MEDIA ADVISORY: 38 Students from Denver’s East High head to CSU for College Friday, Apr. 8

Note to Reporters: For information about College Friday and College In Colorado, please contact Bridget Black (303) 681-1582

WHAT: There are 38 East High School juniors, sophomores and a few freshmen who are boarding a bus to visit CSU as part of College Friday, April 8. College Friday is a statewide awareness campaign, hosted by College In Colorado, to encourage students and parents to keep college as an option and to remind people that college is an opportunity for everyone. College Friday is a fun and easy way to open the door to the conversation about pursuing higher education. The day is designed to support Colorado students on their path to college. College Friday is an effort that was launched by College In Colorado in 2006.

WHO: Ken Crowley, founder of the Crowley Foundation in Denver, has raised funds to charter a bus to bring the 38 juniors, sophomores and freshmen for a campus visit as part of College Friday.

The Crowley Foundation’s mission is to provide inner-city youth with financial opportunities that will assist them in furthering their education as well as prepare them for life after college.

Signing up for the college visit are 38 students who can be interviewed.
 
CSU System Chancellor Joe Blake (East High graduate) and CAM will be on hand to greet the students before they board the bus.

WHEN: Fri., Apr. 8, 2011 (College Friday, an awareness campaign hosted by College In Colorado)

8:00 a.m. Depart from the main entrance of East High School, students will wear CSU t-shirts and will be greeted by the chancellor and mascot.
[GOOD PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPS]

9:45 am – 10:00 am Arrive at Colorado State University, Ammons Hall

10:00 am – 10:45 am Welcome/Admissions Information Session

10:45 am – 12:30 pm Campus Tour

12:30 pm – 1:15 pm Tour Concludes for Lunch @ the Ram’s Horn in the Academic Village

1:15 pm – 1:30 pm Walk to Rockwell 103

1:30pm – 2:15pm Student panel with Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholars and East High School graduate [GOOD PHOTO OP]

2:30 pm Depart from the Lory Student Center Transit Center North Bay [GOOD PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPS]

3:30-4 p.m. Return to East High School, bus will pull int front of the main entrance [GOOD PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPS]

Additional media story-Contact Bridget Black for an interview (303) 681-1582
Angelica Pargas, 12th grade at JFK High School:
Angelica was born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of eight. Like many families, Angelica’s came to the United States to find a better life, or more specifically, a life with the promise of better education. Before her father passed away, Angelica promised him that she would pursue great things, but most importantly, she would attend a university.

School in America was difficult for twelve year old Angelica. Spanish was her primary language, causing her to fall behind in her studies. When her mother made the decision to move the family back to Mexico, Angelica begged to stay with extended family so that she could continue to improve her English and education. Angelica had two irreplaceable resources in her earliest years: a Spanish to English dictionary that she carried around at all times, and the assistance of a Pre-school teacher who took an early interest in her studies. Many students made fun of her for being in English as a second language classes, but she knew it was in the best interest of her future. Five years later, with the help and commitment of teachers, like Renae Bruning from the Denver Scholarship Foundation and her own determination, Angelica is part of the – International Baccalaureate program at John F. Kennedy High School in Denver. Next year, she plans to attend Colorado State University or Purdue University, with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Above all, she will pursue the promise she made to her father: attend a university.

More on College Friday and College In Colorado:

College In Colorado has partnered with Qdoba and Cold Stone Creamery to offer incentives to those who participate in College Friday. Qdoba will give away free chips and queso at participating locations to anyone wearing college apparel. Cold Stone Creamery will give away a free “Like-It” size ice cream with one topping from 4pm-7pm at participating locations across to anyone wearing college apparel. Please be sure to check for participating locations on www.CollegeInColorado.org.

To get more businesses involved, College In Colorado has established the College Friday Scholarship Fund. Colorado business leaders and employees can donate $5 each to the scholarship fund, and in exchange for the $5 donation, each employee may have the opportunity to wear college logo items and jeans to work on April 8th.

With the help of the business community, College In Colorado will award at least two Colorado students with a $1,000 scholarship.