| Stanislaus County, CA | November 4, 2003 Election |
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Access to Higher EducationBy Odessa P. JohnsonCandidate for Board Member; Modesto City Schools; 4 Year Term |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
One of my goals in the next four years is to help Modesto City Schools improve the college going rate.Every child does not need to attend college to become a successful person. As I indicated in my first paper, job opportunity exists for those who are skilled in the vocational areas. And, only approximately 20% of jobs actually require a bachelor's degree. While many of our students enroll in MJC after graduation, only about 3% of graduates access four year institutions. In addition to needing employees in manufacturing and other skill type positions, Modesto needs students to enter the professions and return to us as teachers, doctors, engineers, and other professionals. Our college counselors are doing a great job of increasing the number of students who are getting on the four year college track by taking the PSAT and SAT. More students are taking college prep and advanced placement classes; however, many more who are capable believe a four year degree is beyond reach due to their family's finances.` We must do a better job of informing parents about financial aid programs and the deadline dates, generally Jan. 1 to March l of the student's senior year. There are local scholarships, specific college scholarships, and grants from the Student Aid Commission. With UC Merced opening in a year, here is another opportunity for higher education along with California State Univ., Stanislaus. |
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ca/stn Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 16, 2003 06:53
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