News You Can Use

Parent Venture Webinars

Check out The Parent Venture's upcoming free webinars, including:

• Tuesday, March 17, 5:30 p.m.

3 Practical Ways to Use Technology Safely

• Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m.
  What Families Need to Know: Legal Changes & the Future of Special Education

• Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 p.m.

¿Quiere que sus hijos lean más? ¡Ponga el ejemplo! (in Spanish)

• Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 p.m.

Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Raise Competent, Confident Children

Can’t attend a live webinar?
Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.

Digital Student Arts Showcases

The San Mateo County Office of Education presents a series of digital arts showcases that serve to highlight the incredible talent and creativity of students in TK-12th grade across the county. 

These showcases will feature student work in all five art forms: dance, theater, music, visual arts, and media arts. This project celebrates and uplifts student voices, fosters artistic expression, and provides a platform where students can share their work with the broader community. Through these showcases, we aim to inspire future artists and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of every student's educational experience. 

Explore each of the five categories, which include submission requirements, judging criteria, important dates, and other information for each showcase.

Submissions open on the following dates:

• Music: Submissions closed.

• Art: Submissions closed.

• Dance: Submissions closed.

• Theater: Submissions Open March 16

• Film: April 13

Learn more.

Calling All Young Filmmakers and Movie Enthusiasts!

Submissions due March 22

The Citizens Environmental Council (CEC) is thrilled to announce their 2026 CEC Student Film Fest—a one-of-a-kind event celebrating youth environmental creativity and storytelling! This festival is open to students in grades 4 to 12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County.

Whether you’re an aspiring director or a nature lover eager to share your passion and inspire others to action, this event is for YOU! 

Dates

• Sunday, March 22: Entries are due 

• Tuesday, April 14: Winning entries will be screened at Burlingame High School at the 9th Annual CEC Student Film Fest where you could win up to $500! 

Entry and admission to the film fest is FREE.

To register for this event and for more info about the CEC Student Film Fest go to burlingamefilmfest.com.

March 28: Bay Nature Climate Journalism Workshop!

In collaboration with a Bay Nature journalist Tanvi Dutta Gupta, the Bay Area Youth Climate Summit is hosting an interactive journalism workshop, where participants will learn about the significance of environmental journalism, possible career pathways, and how to create their own journalism piece. Possible pieces include articles, photography, poetry, or other types of digital media. Our goal is to create a space where aspiring journalists with a climate-forward perspective can learn to create.

Date: Saturday, March 28, 10 - 11:30 a.m. 

Location: Presidio Hill School (3839 Washington Street SF, CA 94118)

Register for the Climate Journalism Workshop.

The OYE Latinx Youth Conference ~ Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Cañada College in Redwood City
The OYE Latinx Youth Conference will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Cañada College in Redwood City! This annual event brings together hundreds of local teens and young adults ages 12 to 22. This day is an opportunity for youth and their parents to explore questions of identity and purpose, and build community through a fun and interactive day that includes hands-on workshops, inspirational speakers, artistic expression, community resource sharing, and networking.

The event will feature performances, interactive workshops, resource tables and free breakfast and lunch for all in-person participants.

https://www.instagram.com/oyeconference/

SMUHSD Student Board Council Applications for 2026-27 School Year Open on April 6

9th, 10th, and 11th Graders: Do you have an interest in how your school is run? Are you interested in political science or government? Do you want to represent your fellow students to the District Board of Trustees to make sure ALL voices are heard? If yes, consider applying for SMUHSD’s Student Board Council!

The San Mateo Union High School District Student Board Council is made up of student representatives from each of the District’s high schools who represent diverse interests of the student body. 

Applications to serve a one-year term starting in the 2026-27 School Year will open on April 6. 

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/student-board

Congressional Arts Competition

Apply by April 12

Calling all high school artists! Join the Congressional Art Competition for a chance to have your work hung in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.! Congressman Mullin is hosting the local competition for students in California’s 15th District. 

Learn more at: https://kevinmullin.house.gov/services/art-competition/

Registration for the 4th Annual San Mateo County Pride Prom is Now Open! 

The San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo County Office of Education, College of San Mateo, Coast Pride, LGBTQ Commission of San Mateo County, and San Mateo Pride Center invite San Mateo County High School Students to attend the 4th Annual Pride Prom 2026! 

Details

• Friday, April 17, 6:30 - 10 p.m.

