Northern California
California is home to one of every seven Americans, and to a disproportionately large number of ethnic minorities and low-income families. More than 50 percent of California’s low-income students are African American or Latino, and an overwhelming majority are from non-college-educated families – families with no personal experience to draw from in guiding their children along the pathway to college. College Summit first took root in California in 2002 – with the support of the James Irvine Foundation – when 46 students and a handful of teachers drawn from high schools Oakland and the Central Valley took part in a workshop hosted by Stanford University.
In the ensuing years, College Summit has worked with over 5,000 students and over 35 high schools throughout California – partnering with school districts including Oakland Unified School District and San Jose Unified School District, and charter management organizations including Aspire Public Schools and Leadership Public Schools – in order to ensure that more of our low-income talent actualize their college readiness and enroll in college. We have also worked with several colleges & universities, including the University of California – Berkeley, the University of the Pacific, California State University – Chico, Stanford University, and Mills College.
We are currently working with 1,200 students and 15 high schools in the Greater Bay Area, while maintaining college enrollment rates for our student Peer Leaders of over 79%. We remain dedicated to educational access and post-secondary opportunity for all students in California.
What's New
Volunteerism And Corporate Partners
College Summit Northern California is thankful for the corporate partnerships we have, which generate both cash contributions as well as in-kind support hosting events, facilitating informational sessions and volunteering at workshops.
> Read moreRegional Overview-Letter From The Executive Director
As we begin another school year, we wish all of our high school partners a strong, productive and impactful year - even as we acknowledge how they continue to perform for their students under severely constrained funding environments. We at College Summit have the privilege to witness the work of very dedicated educators, counselors and administrators everyday, and we Californians need to continually advocate for increased school funding to support and expand the hard work of so many California educators who are investing so much of themselves in our students, and in our future.
Heart, Mind, and Spirit Awards: Celebrating Peer Leaders, Educators and Community
Under the sponsorship of Darden Restaurants, the Northern California region held its first ever regional awards ceremony on May 26, 2010. Nearly 200 Peer Leaders, parents, educators, and College Summit supporters gathered at Scott's Seafood Restaurant in Oakland's Jack London Square. We celebrated whole school achievements, announced the 2010 Wall of Honor winners, and honored Educators of the Year, all while breaking bread together as a regional community. The evening of celebration culminated with our Peer Leader awards, acknowledging their work towards creating college-going culture in their schools.
Don Cheadle College Summit Founding Spokesman
Learn more about College Summit by watching this informational video.
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