Preparing the Next Generation of Tritons

Navigating the path to higher education can be overwhelming, but the University of California San Diego is making it easier for its employees and their families.

To support UC San Diego and UC San Diego Health employees and their families, the university’s Enrollment Management team hosted its second annual College Planning for UC San Diego Families event.

Over 300 people attended the free daylong event. Panels, resources, workshops and speakers provided guidance on college admissions, financial aid and higher education pathways.

The event featured a keynote session with Rick Clark, Georgia Institute of Technology Executive Director of Strategic Student Access and co-author of "The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together.”

Attendees could choose from 17 workshops led by UC San Diego staff, California State University San Marcos, San Diego Community College District and First Gen Scholars. Topics included higher education options, preparing students for higher education, affording higher education and transferring between schools. A resource fair also provided information about summer programs and additional support for families.

Raquel Aparicio, UC San Diego Enrollment Management Director of Student Outreach and Engagement, emphasized the value of college planning events for university employees. "These events unite our community to share knowledge, uplift one another, and expand access to higher education."

UC San Diego Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute Graduate Program Manager Julia Nemeth and her family appreciated the event’s structure and accessibility. While much of the information isn’t a secret, she noted that “having access to the speakers and panels—being able to ask and hear many questions, especially from student panelists—is such a unique benefit of being employed at UC San Diego.”

Through the collaboration of campus partners, events like these strengthen UC San Diego’s commitment to inclusive excellence, ensuring that all employees have the resources necessary to navigate the higher education landscape.