College Month is an annual initiative of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, a joint effort with the Community Colleges in Santa Clara County, Four-Year Colleges in the Bay Area, and our dedicated community-based organizations.
Attending college is a big decision and can depend on various factors, including personal goals, career aspirations, and financial considerations.
It is essential for our youth to choose a career pathway, and one of the successful pathways is College Education for a variety of reasons. Some of them are:
- Career Opportunities: Many professions require a college degree for entry-level positions or advancement. A degree can open doors to careers that might otherwise be inaccessible.
- Personal Growth: College can be a time of significant personal development. One significant area of personal growth that takes place is "Adulting" Adulting refers to the various responsibilities and skills required to navigate adult life. For many, it encompasses tasks and challenges that come with independence and self-sufficiency.
- Specialized Knowledge: For many fields, college provides the specialized knowledge and training needed to excel. This can include technical skills, theoretical understanding, and practical experience.
- Credentialing: Some professions require specific credentials that are only obtained through college education. A degree can be a necessary qualification for licensure or certification.
Research shows that higher education has driven economic mobility and well-being in California. As adults, we can support, motivate, and guide our underrepresented youth, first-generation college aspirants, and all high school students to get college education by:
Provide Information and Resources
- College Application Process
- Financial Aid
- Admissions Criteria
Offer Academic Support
- Tutoring and Study Groups
- College Prep Courses
Mentor and Advise
- Connect with Mentors
- Advising:
Build a Support Network
- Community and Peer Groups
- Family Involvement
Address Emotional and Social Challenges
- Counseling Services
- Social Integration
Provide Practical Support
- Orientation Programs
- Basic Needs
Share Success Stories
Encourage Self-Advocacy
Data from California Department of Education (Data Quest) for the School Year 2021-22 shows that 18,591 students from the County of Santa Clara (Public Schools) enrolled in college.