Reaching Out

Children from disadvantaged families may fail to achieve their educational potential. That's why Cal State Fullerton works closely with local school districts and others to reach students with limited opportunities for success.

The university's Social Science Research Center has conducted focus groups to determine some of the most common barriers that prevent these students from achieving academic success. Some of their findings include:

Language Barriers In families where parents do not speak English, parents' ability to work with K-12 teachers to ensure that their children are succeeding academically is limited. The language barrier also interferes with parents' abilities to assist their children with their studies.

Economic Difficulties Lack of money affects students in myriad ways. Parents working more than one job have limited availability for helping their children and for meeting with teachers. Sometimes children are expected to be self-supporting immediately following high school graduation. Many Cal State Fullerton students work full time (or hold a series of part-time jobs) in addition to taking classes. This may add years to the time it takes them to earn a degree, or it may interfere with study habits and class schedules.

Lack of Understanding about University Admission
Requirements Because many Hispanic students are the first in their families to attend college, students (as well as parents) are not aware of the college prep classes and grade point average requirements. In some instances, parents discourage their children from attending after-school programs because they don't recognize the importance of such activities.

How Does Cal State Fullerton Help? Admissions officials' work with high schools is critical to the success of students when they enter the university. Outreach programs in the high schools help students determine the types of classes and activities they will need not only to gain admittance but also to enhance their college performance. Working directly with students and parents, helps them prepare for the rigors of the college classroom. Staff members and various programs at CSUF also are available for Hispanic students who may require assistance.

How To Help
Because of budget cuts, the California State University's outreach efforts and financial resources are limited. It is more difficult for Cal State Fullerton to reach deserving students who may need extra assistance in applying to college and succeeding in their studies.

The following programs reach out to students and provide opportunities for success.
• Tammy Camacho at the Chicano Resource Center; 714) 278-4391 or tcamacho@fullerton.edu.

• Dawn Valencia at the University Outreach Center; (714) 278-2086 or universityoutreach@fullerton.edu

• Vonna Hammerschmitt at MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement); (714) 278-3195 or vonna@ecs.fullerton.edu

• Barbara McDowell at the Women's Reentry Center and Adult Reentry Center; (714) 278-3929 or womencenter@fullerton.edu

• Sabrina Sanders at the Volunteer and Service Center; (714) 278-3504 or ssanders@fullerton.edu

• Patricia Bejarano-Vera at Upward Bound; (714) 278-7327 or pbejarano-vera@fullerton.edu