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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Allen Carden Brandy Ramos Nikaido
Valley cities declare November as College Next Awareness Month Fresno -- As part of a unique effort, the cities of Bakersfield, Fresno, Lemoore, Merced, Modesto, Porterville, Sonora, Stockton, Turlock, and Visalia have recognized November as “College Next Awareness Month.” Additional cities also are expected to issue proclamations. The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium organized the endeavor as part of its public outreach campaign, “College Next,” which is aimed at building a college-going culture in the region. “College is possible. It’s affordable and achievable. That’s the message we want to send to students all year long,” said Allen Carden, executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium. “It is particularly timely now because many college admissions applications are due this month.” To help carry the message to students, presidents and chancellors of various Valley colleges will visit local schools to encourage students to seriously consider going to college and emphasize the many opportunities a college education affords. According to CVHEC’s Fall 2002 Central Valley Report Card, there is a real need in the area to increase college eligibility levels and college attainment rates of local students. For example, when compared to their peers statewide, high schools students in the San Joaquin Valley graduate from high school at a slightly lower rate and are less likely to complete college preparatory courses required by UC and CSU. In addition, many eligible Valley students are missing an opportunity to receive money to help pay for college by not applying for Cal Grants. Cal Grant applications are due by March 1, 2004. Students, parents, and educators interested in learning more about colleges and universities in the Valley, including admissions requirements and financial aid, may visit the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium’s Web site at www.CollegeNext.org or call the consortium toll free at (877) ITS POSSIBLE (487-7677). The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, established in March 2000, is a non-profit organization led by the chancellors and presidents of 23 public and private institutions of higher education including CSU, UC, California Community College campuses, and two private universities. The consortium’s mission is to promote programs, policies and performance designed to increase higher education attainment in the 10-county area including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties. # # # |
