CSU partners with more than 100 churches to help increase the number of college-going African American students
Cal State L.A. President William A. Covino will join dozens of California State University (CSU) presidents, trustees and university officials across the state during the annual CSU Super Sunday. Together, they will address more than 100 African American churches with the goal of increasing college access and achievement for underserved communities.
Throughout February, CSU officials will speak to nearly 100,000 youth and their families at churches about the value of a college degree. President Covino will speak on Feb. 23 during services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, located at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016.
“Young people need to know, especially today, that college is not just an option, but a rite of passage to opportunity—a privilege they need to take seriously,” said Covino. “Our message is one of encouragement. We tell boys and girls that they need to start aspiring to and preparing for college as early as the sixth grade. They need to sharpen their math, reading and writing skills early, as the foundations for success in middle school, high school, college, and careers.”
Launched in 2005, CSU Super Sunday is an annual event where leaders throughout the 23 CSU campuses work together to provide underrepresented students the tools needed to successfully enter college. To date, nearly 500,000 churchgoers have received information about financial aid, the CSU campuses, and how to achieve academic success in college.
“We want to build strong partnerships with teachers and parents and church leaders, to form a network of support and high expectations that motivates the youth of California to dream big and to work hard to achieve those dreams," said Covino.
After the service, parents and students can engage with CSU representatives, obtain the award-winning How to Get to College poster, and learn how to navigate CSUMentor.edu—a website that helps students explore campuses and majors, as well as apply to the CSU.
Super Sunday is coordinated by the CSU African American Initiative (AAI), a partnership between CSU campuses and leaders in the African American community dedicated to increasing the number of students who attend and graduate from college. In addition to the AAI, the CSU has formed many other partnerships aimed at increasing educational opportunity for students of color and from underrepresented populations. These include initiatives for the Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino and Native American communities.
For more information about the AAI and other community initiatives and programs, visit CSU External Relations.
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2/20/14