College & Career Center » College & Career Center

College & Career Center

MAKING GOLDEN COUGARS COLLEGE-BOUND

The mission of the John F. Kennedy High School College Center is to help students in all grades learn about college admissions and financial aid opportunities. We assist students with the entire college admissions process, from college selection through understanding financial aid awards. Our goal is to ensure that all graduating seniors have an opportunity to obtain a college degree that will help them meet their life goals.
 

Career Opportunities

 
 
  • Current sophomores and juniors with a minimum GPA 2.0
  • Applications will open in August 2024
  • Los Angeles
 
 
  • Youth ages 14-18 years old. Eligibility requirement vary based on program of interest
  • Spring & Fall
  • Los Angeles
 
 
  • Current Juniors and Seniors
  • Summer
  • Los Angeles
 
 
  • Juniors and Seniors in Leaderships Programs
  • Washington D.C. (In-Person)
 
 
  • Sophomores and Juniors only
  • Summer only
  • Varies (within LA)
 
 
  • Freshman and Sophomores only
  • Summer Only
  • Los Angeles
The City of LA has a summer work program for students 14 and older.  You must meet the income guidelines to participate.  Apply as soon as possible!
 
Visit LA Youth at Work for more information on how to interview, what to have on your resume, and more!  After you are work-ready, you can apply for jobs!   
 
The Youth Employment Opportunity program can help you prepare for work by providing a variety of training and support services.  Please visit their website to learn more!
 
FastWeb: the same company that has been providing scholarship searches for years now also helps you find part-time jobs in your area!
 
SnagAJob.com: many local job listings.
 
Get Schooled: local job listings. 
 
 
Sierra Canyon Day Camp: summer volunteer counselor positions for entering 9th and 10th graders, and paid counselor positions for students age 16 or older.
 
VolunteerMatch - find volunteering and community service opportunities!
 
Luv Michael - earn volunteer hours advocating for autism acceptance = 100% online.
Students under the age of 18 must obtain a work permit. Visit the main office at JFK for more info.
 
You must bring the following to get your work permit: 
 
  1. Completed Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit (B1-1) form- make sure that the
    parent and the employer have signed the form- you can download the form by clicking the following link:
    https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlseformb1-1.pdf
    NOTE: ALL SIGNATURES ON THE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION MUST BE ORIGINAL AND
    WET, INCLUDING THE EMPLOYER'S SIGNATURE. A WORK PERMIT REQUEST WILL BE
    DENIED IF ANY OF THE SIGNATURES ARE STAMPED AND/OR PHOTOCOPIED.
  2. A current ID card (i.e. school, DMV, passport)- CHECK CASHING ID CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED!!!!!
  3. Birth date proof (i.e. birth certificate, ID with birth date on it, official school record with birth date on it)
  4. Parent/guardian

What is a trade school?

A trade school is a postsecondary (post high school) educational institution that prepares and trains students for a specific career field. Trade schools offer important hands-on training and real-world experience that prepares students for work in their field of choice.
 

Basic Requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • High School Diploma
 

*** Additional requirements depend on program/ school - see specific schools for more details

Top Trending Trade and Vocational Careers:

  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technology
  • Plumbing
  • Home inspecting
  • Engineering technology
  • Landscaping technology
  • Healthcare
  • Cosmetology
  • Welding
  • Electrical
  • Computer technology 
  • Construction
  • Mechanical repair
 

Free or low cost programs to explore:

West Valley Occupational Center offers training in 23 different career paths such as Building Construction, Cosmetology and Healthcare Occupations at free or low cost value. Please visit their website to learn more about the requirements and process details. 
 
North Valley Occupational Center offers training in 16 different career paths such as Accounting, Aviation Mechanic and Graphic Design. Please visit their website to learn more about the requirements and process details. 
 
Los Angeles Pierce College has a wide variety of selection for potential students looking to earn a certificate or an associates degree in fields such as Agricultural Science, Business, and Industrial technology to name a few. Please visit their website to learn more about the 7 different guided pathways they offer. 
 
Los Angeles Mission College offers certification and associate degree pathways in programs such as Culinary Arts, STEM and Business, Law & Public Safety. Please visit their website for more information regarding their programs. 
 
