El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Nick Salerno, left, Rio Hondo College President Ted Martinez and UC Irvine Vice Chancellor Manuel Gomez celebrate the signing of an agreement establishment of a pipeline from high school to college for El Monte and Rosemead students.
Story Created:
Aug 26, 2010 at 10:43 AM PST
Story Updated:
Aug 26, 2010 at 10:44 AM PST
WHITTIER — El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Nick Salerno, Rio Hondo College President Ted Martinez Jr. and UC Irvine Vice Chancellor Manuel Gomez signed what is known as the “El Monte Union Pledge Compact” on Aug. 16 uniting the three institutions in what is being called the establishment of a pipeline from high school to college for El Monte and Rosemead students.
“I am proud to stand here today … in appreciation of their partnership to benefit the students of our district,” Salerno said. “This pledge compact will help make the dream of a college education a reality for many of our students.”
According to Salerno, the partnership began five years ago when Rio Hondo College received a grant to work with Mountain View High School students along with students in the Mountain View School District. The federally funded program was designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.
Due to the commitment from Rio Hondo College and UC Irvine, along with a collaboration between counselors, school staff and parents, the program is now offered to all students in the El Monte Unin High School District.
“This means, over time, higher college A-G requirements completion rates, higher degree completion rates and eventually a positive change for the community as more students attend and complete college,” Salerno said.
The pledge compact guarantees El Monte students, beginning with the graduating class of 2011, a one-time priority registration at Rio Hondo College or UC Irvine. Those opting to attend Rio Hondo College are guaranteed a transfer to UC Irvine at a later date. Students must take advantage of this one-time only registration guarantee the first semester following graduation from high school.
Students must also meet college eligibility requirements.
“This means they are essentially guaranteed the courses of their choice for their first semester. This is a huge asset, especially in today’s time with so many cutbacks,” Salerno said. "Furthermore, students will have two available paths for garnering automatic admission into UCI rvine.”
“College can be more of a struggle for students in lower income communities,” Gomez said. “By signing this pledge, UCI commits itself to making the dream of a higher education a reality for El Monte Union High School District students.”
“This pledge is a great example of a benefit to a large number of students in our community,” Martinez. “It is an exciting opportunity for all El Monte Union High School District students.”
Salerno concluded: “It is our hope that this new program will provide additional incentives for more students to pursue post-secondary education. This is a landmark day for our students, their families and our community.”
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