FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000
Brandy Ramos Nikaido
Office (559) 241-7512
brandy.nikaido@ucop.edu


UC MERCED AND HILMAR TEACHER PROMOTE HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH CAMPUS FIELD TRIPS 

Hilmar, CA - Forty Hilmar students, from sixth graders to seniors in high school, visited the University of California, Davis, campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000 to expose the students to the opportunity and availability of a college education at UC. Martin Macias, an instructor at Hilmar Middle School and Hilmar High School, organized the trip in conjunction with the University of California, Merced. 

“UC Merced is working to develop relationships with all schools, especially rural and small schools, to make sure that no one is left out,” said Encarnacion Ruiz, director of the University of California, Merced, Office of Relations with Schools. “Our goal is to create greater access for Valley students to the University. We commend Martin Macias’ energy and support of our common efforts.” 

Students participating in the field trip are from diverse backgrounds. All were recommended by a teacher, maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and are first generation college students. 

“Many of these kids have never been to a college campus before,” explained Macias. “I am trying to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance, prestige, and value of higher education, particularly a UC education.” 

In addition to organizing campus field trips, Macias is a volunteer advisor for Hilmar Middle/High School’s M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) Club. He also is a member of the “Kids Around the University” (KATU) leadership program, sponsored by UC Santa Cruz’s Educational Partnership Center. KATU strives to build college-bound communities and increase UC eligibility in the valley by working closely with parents, students, and K-14 educators and administrators. 

This week’s field trip to UC Davis is the first of three UC campus tours planned by Macias for the 2000-2001 school year. Hilmar Middle/High School students will also tour the University of California, Berkeley, in April and the University of California, Santa Cruz, in May. Contributions from the community enable Macias to include additional students and add more campus visits. 

UC Merced, Office of Relations with Schools currently works with 144 schools throughout the San Joaquin Valley and mountain communities. 

For more information about the University of California, visit www.ucmerced.edu, and www.ucnewswire.org. 

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