The project fits in well with CSUF’s mission, Castro said. Such efforts could help combat the high school dropout rate among Latinos, he said.
A 28-year study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education found high school dropout rates are higher for Latinos than other groups. From 1972 to 1999, the dropout rate of white and black students nationwide declined nearly 40 percent, while increasing nearly 40 percent for Latinos. Over the 28-year period, about three of every 10 Latinos were lacking high school diplomas. The report noted: “Regardless of the reasons for the large proportion of Hispanic young adults without a high school credential, the impact is the same… These young adults probably do not have the basic level of education thought to be essential in today’s economy.”
“The high school drop-out rate of Latinos is too high,” said Silas H. Abrego, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “That’s why it’s so important to do something to ensure that they have the tools such as college preparation classes, tutoring and information to succeed in order to become eligible for college. The Latino community represents a segment of the population that is untapped as far as the resources that it can provide the state of California. The contributions Latinos can make are not only economic but, through civic involvement, valuable on the social level as well.”
Abrego’s claim can be backed up by a 2005 study conducted by UC Berkeley researchers that found that for every dollar spent increasing the number of students attending college and completing degrees, the state gets $3 on that investment.
In 2000, Caucasians made up 47 percent of the population in the state, while Latinos made up 32 percent. The study projects that California’s population will grow to 43 million, more than half Latinos, by 2020. Because of the changing demographics, the UC Berkeley researchers concluded that it is imperative to find ways to enhance higher education outcomes for its biggest and fastest-growing ethnic group.
The Berkeley study, coupled with U.S. Department of Education statistics showing the high Latino high school dropout rate, make urgent the need for such efforts, Abrego said.
Cal State Fullerton began addressing the need in the 1980s. Abrego said CSUF has formed partnerships with other Orange County colleges and universities, high school and elementary school districts, nonprofit agencies, community groups and businesses in an effort to promote and enhance programs that help minorities and low-income students succeed.
Some of the programs offered include the ENLACE Mentor Project, which helps Santa Ana high school students become familiar with the campus; Guardian Scholars, which financially supports students exiting the foster care system; and Kids to College, an early outreach program that creates awareness about higher education to sixth-graders.
Silas Abrego