February 2, 2011 — California State University officials will be speaking at Super Sunday events at more than 100 predominantly African American churches throughout the state in February. On Sunday, Feb. 13, Chancellor Charles B. Reed will speak at the 11 a.m. service at St. John Missionary Baptist Church located at 1401 East Brundage Lane in Bakersfield — one of two churches statewide he will address.

The events reaching more than 100,000 churchgoers are part of CSU's outreach to educate students and families about the requirements to successfully enter college and obtain a degree. Participants also receive information about financial aid and the CSUMentor.edu website that provides the tools to plan and apply to a CSU campus.

"Super Sunday is an opportunity to highlight the value of receiving a college degree," said Chancellor Reed. "Nearly eight in 10 future job openings in the U.S. will require postsecondary education. We want to make sure that each year more African American students graduate from college and are able to compete for these jobs."

After the church service, parents and students will have the opportunity to talk to CSU representatives and receive the How To Get To College poster -- a practical guide about how to prepare for college beginning in the 6th and 7th grades. The guide, available in several languages, in print and electronic form, provides the list of classes that students need to take grade by grade to qualify for admission to the CSU. It also provides tips for parents and mentors to help students succeed.

Additional Bakersfield Super Sunday events will take place at the following churches:

Sunday, Feb. 13
Saint Peter Restoration Community Christian Ministries / 10 a.m.
510 East Brundage Lane

Sunday, Feb. 20
Church of Christ Ministries / 11 a.m.
1416 Wilson Road

Sunday, Feb. 27
Compassion Christian Center Church / 10:30 a.m.
1030 4th Street

The annual Super Sunday event is produced by the CSU African American Initiative -- a partnership between CSU campuses and African American religious leaders with the goal of increasing college going rates among African American students. The initiative is led by Chancellor Reed and engages CSU Trustees, campus presidents, executives and staff.

For more information about the list of participating churches, times of service and locations, go to the Super Sunday website.

Visit the CSU External Relations website to learn more about the CSU African American Initiative and other community initiatives and partnerships to address college access for underserved communities.