program of Excellence This college preparatory program offered by Desert View High School helps students complete a specific number of credits from the academic course offerings, earn a cumulative 3.25 grade point average and a minimum of 24 credits. Students must also complete a senior project. Contact: Heather McAuley, counselor, 545-5111.

Project College Bound This program is designed to increase the number of high school graduates who go on to a four-year college. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher. The program offers college advisement, PSAT information and preparation, and much more. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.

PSAT/SAT Preparation Workshops The University of Arizona offers low-cost Saturday workshops to help high school students improve their scores on the PSAT/SAT college entrance exam. Contact: UA Early Academic Outreach Office at 626-2300, or your school’s counseling office: DVHS, 545-5110; SHS, 545-5312.

S.T.A.R. Academic Center’s Senior Seminar & Prepare These two programs help high school students compile a complete postsecondary plan including a resume, letters of recommendation, and explore careers through identifying interests, skills, and work values. Assistance is also given to prepare students for college exams and careers in the military. Contact: Susan Barrette-Mozes at 545-2309.

Sunnyside High School Honors Academy The Honors Academy provides a quality college preparatory program for highly motivated students to help them achieve their career goals. It is an open enrollment program for the serious student who plans to attend a four-year university. Contact: Rich Mayorga, 545-5422.

Talent Search - Pima Community College A program is designed to prepare students for a post-secondary education. Talent Search is available to all district middle and high schools. Contact: Victor Salazar or Dalmira Perez, 206-5046.

Upward Bound Upward Bound is a grant-funded program which identifies first-generation college-bound students and offers enrichment experience ranging from summer programs to academic support. Families are also involved thorough education of college preparation services. Contact: DVHS counseling office, 545-5110 or SHS counseling office, 545-5312.