Future head start
Posted on March 17, 2015 by Jessica Acuna in News
Jessica Acuña
Chronicle Reporter
Parents and students were invited to attend the College Awareness Day on Mar.14 to be informed about colleges as well as ways to pay for it. The first presentation was by a representative of College Board explaining about “bigfuture.” This is a college planner that College board offers on their website to give a head start for preparing students and explore more about their interests in universities and what majors are offered.
It is never too early to know ahead of time what is needed for college. He recommends for students to always ask questions and not allow anything intimidate them on researching and gathering specific information about scholarships, financial aid, and the requirements such as GPA, SAT or ACT scores, recommendation letters, resume, and extracurricular activities in and outside of school.
Three visitors from Santa Monica College, Cal State Los Angeles, and UCLA gave their presentations based on what each college and university offers and give different options to the students to attend college after high school. The last presenter was Jessica Romero who spoke to the parents about the Dream Act, explained step by step the process, what is needed to fill out the application, and to not turn in any important document at the last minute. She also mentioned about her experience and information about IDEAS UCs, which involves groups of students in each UC campus that find ways to raise money or help undocumented students. After the end of the year, all the money raised is equally distributed to the participants so they can use the money for necessities and college.
Ms. Brown was in charge of the event announcing it on the PA, and also spreading the word to local middle schools. Around 20 parents and teachers attended the event, but more people were expected to come. Her goal is to reach out to 10th and 11th graders to attend the college workshops and since there is Saturday school, it gives the opportunity to parents to come on their days off or adjust to their schedule. “It is nice to have representatives of a community college, Cal State, and UC, and we always want more people to attend, but it takes baby steps.” said Ms. Brown. Overall, the parents thanked the presenters and Ms. Brown for the informative and explanation about college because for most parents it is difficult to be informed about their child’s future and what resources are needed to be prepare on time when their senior year arrives.
