Sixth graders from all over Monterey County visit CSUMB

A slew of sixth graders descended upon Cal State Monterey Bay in the last few days to learn more about what the university has to offer them.

It was five days of about 2,000 students coming to get a taste of the university life. Sixth graders from the Alisal Union, Gonzales Unified and Salinas City Elementary school districts visited CSUMB. Since the program began in the spring of 2009, more than 12,000 Monterey County sixth-graders have visited campus.





The students promise to do well in school, work hard, get good grades, graduate from high school, and pursue a college degree.

In return, Interim Coordinator of TRiO Student Support Services Omar Murillo promised that the university will save a spot for them if they complete high school and meet other basic requirements. As part of the promise, the university will work with the students and their parents to help arrange financial aid.



Each student received a poster that explains what they need to do to prepare for college on a year-by-year basis starting in the sixth grade; a certificate for them to sign acknowledging their promise to prepare for and attend college; information on the outreach and support programs available at CSUMB; and a letter to their parents explaining the event and asking them to frame and display the certificate.

And they got to take pictures with Monte Rey, the university's mascot. What joy!