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College has a wide variety of selection for potential students looking to earn a certificate or an associates degree in fields such as Applied Sciences, Advanced Transportation & Manufacturing, and Business & Civic Engagement. 
 
College of the Canyons offers certification and associate degree pathways in programs such as Land Surveying, Welding and Computer Animation to name a few. Please visit their website for more information regarding specific program details. 
 
Los Angeles Valley College offers certification and associate degree pathways in programs such as Health & Public Service, Manufacturing & Construction and Communication. 
 
For more information about the different vocational programs offered at our Los Angeles Community Colleges, please visit their website. 
 

Apprenticeship Information

If you’re interested in learning about apprenticeship programs please refer to the following government websites for more information. As always please feel free to stop by the College Center for additional guidance. 
 
 

SAT & ACT

  • The UC and CSU systems use the SAT and ACT as placement tests for your freshman math and English classes.  Taking the tests can save you time and money by helping you place into higher-level math and English classes.  You might even avoid mandatory summer school for the CSU (Early Start).  Also, many private colleges and scholarships consider test scores, so doing well could help you get into prestigious colleges and win more scholarship money!
  • This article will help you decide whether the ACT or SAT is better for you: Should I take the SAT or ACT?

When should I take the tests?

  • It is recommended that you take both the SAT and ACT twice.  You can take both exams in the spring of your junior year and both again in the fall of your senior year.  Or, after taking them both in 11th grade, you can choose a favorite, focus your study on that one, and retake it in the fall of senior year.
 

How can I register for them?

  • Register for the ACT here.
  • Register for the SAT and SAT Subject Test here.
 

Where can I take the exams?

  • Kennedy offers the SAT School Day each March to all juniors.
  • The ACT is not available on campus, but is offered at many area schools.
 

How can I practice for the Test?

  • Mr. Yi, our math teacher, provides an SAT / ACT study hall where you can get help with practice problems. See the flyer on the right for more info.
  • Small group, free SAT/ACT tutoring and college preparation mentorship is offered by UCLA students. Visit the college center for more information. 
  • Use your PSAT results to access a personalized practice plan with the Khan Academy.
  • The ACT.org website offers various kinds of practice. Click here.
  • College Board also offers ways to practice for the SAT by free practice tests and questions. Click here.
  • To practice for SAT Subject Tests, College Board offers practice by subject. Click here.
 

Fees

  • If you have free or reduced lunch, visit the College Center for a fee waiver!

College Board Testing Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities must request accommodations through the Collegeboard in order to use accommodations on AP, SAT, PSAT exams.  Contact Mr. Abarr for more information on eligibility, deadlines, and the application process.
 

Other Practice Resources

  • march2success.com is sponsored by the U.S. Army.  You can use the site even if you have no interest in the Army, because you won't be recruited unless you indicate interest .
  • Kaplan and Princeton Review study books with practice tests are available for $15-20 on Amazon.com or from other sellers.
 

Upcoming Events

Staff

Mr. Lorin Abarr, College Counselor
Email: [email protected]
 
Ms. Iris Aragon, Counselor
Email: [email protected]
 
Ms. Zyanya Fuentes, College-Center Aide
Email: [email protected]
 
 
UPCOMING COLLEGE REP VISITS
Logos | Brand Standards
  • UC Merced will visit us on September 9th during lunch. 
 
 
Southern California Trojans Logo and symbol, meaning ...
 
  • USC will visit us on September 19th during the first period. 
 
CSU Channel Islands (@csuci) / X
  • CSU Chanel Islands will visit on September 27th during the second period. 
 
Vanderbilt University launches refreshed visual identity | Vanderbilt  University
 
  • Vanderbilt University will visit us during the third period on September 30th. 
 
University of California, Davis (UC Davis) – International Society for  Concrete Pavements
 
  • UC Davis will visit us during lunch on October 7th.
Athletics Mark - Loyola Marymount University
 
  • Loyola Marymount University will visit us on October 11th at 9:30 a.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information on how to attend these events, please refer to Schoology. 
OUT OF STATE COLLEGE FAIR
 
When: September 24th, 2024.
Where: Quad area 
Time: 9:54 - 11:50 a.m.
 
For more information on this event please refer to Schoology.