Cerritos : College Prep Funds Sought

In a continuing effort to expand college preparation services for low-income and minority students, the ABC Unified School District has applied for $65,000 in state Department of Education funds.

If the application is approved, the district will use the money to train 10 teachers to provide additional training to 9th and 10th grade students already participating in the College Aspiration Partnership Program, said Harvey Hoyo, district coordinator for special programs and services.

The more than 200 students will receive additional help in preparing for college admissions tests, Hoyo said.

The district must compete for the funds with other school districts throughout the state. Only 10 districts will be chosen.

Two years ago, the district started the college preparation program with the University of California, Irvine, and Cerritos College to increase the number of low-income and minority students at those colleges and others, Hoyo said.

“I think we stand a good chance of being selected because of the partnership program,” Hoyo said.

Under the program, the high school students also receive tutoring in math and English from Cerritos College students. Counseling workshops are also provided for parents.

If the state education funds are received, Hoyo said, some of the money will probably be used to provide transportation to the UC Irvine campus for parents, and workshops at the college for the parents.

The expanded program would begin in September in the Cerritos-based ABC district, which covers the cities of Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens and portions of Lakewood.