Colleges educate high school seniors

By HEATHER BREMNER, Staff Writer

Thursday, October 2, 2003 2:44 PM PDT

High school students got a taste of college life this week during the first Valleywide "Higher Education Week."

In the past, various colleges would visit Valley high schools separately. This year the Imperial Office of Education collaborated with University of California and California State University officials to create "Higher Education Week," giving students a more solid comprehension of what each school has to offer.

"A lot of parents don't have the financial means to take their kids to universities so we brought it to them," said Susana Munguia, Southwest High School counselor.

Representatives from the University of California and California State University systems and California private schools are spending the week conducting college fairs at Valley high schools.

During the fairs the representatives explain the CSU and UC requirements, deadlines and how to apply for scholarships or financial aid.

At Southwest, students were encouraged to wear T-shirts or hats emblazoned with different universities.

"We don't want them to think that it all ends after high school," said Joe Evangelist, Southwest principal. "High school is a springboard."

At Calexico High School Wednesday, seniors and juniors gathered in the gym and listened as university representatives tried to give them an idea of the variety of schools available in California.

Officials also encouraged the students to visit campuses to decide for themselves if they feel comfortable.

Calexico seniors Adriana Rodriguez and Irene Velasquez, both 17, agreed that one week dedicated to higher education gave them a better understanding of what each college wants.

"I always thought that each college asked for a certain essay," said Irene.

But after attending the informational assembly, she learned that the CSU system doesn't require an essay.

"It was good, too, because a lot of the students asked representatives from certain colleges to come back," said Adriana.

Both students are planning on attending a four-year college after they graduate.

Imperial Valley College officials also attended the event and explained to the juniors and seniors the value of attending a junior college for two years before transferring to a university.

During the evenings each high school held a parent night, giving parents the same information their children received.

Next year the entire UC and CSU systems will be online, so college officials encouraged parents to have their children apply online.

Students without access to computers will be given ample opportunities to use computers at school and at IVC.

"Higher Education Week" will end Saturday with a college day at Imperial Valley College.

Staff Writer Heather Bremner can be reached at 337-3445 or hbremner@ivpressonline.com

Calexico High School seniors talk to college representatives during a college day assembly Wednesday in the school gymnasium. CUAUHTEMOC BELTRAN PHOTO