College Prep Program

Class of 2024: Are you ready for free college prep?

The College Prep Program provides supplementary college application assistance to incoming high school seniors within the Corona Norco Unified School District (CNUSD). This program begins in late June with the objective of giving students a head start to their senior year. The best part, it's FREE! 

To apply to the 2023-2024 program, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/m8uovqkR8qqHGnHaA 

The College Prep Program is organized into three sections aligning with the CNUSD academic calendar: a summer section with four workshops, a Semester 1 section with 4 workshops, and a Semester 2 section with 3 workshops. The following topics will be covered: 

Summer 2023

WORKSHOP 1: How to Select a Career Path & Apply to College 

Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm

Topics Covered: Self-discovery, Picking a Major, Building a School List, CC/UC/CSU Systems, Private Schools, Costs, Application Portals, Fly-in Programs, Admission Types, How to Prep

WORKSHOP 2: How to Write College Essays 

Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: Personal Story & Values, Personal Insight Q's, Personal Statement, Drafting

WORKSHOP 3: Financial Aid & Scholarships 

Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: Cal A/B/C Grants, Pell Grant, FAFSA, How $ is Allocated, Financial Aid Package, EFC, Cost of Attendance, Institutional Grants, Scholarships, Reimbursements, Finding & Applying, Scholarship List, Tips for Essays, Disbursement Process

WORKSHOP 4: Guest Speakers + Essay Writing Workshop 

Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Workshop to brainstorm and draft your PIQ's/ Common App Essays etc.

Semester 1: 2023

WORKSHOP 5: Guest Speaker & Application Portals Set-up

Friday, August 18, 2023: Career Panel (Optional)

Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: UC/ Common Application/ Coalition/ Scholarship Portals Set-Up & Data Entry

WORKSHOP 6: Financial Aid & Scholarships Part 2 

Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: Part 2, creating a F.S.A. ID, Prepping for the FAFSA Application

WORKSHOP 7: Resumes, CV's & Application Supplemental Workshop 

Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Learn how to develop application supplemental materials that stand out!

WORKSHOP 8: FAFSA Application Workshop 

Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Complete and submit the FAFSA application

Semester 2: 2024

WORKSHOP 9: Selecting and Transitioning to a College or University 

Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: How to Read & Compare Financial Aid Awards, COA, Financial Aid Appeals, Scholarships, Commitment Deadlines, Making a Decision, SIR, Declining Offers

WORKSHOP 10: Personal Finance 

Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: Budgeting, credit cards, savings, school loans, creating financial goals, building habits, life insurance, retirement plans, investments - learn the basics to personal finance!

WORKSHOP 11: Transitioning & Succeeding in Higher Education

Saturday, June 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Topics Covered: Fees, Housing, Meal Plans, Parking, Emotional Transition, Transportation, Resources, Safety, Creating a 4-Year Academic Plan, Internships

Application Requirements

You MUST be: 

*Please note: Priority is given to students enrolled under United Way programs such as Children & Youth Success Program, Children Wellness Program, Youth Board, and Family Support Services. Applicants outside of the Corona-Norco United Way programs are not guaranteed admission to the program, but places you on a waitlist. Communication regarding your status will be done via email.

Class of 2024? To apply to the 2023-2024 program, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/m8uovqkR8qqHGnHaA 

Please direct any questions you may have to Ana P. Calvillo, at ana.calvillo@cnunitedway.org or (951) 736-0620 ext. 404