FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ricardo Vázquez (510) 287-3301
ricardo.vazquez@ucop.edu
To better serve Spanish-speaking families throughout the state, the University of California Office of the President has published a new version of “Great futures start here” or “Un futuro brillante comienza aquí,” a bilingual guide that outlines UC's admission requirements, financial aid and student housing options, and other essential information.
This publication is one of UC's many initiatives aimed at informing and strengthening relationships with California's Spanish-speaking and other ethnic communities.
The 36-page booklet updates and expands the information contained in the inaugural printing, which occurred in Sept. 2003. For example, the new publication contains current fee levels and new financial aid information. It also gives prospective students a brief summary of changes to the minimum eligibility requirements that will take effect in upcoming years.
The university hopes the bilingual format will allow Spanish-speaking parents and their English-speaking children to share information and better understand what it takes to get into a UC campus.
Recent studies have shown many Latino parents lack essential information about what their children need to gain admission into college. And the knowledge deficit is even greater among lower-income and first-generation immigrants who also face language barriers.
By 2008, Latinos are expected to make up the largest group of California's high school graduates.
“Great futures start here,” or “Un futuro brillante comienza aquí” responds to this demographic change and addresses the college-knowledge deficit in the Spanish-speaking community by providing information to help parents and students understand how they can meet UC's rigorous eligibility requirements.
The free booklet can be obtained from UC campus outreach offices or by calling 1-866-204-4589.
An online version as a PDF file is also available at the University of California Web site:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/collegeprep/greatfutures.pdf
An overview of UC's ethnic media initiatives can be found at:
Brenda Ortiz
Senior Public Information Representative
Office: (209) 228-4203
Mobile: (209) 628-8263