• College of San Mateo, Building 10, 2nd Floor

• Cost: Free

• The registration deadline is April 10: bit.ly/PrideProm2026

Pride Prom is an inclusive, safe, welcoming, night to remember for 9th-12th grade students who attend high school in San Mateo County.

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/prideprom

Students: Get Support in Achieving your Goals, Career, Finances and More

allcove San Mateo will be hosting FREE new year planning sessions between now and the end of the year. Youth can get 1:1 support with goals related to school, career, finances, personal habits, or any other life areas during these personalized sessions. 

Stop by Monday - Friday, 1 - 7 p.m. to meet with allcove Education and Employment Specialist Diego! 

Students: call in advance to make the appointment or drop in to get set up with this session: 650-226-7030

Get help with:

• School & Career Goals – majors, trade programs, or jobs

• Money Moves – budgeting, saving, or planning for big goals

• Mindset Reset – study skills, motivation, and stress management

• Habit Building – productivity and time-management routines

This service is offered in English and Spanish!

See the flyer for details: English  |   Spanish

Next Parent Connect In-Person Support Groups Sessions Start April 7

Raising teens can be one of the most challenging jobs you may ever have. If your student is not attending school or is exhibiting difficult behaviors, we can help.

The San Mateo Union High School District has developed a Family Support Group with parents and primary caretakers in mind.

Learn about:

• Teens and Mental Health

• Impact of Technology on Adolescent Development

• Building Connections Through Effective Communication

• Parenting Styles & Dynamics

• Understanding Independence & Setting Expectations

Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to proactively resolve conflicts with your teens, improve their attendance and enhance their well-being.

Spring 2026 Session 2 Starts April 7

Sessions are offered in English and in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:

• Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.

  • English session location: San Mateo High School, BioTech Room

  • Spanish session location: San Mateo High School, MPR Building

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/parent-connect

Food Resources in San Mateo County

The San Mateo Union High School District wishes to ensure that our community members have access to healthy meals. Core Service Agencies provide safety net services to San Mateo County residents in need of food, emergency housing assistance, emergency utility assistance, shelter and other basic needs. 

Learn more by visiting the San Mateo County website. 

Second Harvest also offers information on how to find free, nutritious food near you. 

Undocumented and Mixed Status Students in California: You have options when it comes to your college dreams!

To CA undocumented students, there’s a pathway to your college dreams. The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) gives you access to state financial aid to cover your tuition and college costs. Information shared about you and your family is protected and only used to determine your eligibility. 

Submitting the CADAA helps get you closer to your college dreams. Apply by the priority deadline of March 2 to be considered for all the aid you’re eligible for.  

Get resources to apply: 

• FAFSA vs Dream: Using the Correct Application

• Types of Financial Aid for Undocumented Students in CA

• CA Dream Act & Cal Grant Checklists

• CA Dream Act Map to Receiving Your Financial Aid

• AB 540 Quick Guide: Nonresident Tuition Exemption 

• CA Dream Act Application 

• CSAC Resources about the CA Dream Act Application

Learn more at www.smuhsd.org/cadaa

March 25 Facebook Live: Medi-Cal and CalFresh Updates

Recent changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh could impact you and your family—and we want to make sure you have clear, reliable information. 

Join San Mateo County for a Facebook Live conversation where County staff will break down the latest updates, explain what they may mean for residents, and answer your questions live. In partnership with the County Human Services Agency and the Office of Community Affairs Immigrant Services team. 

Tune in, get informed, and bring your questions on Wednesday March 25:  

6 - 6:30 p.m. in English

6:30 - 7 p.m. in Spanish 

Join: www.facebook.com/CountyofSanMateo 

Medi-Cal and CalFresh: Protect Your Coverage 

Public benefits are changing in San Mateo County, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These updates can be confusing, but you can take a few steps now to help protect your coverage and avoid delays. 

What to do: 

• Log in to BenefitsCal.com and make sure your contact information is up to date 

• Open and respond to mail from the County 

• Renew on time if you get a renewal notice 

April 9 Webinar: Understanding Your College Aid Offer

This virtual workshop is open to SMUHSD students and families of all grades, and is highly recommended for juniors and seniors.  This workshop will include guest panelists from CSU Stanislaus and The University of Arizona!

