I’m going to college

Monday, November 4, 1996

Youngsters get a taste of college thanks to the generosity of
UCLA outreach projectBy Linda Yoon

Daily Bruin Contributor

The blue and gold of Bruin cheers at the Rose Bowl not only
lifted the spirits of UCLA football fans Saturday but also opened
the minds of elementary, middle and high school students who
participated in the I’m Going To College Program.

As part of an outreach project, the UCLA Athletics Department
proposed to distribute 120,000 free tickets to California schools
in an effort to motivate students to consider higher education.

"I know a lot of people in high school that have no idea on what
they want to do, so it’s great that they’re starting early (to
inform students about higher education)," said Wayne Ho, a
first-year molecular biology student who is also a volunteer for
the program.

Currently in its first year, the goal of the program is to
disburse the tickets at three games played at the Rose Bowl,
including the Arizona State game played on Oct. 12 and the Stanford
game played last Saturday. The third game will be on Nov. 9,
between UCLA and Washington State.

"I think it’s a first step in terms of getting out into the
atmosphere, seeing the kinds of things college students do. Our
intentions are to … start students off to thinking about
college," said Michael Coulter, an undergraduate admissions officer
and one of the four coordinators of the program.

Two hours before the kick-off, students were able to enjoy the
variety of booths set up in Lot H and a carnival staged by the UCLA
Alumni Association which included free rides and balloons, as well
as a live rock concert sponsored by KROQ.

UCLA student and alumni volunteers also set up I’m Going To
College booths to provide information on subjects such as
admissions and financial aid to program participants.

"We want to provide a wholesome, entertaining day of fun," said
Scott Mitchell, the Director of Marketing for UCLA Athletics. "We
talk to parents and youngsters about the benefits and the
empowerment of education and tie it into a fun day with other
activities."

Coulter explained that an open environment is important to the
comfort and ease of youths.

"When you start having conversations versus being lectured to,
it’s far more interactive and a little more meaningful," Coulter
said.

"This is just another means of giving them attention in an
environment that has the meaning of school, but it’s open and it’s
free," he said.

Hayden Wong, a junior at Venice High School, felt anxious about
attending college but was inspired by the open and friendly
environment of the I’m Going To College program.

"College is a big step in your life and it’s different from high
school," Wong said. "But (the atmosphere is) upbeat and I’m really
excited about going to college."

Although some students have been to different college outreach
programs, this particular project is the first of its kind,
Mitchell said.

He emphasizes that the program was created to be a unique
outreach project that hasn’t been attempted by other universities
because it doesn’t benefit the university financially. Without
funding from outside sources, UCLA had to dig into its own pockets
to fund this program.

"I think one of the reasons you haven’t seen anybody else try
this is that it … doesn’t make financial sense," Mitchell said.
"The UCLA Chancellor is willing to do some really creative, neat
things for the community at large … it’s a responsibility UCLA is
willing to accept."

Participating schools initially involved only those within the
Los Angeles Unified School District, but the program quickly spread
to include schools from all over California.

Although elementary, middle and high schools are involved, the
primary targets of the project range from fourth to 12th grade.
Mitchell explains that middle-school students are the most eager
about college.

"We’re not going to get everybody but I think we can do really
good things," Mitchell said. "This will make a difference."

As part of an outreach project, the UCLA athletic department
distributed free tickets to local schools in an effort to motivate
students to consider higher education.