Making a Difference : Azusa: Turning College Dreams Into Practical Goals

In Azusa, a predominantly Latino community east of Pasadena, many children come from families with little formal education; for them, college may seem a far-fetched dream. Two years ago, the city’s only college, Azusa Pacific University, launched a program called College Headed and Mighty Proud (CHAMP) to introduce fourth-graders to the possibility of attending college. The private liberal arts university works with the Azusa Unified School District to incorporate into the curriculum a seven-week lesson that eschews inspirational speeches for a hands-on simulation of going to college. The goal is to expose children to a substantial college-oriented experience that involves families as well. One elementary school participated when the program began in February, 1992. This year 240 fourth graders at four elementary schools will participate.

Azusa at a Glance

Azusa’s population: 41,333

Median household income: $31,889

Number of persons 25 years and older with less than a 12th grade education: 1 in 3

Azusa’s high school graduates, 1985-1992: 1,645

Number who met requirements for UC or Cal State admission or whose academic records indicated they would succeed in community college: 1 in 3

Number of graduates who attended college: 1 in 20

Source: Azusa Unified School District, Azusa Pacific University, U.S. Census

WEEKS 1-3: ADMISSION AND PREPARATION

In two visits to fourth-grade classes, university students talk about college academic and social life. They distribute mock university applications, housing surveys and financial aid forms.

Teachers help students complete and submit forms and build class projects about going to college and mapping a course of study. In one assignment students choose classes they will attend when they visit the campus.

University admissions and financial aid officers visit classrooms to deliver acceptance letters and financial aid awards and help plan the university visit.

WEEK 4: CAMPUS VISIT

Fourth-graders are matched with college-student buddies who escort them for the day and stay in touch after their visit. Here’s what some Lee Elementary School students did:

1) Register

2) Take a Tour

3) Attend Class

4) Eat Lunch

5) Work Out

WEEKS 5-7: COMMENCEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP

Fourth-graders return to campus with their families for a formal “graduation” with speakers, diplomas, a slide show chronicling their college visit and a free lifetime pass to university athletic events for each family.

Teachers help fourth-graders write thank-you notes to their buddies and create other art and writing projects based on their experience.

Participants receive letters from buddies and birthday cards each year. Families receive an annual newsletter from the university.

Annual cost: $10,475

Sponsors: Rotary Club of Azusa, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa Unified School District

Where it goes:

Staff: 45%

T-shirt, ID cards, lunch, photos: 41%

Printing and Publications: 10%

Graduation and reception: 4%

WHY CHOOSE FOURTH GRADERS?

“Fourth-graders usually haven’t made a lot of decisions about who they are or are going to be. Later, peers become much more important and if there’s a group who don’t believe in college, that can create a distraction for those who want to set their sights on college. Fourth grade is a pivotal time developmentally because the children are highly impressionable.”-- Bev Gonzales, Fourth-grade teacher at Azusa’s Valleydale elementary school; organized the CHAMP program while working at Azusa Pacific’s community services programs office.

TO GET INVOLVED

Call (818) 815-6000, extension 3778.

Researched by CATHERINE GOTTLIEB / Los Angeles Times