Even though grade point average and leadership skills are important when applying for a scholarship, in competitive cases, letters of recommendation can greatly supplement any application.
Following these guidelines can optimize any student's chance of obtaining a great letter as well as easing the burden on the writer:

1. Choose a writer who knows you very well, so s/he can give specific examples of your qualifications.
2. Provide a brief description of the scholarship, honor, or any other necessary information.
3. Write a brief description about yourself, your background, your experiences and your current life situation.
4. Remind the writer of specific details you want emphasized in the letter.
5. Include your contact information in case the writer needs more information.
6. Provide the writer with current transcripts and any other documents.

And most importantly, give the writer plenty of time, 2 to 3 weeks is customary, so she/he doesn't feel rushed. This also allows you to check back a few days before the deadline. Good Luck!
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The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (Students Utilizing Cross Cultural Educational Support and Services) Program is a thriving academic and service program at WVC meeting the needs of Black/African American students. Last Fall ('03) 17 of our students transferred to 4-year universities. Several have been in touch recently (Marissa Arterberry, Uhria Clark, Phillip Severe and Shria Watkins) and are doing well at their respective schools.
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Confused about what career direction you want to take? Tired of nagging parents and friends who keep asking you, "whatcha gonna do with your life?" Are you undecided about your major or wondering what universities offer your major? Would you like to know what people are REALLY doing in their current careers?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we are happy to provide an answer: EUREKA! No, it's not a strange shout we just uttered. It's the name of a career counseling software program that has helped thousands of people conduct career exploration by the touch of your fingertips.
EUREKA has three main components to assist you in the career exploration and decision making process: Self Assessment, Career Exploration, and Education. Self Assessment assists you in taking a closer look at yourself. Career Exploration provides you with a wealth of career information and helps you determine career possibilities. Education helps you learn more about education and financial aid resources that may be appropriate for you!
Fortunately for you, the Career Center, located in the Counseling Center, has made this program accessible for all West Valley students. In addition, you may print out your career profiles and exploration results or anything else that you may need! Gain some direction and momentum in your life; make it a goal for yourself to begin your career search and let EUREKA help you along!
Come by the Career Center for many more resources to assist you in your Career Quest. Direct any questions to Maria Garcia-Scheper at 741-4036.
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Historically, the Educational Transition (ET)/Adult Re-entry Program has been providing counseling services and programs addressing the needs of very unique student populations. Re-entry students return to college after an extended break in their education. They are often individuals that are reinventing themselves and in need of learning skills to prepare for the job market. In ET, adults find support, guidance and resources for their academic, career and personal needs.
Currently, ET Counselors Freba Cognetta and Helen Khalouyan, and Susan Horton, the ET Coordinator have been working with the ESL program to encourage immigrant and refugee students to take advantage of the academic and career counseling services provided in ET. Adult immigrants, especially those with limited English proficiency and poverty backgrounds face many personal and external obstacles inhibiting them from seeking counseling and/or locating needed services. ET counselors have reached out to this population to provide support for access, retention and success.
In February, Freba and Susan will be presenters at the Joint Special Population Advisory Committee Conference (JSPAC) to describe a grant project entitled "Supporting Adult Immigrants." The presentation is scheduled as "Best Practices for Serving Special Populations." JSPAC is especially interested in ET's support services for a growing population of Middle Eastern adults.
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CalWorks contact: Marta Mora-Evans 741-4007.
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With representation from 31 countries, the International Student Program has served over 80 students so far this year. In addition to our fulltime students, we have had 8 students participate in Optional Practical Training. The average GPA for our International Students is 3.25.
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