College & Career Center

Oakland Tech’s College & Career Center (CCC) provides guidance, support, and inspiration to Tech students as they explore college and career journeys after high school. The College & Career Center is located in Room 16 on the lower level of the main campus building. All Bulldogs are encouraged to take advantage of this terrific resource.

Who We Are and What We Do

The College & Career Center team is a combination of school staff and college access partners who work in coordination to provide college and career advising to Oakland Tech students. The CCC presents informational events for students and their families, group support and celebration activities for students, and individual advising and support directly to students.

College Access Partners

OUSD has partnered with several college support services that are operated and funded outside of the district. These programs provide a team of advisers who work directly with Oakland Tech students.

Learn more about our College Access Partners here »

College and Career Events

College and Career Events are announced the following ways:

• ParentSquare / StudentSquare posts
• OTHS Connections Instagram
• The Get Connected Calendar (add the calendar to your devices by clicking on the Get Connected - Oakland Tech & the Bay Area link in ParentSquare / Student Square)
• Bulldog Daily Announcements (presented to students during Advisory and available via the Bulldog Daily Announcements link in ParentSquare / StudentSquare)

Family Programs & Events

The CCC coordinates with the PTSA College Mentoring Committee to present informational events for students and their families.

SEPTEMBER

Road To College 1: College Application Information Night

Road to College 1 provides a detailed overview of the college application. While the focus is on public California colleges (CSU and UC schools), the presentation also covers historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), private colleges, and community colleges. Other topics include the SAT & ACT, letters of recommendation, and senior year expected costs.

Road To College 2: College Essay Information Night

Often split into two separate events, Road to College 2 covers the two major college essay areas: UC Personal Insight Questions and the Common Application Personal Essay. Students learn strategies for tackling the essay writing process and how to compose an effective essay that stands out.

OUSD College Fair

More than 40 colleges and universities attend to provide information and answer questions. Participants will include representatives from University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses, local private colleges, and the California Community College system.

OCTOBER

Road To College 3: Financial Aid Information Night & Workshop

Also usually split into two events, Road to College 3 provides valuable information about how to understand the true cost of college and how to research the schools students are interested in applying to. Financial aid and scholarships are discussed in-depth, including detailed instructions for filling out the FAFSA/Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Presenters also cover how to read a financial aid offer letter once students are accepted.

     

FEBRUARY

Planning for Success 1: College & Career Night for 11th Graders

This presentation helps our 11th-grade students and families map out a plan for the future, including college entrance requirements, standardized testing, internships, and a detailed checklist and timeline for college and financial aid applications.

MARCH

Planning for Success 2: College & Career Night for 9th & 10th Graders

Learn how Oakland Tech’s College & Career Center (CCC) can help 9th and 10th-grade students stay on track to meet their educational and career goals. This presentation looks at various options for what to do after high school, including four-year or community colleges, trade programs, and gap years, with tips for parents to support their students on this journey.

Student Programs & Events

The CCC organizes many events for students to help them through the college application process and celebrate their progress.

OCTOBER – DECEMBER

College Essay Mentor Program

Volunteer essay readers are available to help Seniors with their college application essays (UC, Common App, etc.) Meetings and support offered online by special arrangement. Contact essayreaders@oaklandtech.com for more information.

College Application Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available for assistance with college applications.

DECEMBER – FEBRUARY

Financial Aid Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available for help with FAFSA applications. Raffles for prizes are held for participating students.

JANUARY – MARCH

Scholarship Application Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available during designated weeks for help with scholarship applications.

JANUARY

‘I Applied’ Event

Students celebrate the completion of their college applications with sparkling cider, treats, and music. A coordinating event to I Applied includes a workshop where Seniors are guided through the next steps that follow the college application process.

APRIL

Community College Week

Seniors get ahead on the community college application process and meet with counselors to select classes for enrollment.

MAY

Decision Day Celebration

Decision Day is a carnival day on the OT field after lunch period where Seniors play carnival games, enjoy music and snacks, and share their post-graduation plans. An exciting part of the event is when Ms. Hunter does multiple drawings for a few major prizes like laptops and dorm kits as well as smaller items like gift cards and college swag.

Scholarship Banquet & Ceremony

Scholarship Banquet & Ceremony is an event that recognizes students who earned scholarships they will utilize for their post-secondary education. Lunch and cake are provided to student honorees, scholarship donors in attendance, and participating staff. The ceremony regularly features speakers including local organizations that have awarded the scholarships to present to the recipients.