CSUB forum gives families early start on preparing for college
March 16, 2011
Hundreds of 6th through 11th graders and their parents will pack CSUB's Icardo Center on Saturday, March 26, for the free educational forum, "College: Making it Happen! Building Your Future, Brick by Brick."
The program communicates to families, community leaders and educators the importance of early academic and financial planning to prepare for higher education. Session topics include graduation requirements, financial aid and scholarships, career pathways, a parent-to-parent panel, and a college tour. Parent sessions will be offered in English and Spanish. A resource fair will include representatives from all systems of higher education and CSUB departments.
"It is important for parents and students to share the experience of preparing for college," said Imelda Simos-Valdez, Director of the Southern San Joaquin Valley Cal-SOAP Consortium at CSUB. "Planning ahead will establish a common understanding among parent and student, encouraging a better support system for the student's success."
The program is co-sponsored by the CSU Chancellor's Office, CSUB and Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunities and Access Programs). Cal-SOAP is a statewide program established in 1978 to increase the number of students attending college and to provide support to students who are the first in their families to attend college, come from a low socio-economic background, or live in geographic areas with low college-going rates. Planning and recruitment for the event include committee members representing CSUB, UC Merced, University of LaVerne, Migrant Region V, Kern County Parent Institute for Quality Education, Educational Talent Search, College Corps, and Bakersfield City School District.
Arrival to the forum is from 8 to 9 a.m.; the program is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes snacks and lunch. To get to the Icardo Center, take the Roadrunner Drive entrance from Camino Media. Parking is free in Lots I and E.
Families are encouraged to register by Friday, March 18, by contacting Maria Baltazar at 661-654-6157 or mbaltazar@csub.edu.
