27
February
2009
|
09:47 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Super Sunday Program Reaches Out to Local Congregations

Super Sunday Program Reaches Out to Local CongregationsIn conjunction with California State University's Super Sunday initiative, President Haynes addressed two Oceanside African American church congregations on Sunday, February 22 - Second Missionary Baptist Church and St. John Missionary Baptist Church - about the importance of helping students prepare for and succeed in college. She also shared her personal story as a first-generation college graduate. Following the services, CSUSM outreach staff and members of the campus African American Faculty and Staff Association provided information about college applications and financial aid.Recalling her parents' belief in the dream of higher education, she said, "I will never forget their great joy when I became the first member of my family to put on a cap and gown and receive a college diploma! I want other families to experience that joy, and I want your young people here in Oceanside to benefit from a university degree just as I have."According to CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed, "We hope to make communities aware of the steps that students need to complete each year to get to college. We are pleased to say that these efforts are paying off. Since Super Sunday began, the CSU has seen steady increases in African American undergraduate enrollment." At Cal State San Marcos, the retention rate among African American students has risen to 74 percent - higher than the university's overall student retention rate.About Super SundaySuper Sunday is one of many programs and events encompassed by the CSU African American Initiative. This unique initiative was formed in 2005 through a partnership with local leaders of church, civic and business organizations and the California State University working together to promote a college-going culture among African American students. Every year, in February, leaders from the CSU and local communities gather at churches to send the message from the pulpit about the lifetime value of higher education and the need to begin preparing for college while in middle school and high school.