Eighth Graders on Campus Prepare for College

Over 500 eighth graders will visit Humboldt State Feb. 2, 6 and 9 as part of a new program designed to introduce middle school students to HSU and other California colleges.

“I’ve Already Been Admitted to College” will bring students from nine area schools to HSU for a day, where they will participate in informational workshops on academic programs, eligibility requirements and financial aid, take campus tours and eat lunch with students at the "J” Cafeteria. The afternoon will conclude with a closing ceremony in Lumberjack Arena led by HSU President Rollin Richmond.

“Our goal is to bring eighth graders to campus at least once a year to visit, explore and become knowledgeable about the academic requirements for getting into a four-year college,” says Adrienne Colegrove-Raymond, Director of HSU’s Student Academic Services Outreach Program.

Humboldt State, the Humboldt County Office of Education, the Humboldt-Del Norte P-16 Council and the Decade of Difference: 2020 Initiative partnered to create the program, which is designed to introduce young people to the value of higher education. Decade of Difference is focused on creating programs that prepare local youth to be successful, contributing members of the local community.

HSU staff and student volunteers will lead the workshops, which will cover topics such as high school course preparation and the difference between the California State University, University of California, private and community college systems. Afterwards, students will tour the residence halls, bookstore and various campus departments.

At the concluding ceremony, President Rollin Richmond will present each student with a certificate of completion and an “HSU Compact,” outlining the eligibility requirements for applying to Humboldt State. Students that meet those eligibility requirements will have a guaranteed spot at HSU.

The participating schools are: Pacific Union, Cuddeback, Ferndale, Fortuna Middle, South Bay, Trinidad, McKinleyville, South Bay and Jacoby Creek.