Contact: Potes-Fellow, cpotes-fellow@calstate.edu
Paul Browning, pbrowning@calstate.edu
(562) 951-4064

California State University officials to speak during Sunday services on Feb. 17 at 30 African American churches in Northern California

Third annual CSU Super Sunday to reach more than 80,000 in Northern and Southern California churches

(February 12, 2008) – California State University officials will bring the college message to thousands of prospective students and their families during the Third Annual CSU Super Sunday. The event will take place at 30 African American churches in the Bay Area, East Bay, San Jose and Vallejo regions, on Sunday, February 17.

CSU presidents, trustees, the chancellor, and other officials will address the congregations to engage the community by encouraging students to go to college.

“At Super Sunday, thousands of students and their families learn that planning for college starts in the sixth grade. We hope to make communities aware of the steps that students need to complete each year to get to college,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “We are pleased to say that these efforts are paying off. In recent years we have noticed an increase in African American applications and enrollment. In Fall 2007, African American enrollment increased by 6.5 percent at CSU campuses.”

Chancellor Reed will speak in Hayward at Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ at 11 a.m. while other officials and CSU presidents will speak at other churches in the region (see list of churches and speakers below).

Following the services, CSU outreach staff and church education counselors will provide information about college applications and financial aid. Students will also be introduced to CSU Mentor, the website that prospective students use to find information and apply to a CSU.

Other outreach efforts to be conducted by the CSU with the African American churches include financial aid workshops, and expanded distribution of college materials to sixth-12th grade students and their parents. The CSU has also developed a how-to guide for church educational advisers who work directly with families within these communities.

One of the informational pieces that will be distributed during Super Sunday is the “How to Get to College” poster. The poster provides middle and high school students and their parents step-by-step information regarding staying on the path to college, such as the classes they need to take, the importance of good grades, and how to apply for financial aid.

About California State University

The California State University is the largest system of senior higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, approximately 450,000 students and 46,000 faculty and staff. Since the system was created in 1961, it has awarded nearly 2.5 million degrees, about 89,000 annually. Its mission is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of the people of California. With its commitment to excellence, diversity and innovation, the CSU is the university system that is working for California. See www.calstate.edu

California State University, Northern California
Super Sunday III
February 17, 2008
Churches & Speakers