California State University, Fresno and the Fresno Unified School District have announced a partnership to provide guidance services and counselor training to promote a college-going culture in district schools.

The agreement was announced today (Sept. 29)  at another outreach event, the California State University and AT&T Road to College Tour held at Bullard High School.

“The Fresno State and Fresno Unified partnership aims to increase the number of college-ready students graduating from Fresno high schools,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Michael Hanson.  “Both Fresno State and Fresno Unified have the qualified staff, materials and equipment to provide the services outlined by this partnership.”

Among the initiatives is a College Making It Happen (CMIH) program at each of the 18 middle schools in the district.  CMIH is a program designed to communicate to families and school educators the importance of early academic and financial planning in order for middle school children to have choices after high school graduation. Fresno State will provide speakers, CMIH booklets and other materials to students and parents.

Fresno State also will provide College Ambassadors – university student mentors  –  to each of the district’s high schools to help students maneuver through the college application process.

Fresno Unified will provide “How to Get to College” Guides that will be distributed by guidance counselors to middle and high school students.

The school district and the university will jointly fund a University College Counselor Liaison to work in the schools to promote college-going activities, train staff, etc.

“This partnership will result in a greater opportunity for our local high school students to attend college,” said Fresno State President John D. Welty. “Careful financial planning and academic preparation are the first steps to getting into college.”