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College Connect was formed to make access to a four year university a reality for at-risk students in RUSD.
“We are so honored to have been awarded the Golden Bell that represents the innovation and dedication by our staff to remove the barriers for students and families from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain access to colleges and universities, including the nation’s most prestigious schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. “Our Board of Education wholeheartedly and unanimously supports the work and direction of College Connect and we are thrilled that it has changed the lives for so many of our students.”
The College Connect team was honored last week at the California School Boards Association Conference in San Diego and was surprised with an additional honor of $1,000 for the program's focus on equity and access.
“Each student that has participated in College Connect was accepted into several colleges of their choice. In the three years of existence, more than 120 students have been accepted to and are now attending one of their first choice schools," said Ricardo Ramirez, RUSD College Liaison. “First generation, minority students who did not have knowledge of how to apply to college now have a resource to turn to to make their dreams come true. Students who are homeless, live in garages and motels have a program that is ready to help them and reassure them they are capable and have a right to attend college should they choose to do so,” said Miriam Kim, RUSD Director of Community Outreach & Community Relations.
Both Kim and Ramirez believe the power of the program is a dedicated team with the desire to help students navigate the college process. Time is spent helping guide students with individual and group sessions that cover financial aid applications, researching colleges, learning how to write a college essay, and extensive help with the application requirements and deadlines.
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