Paramount

More than 120 minority elementary and junior high school students in the Paramount Unified School District are to begin attending classes this month as part of a Cal State Dominguez Hills pilot project.

The students will attend special courses designed to acquaint them with college and career opportunities.

“The purpose of the program is to increase the number of minorities on all state university campuses, including Filipinos, Hispanics, Samoans, blacks and women,” said Ruth Bana, assistant director of student affirmative action at Dominguez Hills.

The program, called Project Outreach, attempts to involve students in grades three through eight in preparing for college early, Bana said.

Students will be encouraged to enroll in college preparatory classes when they reach high school.

Student selection was based on the combined recommendations of parents, teachers and school officials.

Volunteers from the university faculty will conduct workshops and seminars at various district sites. The students also will attend Saturday classes at the university. Parent participation is required.

Bana said the university is committed to the program for three years.