Details

• Thursday, April 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Zoom link: https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/92192292706

• There is no Spanish interpretation available for this webinar

Community Opportunities for Students

High School Seniors: Summer 2026 Naturalist Internship
Applications due March 15

Grassroots Ecology's nine-week Naturalist Internship (June 15 - August 14) provides college students and recent graduates an opportunity to explore a career in environmental conservation and to deepen their understanding of California natural history. Interns will earn the California Naturalist certification as part of the program. Join an information session on March 9. 

Learn more and apply: https://www.grassrootsecology.org/internships

View the flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gISj9U4ovvbxU6_7jA-QGOETsHwVzRWI/view

9th-12th Grade Students: Free Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement (SAGE) Camp 

Camp dates: June 21 to 27 

Register by March 17

The Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement (SAGE) Mission is to engage curious students into STEM and empower them to explore a wide range of possibilities for their future. 

SAGE Camp at SLAC is a free one-week residential/overnight camp for high school students.

Details

• Camp dates: June 21 - 27, 2026

• Register by March 17: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/SAGE-CampSLAC26

• Learn more: https://www.mysagejourney.org/slac

• View the flyer (English/Spanish): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mopYUH0BUy8RNkdroJ4VdP0yvdLawiwV/view

Student Cabin Leaders Needed for Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is looking for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to serve as cabin leaders in the cabins with students at the San Mateo County Office of Education's (SMCOE) residential outdoor education program in La Honda.

Students earn 99 hours of community service during the week and learn hands-on environmental science, education, and child care skills, along with significant responsibility.

If you are interested in learning more about how to send your students to participate, please contact Allison Collins, Director, at acollins@smcoe.org and visit the SMCOE website.

Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest (6-12 Grade Students) 

Apply by Friday, March 27, 11:59 p.m.

Middle and high school students from across the county are invited to submit an anti-tobacco video public service announcement (PSA) for a chance to win a cash prize ($100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd place prizes in each category). 

This year’s theme is “Stress Sold Separately.” 

Learn more.

Congressional Arts Competition Submission

Submission deadline is April 12

Calling all high school artists! Join the Congressional Art Competition for a chance to have your work hung in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.! Congressman Mullin is hosting the local competition for students in California’s 15th District. 

Learn more and apply by April 12 at: https://kevinmullin.house.gov/services/art-competition/

Saturday, April 18: K12 Esports Invitational
See the connection between careers in  technology, media production, marketing, broadcasting, and event management

Ohlone College (Fremont campus) is hosting its first ever K12 Esports Invitational, an event supported by the STEAM Powered Esports Alliance – a K12 Strong Workforce Program project. This event is designed to highlight the many career pathways connected to the growing esports industry.

During this live Valorant esports tournament, high school teams will compete while Ohlone College students produce and manage the event, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as event production, technology, broadcasting, and esports operations. 

The event demonstrates how esports connects to careers in technology, media production, marketing, broadcasting, and event management.

Details

• Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Ohlone College – Fremont Campus, 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont

Learn more and register for the Ohlone College K12 Esports Invitational.

Saturday, May 9: Move for Minds 5K 

The Health and Wellness Subcommittee of the San Mateo County Youth Commission invites you to attend its Move For Mind 5K at Seal Point Park in San Mateo on May 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Move 4 Mind is a free community 5K run/walk dedicated to promoting both mental and physical health—and raising awareness of how deeply connected they are.

Move 4 Mind brings together youth, families, and community members for an energizing and welcoming experience that goes beyond fitness. Participants will have access to county and community mental and physical health resources, interactive information tables, free snacks and drinks, and live entertainment.

The goal is to create a space that is uplifting, supportive, and informative—where people can move their bodies, connect with others, and learn about the resources available to support their well-being. While the event is youth-focused, all community members are welcome to attend.

Learn more and register for the May 9 5k: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanMateo/SMCYCMove4Mind

Immigration Related Resources and Support

The Rapid Response Hotline is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Call 203-666-4472 to verify possible immigration enforcement activity.

If someone is detained by ICE share their full name, birth date, country or

origin, and case number (A#) if you have it.

Visit: SmcRapidResponse.org for more information.

Save the Rapid Response Line phone number in your phone:

• Alameda County: 510-241-4011

• Contra Costa County: 925-900-5151

• Marin County: 415-991-4545

• West Marin County: 415-755-3622

• San Francisco: 415-200-1548

• San Mateo County: 203-666-4472

• Santa Clara County: 408-290-1144

• Sonoma, Napa & Solano Counties: 707-800-4544