“No one in my family has ever gone to college. I want to be a Veterinarian. I know now that I can go to college and steps I need to take.”
“I want my child to have a professional career. I learned today how to help them plan during high school for college success.”
These comments and more were shared on the evaluation forms submitted at the end of a conference for young students. The relaxed smiles at the end of the day stated that students and parents had possibilities ignited.
Saturday November 7, Latino youth and their families learned that college can be in their future. In a conference hosted by Yuba college Clear Lake campus, the focus was making college a reality. Board of Trustee Doc Savarase opened the event by emphasizing the importance of higher education. He shared that California Community Colleges provide Career/Technical, Associate Degree and Transfer Paths to the universities. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the day to pursue college success.
During a brainstorming session parents listed their hopes, dreams, fears and concerns for their children. The students went through the same process. Both groups shared a common desire for student access to higher education and a professional career. The rest of the day focused on overcoming barriers to cultivate success. Hands on classroom lessons, campus tours, financial aid information, a student panel, delicious food, a live salsa band and resource booths all contributed to the lively and informative event.
Norma Cromwell of the Lake County Office of Education presented to the parents about high school A-G requirements and how to best support children through high school. Norma stated, “It was a highly interactive session. The parents raised issues. They were concerned about the students who don’t complete the A-G requirements. Being reassured that the community college and transferring to a university was a highly successful option relieved the families.”
Yuba’s Culinary Program served meals to all 150 participants: a classic American style breakfast and a gourmet Italian lunch. The food, the relationships and the testimonies helped all to recognize the possibilities of a bright future.
