THE MEANING

The P-16 Council’s name says a lot about what it has tried to accomplish in the four years it has met. The “P” stands for preschool while the “16” stands for reaching college grade levels. Anderson said what that means is that the council is trying to reach youths and their families even at the preschool levels in an attempt to change any mindset that some students cannot attend college. “We have to start early with the kids,” Anderson said. Long before students get to high school, students and their families have to have the idea that a college education is possible if they are willing to work. That means taking the tougher classes, building math and language arts skills and, once in high school, taking what Anderson called a rigorous set of courses to prepare students for college. “The kids have to want to walk through the door,” he said.

WORKING WITH PARENTS

There are parents who think because they might not be able to afford college, their child cannot pursue a higher education, Anderson said. He added a critical part of what the P-16 Council does is inform parents of programs available that could help their child with financial issues. The council holds workshops on applying for grants and scholarships, and even takes parents and students on trips to universities around California so they can become more comfortable with the idea that college is possible. The council also works with students in helping prepare them for the SAT exams, which are key to getting into the colleges students may want to attend. Anderson said when it comes to attending college, it doesn’t matter if a student still is developing their English skills. He said students can attend a community college like Imperial Valley College, where they can begin to take general education courses while honing their English skills. They can then transfer to a four-year university if they choose. Anderson said students have to have the mindset “that if I apply myself I can qualify for anything.”