Media Contact: Nancy Saint John or Nanyamka Hill, (619) 534-4831

Four fourth grade classes from Freese Elementary School in San Diego will spend a day as students of the University of California, San Diego, on Wednesday, May 19, in an outreach program called "I’m Going to College."

Hosted by UCSD’s Office of Admissions & Outreach, the event is a collaborative effort of the local offices of CPIE (Center for Parent Involvement in Education), a San Diego nonprofit agency; CalSOAP (Student Opportunity and Access Program); NEISP (National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership) Program; and the elementary school. The program aims to expose the schoolchildren to the concept of a college education and demonstrate that college is an attainable goal.

Maisha Kudumu, CPIE Program Director, says the "I’m Going to College" program is designed for children from predominantly low-income neighborhoods, and that, for many of the children, the project "may be the first time anyone has ever told them that, with hard work, they have the opportunity to go to college." According to Kudumu, research has shown that fourth grade is a key year when many children make up their minds whether or not to attend college.

"Many students can’t even name a college before participating in the ‘I’m Going to College’ program," she explains. "Their opinion is that college is for rich kids. Our job is to let them know that a college education is within reach. The program is designed to spark an interest in college life, creating a lasting desire to be college-bound themselves. We’re planting a seed."

UCSD’s Office of Admissions and Outreach has arranged for the youngsters to experience life as full-fledged UCSD students. They will fill out mock applications for admission and financial aid and receive "official" letters of acceptance. Much like fledging freshmen, the children will arrive at the UCSD campus ready to tackle a class schedule in unfamiliar surroundings. At the start of the day, each will be awarded a "financial aid check" to exchange for an "I’m Going to College" T-shirt, a daypack, photo ID badge, a dictionary and other books and supplies.

Following an official welcome by Dr. David Jordan, Provost of UCSD’s Warren College, the students will divide into simulated "majors" and attend five highly interactive classes created especially for them. After a picnic lunch provided by UCSD’s Warren College, the students will conclude the day with a campus tour.

Mae Brown, UCSD’s Director of Admissions and Outreach, said, "If we touch the life of just one young person, the day is well worth it. I hope these students will ultimately see college as something they not only want to do, but are definitely capable of doing. There are so many forces working against many of them. I want them to say, ‘I’m college material. Learning is fun. I’m going to college!’ "