UC San Diego Shows High School Students That They Can ‘Achieve UC’

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As a first-generation college graduate, the University of California, San Diego’s vice chancellor for Student Affairs, Juan González, is committed to expanding college access, opportunity and success for students of all backgrounds. On Nov. 7, González will show this commitment along with senior leaders from all 10 UC campuses in an effort to encourage some 30,000 high school students across the state to apply and enroll in college. Part of a system-wide initiative, “Achieve UC,” is an outreach event will take place at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista.

The Achieve UC program is designed to connect diverse, low-income high school students with UC campus leaders with the goal of inspiring them to see themselves as college students, and provide them with practical support that helps them realize their educational ambitions.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan González, Admissions Director Mae Brown and Chancellor Khosla at an outreach event held in Oct

“It is vital that we communicate to all young students, from all backgrounds, that a UC San Diego education is attainable and affordable,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “We are committed to broadening the path to higher education, and Achieve UC is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness in our community and inspire our next generation to reach for their dreams.”

The Achieve UC program, which has been in place for three years, has already resulted in a 30 percent increase in the number of students applying to the University of California from participating high schools.

“I am thrilled to represent UC San Diego on this very important day for education,” said González. “It is important that our future leaders know about all the possibilities of financial support. The stress of affording college should not prevent students from attending a university. Leaders at UC San Diego and across UC are dedicated to showing students that higher education is within their reach, and we are here to help.”

Castle Park students will hear from González, as well as a UC San Diego student speaker. Students will also receive information about admissions, personal statements and financial aid through a series of workshops. In addition, UC counselors and advisors will be available to discuss university eligibility requirements.

One of the goals of Achieve UC is to educate students about the UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which covers the full cost of tuition for students whose families earn $80,000 a year or less. Additionally, students will learn about the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship program, established by Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla in 2013, which grants $10,000 per year for four years at UC San Diego to eligible students. The scholarship has expanded from serving students from Gompers Preparatory Academy, Lincoln High School and The Preuss School UCSD to eligible community college transfer students from San Diego City College, Southwestern College and Imperial Valley College. In combination with the UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, the scholarship essentially provides a full-ride.

Castle Park students will also learn about UC San Diego’s UniversityLink program, which provides guaranteed admission for eligible local students from the region’s community colleges. To be eligible for UniversityLink, students must come from a low-income background (having a family income of $40,000 or less). Students may enroll in UniversityLink as high school seniors planning to attend one of the partner community colleges, or as a first-year community college student attending one of the participating community colleges. Partner schools include Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College, Imperial Valley College, Mira Costa College, Palomar College, San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College and Southwestern College.

In addition, UniversityLink is open to all student veterans, active duty service members and former foster youth regardless of their college year status.

For more information on Achieve UC, click here.