Sixth-graders 'commit' to attend college
Each student received a Junior Otter card
It will be years before they even graduate from high school, but hundreds of Salinas sixth-grade students are already planning for college, thanks to a program at CSU Monterey Bay.
On Nov. 26, youngsters from six schools in the Salinas City Elementary School District visited campus. They promised to do their best in school, work hard, graduate from high school and pursue a college degree as part of the University Promise of CSU Monterey Bay.
In return, Director of Admissions David Linnevers promised that CSU Monterey Bay will save a spot for them if they complete high school and meet other basic requirements. He also promised that the university will work with the students and their parents to help arrange financial aid.
“We’re going to ask you to make a promise, a promise about your future,” he told the youngsters assembled in the University Center ballroom. “And we call it the University Promise of CSU Monterey Bay.
“Each and every one of you has the opportunity to get a college degree . . . we’re promising you we will help you and we will save a place for you, but it also takes a promise from you,” Linnevers told the youngsters. “ . . . And if you make that promise, you will become a Junior Otter.”
Each student received a packet containing a poster that explains what they need to do to prepare for college on a year-by-year basis starting in the sixth grade; a certificate for them to sign acknowledging their promise to prepare for and attend college; information on the outreach and support programs available at CSUMB; and a letter to their parents explaining the event and asking them to frame and display the certificate.
And they received a Junior Otter card, with a space for their signature. The card reminds the students that they have pledged to prepare for, attend and graduate from college.
University students led the youngsters on a tour of campus, visiting the science building, the library and the student center.
By Dec. 4, approximately 2,700 youngsters from Salinas Elementary, Alisal Union, Gonzales and Monterey Peninsula Unified school districts will have visited CSUMB. Since the program began in the spring of 2009, more than 10,000 Monterey County sixth-graders have visited campus.
The program was developed by CSU Monterey Bay officials as a way to help youngsters recognize opportunities and make choices that they may not have known existed for them. It is also a way to help keep students motivated for success and away from gangs and other negative influences.
Learn about CSUMB's early outreach and support programs.
Top photo: Mr. Jones' class of sixth-graders from the Salinas Elementary School District meet Monty Rey while visiting campus Nov. 26.
100 Campus Center
