May 18, 2018
Kinders Go to College 2018
Today Washington Unified kindergarteners participated in “Kinders Go To College” from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, May 18, at Sacramento City College’s West Sacramento Center.

About 90 young students were treated to a number of college “classes” (10-minute workshops) in fields such as dental assisting and hygiene, nursing, art, public service and robotics. This year’s participating school is Westmore Oaks Elementary.

Sacramento City College (SCC) is partnering with the Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE), Washington Unified, the City of West Sacramento and PG&E on this unique program. Additionally, PG&E contributed $7,500 toward the event.

“This event is about introducing kids from a young age, and their families, to the idea of college and making it an accessible and realistic goal for them,” said SCC President Michael Gutierrez. “There’s something about being on a college campus, and feeling the energy, and being told that higher education is within their reach that transforms this abstract concept of college into a tangible thing.”

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon agrees that early exposure to college is crucial to changing preconceived notions about higher education. The event aligns with the city’s West Sacramento Home Run initiative, which includes universal preschool, a paid internship program, a guaranteed college savings account starting at kindergarten, and up to one fee-free year of community college.

“Together we are sending a strong message to our residents and the region that West Sacramento is the best place to have a child, raise a family and go to school,” Cabaldon said.

During the event, each kindergartener is teamed with a middle school student, while high school students help oversee and guide the group. The interaction with older students at different stages in their education helps the younger students envision a future that includes academic success.

In addition to the workshops, students will receive a special T-shirt honoring them as the high school Class of 2030, a backpack and other goodies from SCC and YCOE.
“The excitement the kindergartners feel after this event overflows to, and encourages, their siblings, parents and other relatives,” said Lori Perez, YCOE Director of College and Career Readiness.

“Washington Unified is fully committed to ensuring all students are college and career bound after high school. Kinders Go To College is a special program that helps institute the possibilities of and access to college while our kids are still in kindergarten,” said Superintendent Linda C. Luna. “It is true that it takes a village to raise a child and together with the City of West Sacramento and Sacramento City College, we can truly make this a reality for all students.”

View the Facebook photo album from this morning's event.

Congratulations class of 2030!
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