Valley High Schoolers Gain Insight Into UC

More than 90 students from high schools in Tulare and Fresno counties visited UC Merced last week to gain practical information and resources to help them prepare for and apply to the University of California.

The event was the second of two held this month as part of Achieve UC, a systemwide effort to show students a UC education is affordable and attainable. As part of the effort, UC Merced brought nearly 200 seniors from Atwater, Dinuba, Farmersville, Fresno, Livingston, Madera and Parlier to participate in a series of workshops highlighting the UC.

Altogether, UC representatives will take part in 100 events this fall to reach out to schools and communities that have significant numbers of UC-eligible students but send relatively few students to the university.

“It’s exciting for me to know that by you being here, you are planning for your futures,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Charles Nies told the students. “All of our campuses want students like you, who have worked hard. Now, it’s your turn take it to the next step.”

The students worked with admissions advisers to review their transcripts. Financial aid staff members offered resources to help pay for college, and staff members from UC Merced’s Center for Educational Partnerships explained the application process and guided them through answering the personal insight questions. Students were given the opportunity to complete their UC applications on the spot.

Nies told students not be shocked by the $13,000-a-year price tag of a UC education, noting that more than half of UC students don’t pay tuition and that number is far greater at UC Merced, thanks to the UC’s Blue and Gold plan.

By spreading the message of affordability and access, officials hope to encourage more California students to reach for a UC education.