Caption: CSUF biochemistry major Eric Yik explains a science experiment to sixth-graders, from left: Eric Mendez, Jimmy Cardozo and Bryan Ruelas as part of the Kids to College program. Photo: Matt Gush Download
Kids to College
Program Introduces Children to University Opportunities
In 2009, funding dried up for Cal State Fullerton’s successful Kids to College program that brought hundreds of elementary and middle school pupils to campus to expose them to higher education.
Hence, the program was forced to shut down. But this year, thanks to a $10,000 Southern California Gas Co. grant, the program is back, said Angel C. Hernandez, CSUF’s Educational Talent Search program director.
More than 200 sixth-graders from Richman and Valencia Park elementary schools in Fullerton and another 200 sixth-graders from Valadez Middle School Academy in Placentia toured the campus March 23 and April 27, respectively, learning what it takes to get admitted and getting hands-on lessons in science and other subjects.
“I always wanted to know what college is like,” said 12-year-old Makayla Molina, adding that she hopes to pursue forensic science. “This is my first time at a college. I want to come here later and study in the labs.”
Lindsey Crow, the Valadez Middle School Academy sixth-grade homeroom teacher who attended the event April 27 with her students, said the campus tour and class experience is a rare thing for many of her pupils.
“This exposure to higher learning is so great for the kids,” she said. “They are so excited and engaged and they go home talking about wanting to go to college.”
April 30, 2012
