EAST BAY INITIATIVE

The East Bay Initiative Program was designed in order to outreach to high schools throughout the east bay area. This program exists not only to recruit students to attend Sonoma State, but to promote higher education in areas where areas where the population is more diverse. We go out into the schools to educate the students on how to make themselves eligible to be admitted into the California State University system. Our purpose is to make college attainable through providing them with tools such as: scholarship, financial aid, and grant information. We provide mentorship between the high school students and current SSU students who are originally from the east bay. Our main focus is to provide the students with the resources they need to attend a four year university so they can one day use their education to give back to younger generations.

Contact phone numbers: SSU Main Number (707) 664-2880; Group Tours (707) 664-3020; Student Outreach phone number (707) 664-3029.

About Christina :: East Bay Initiative Coordinator

Hello, my name is Christina Conklin and I am the East Bay Initiative Program Coordinator. I grew up in Sonoma County and attended Rancho Cotate High School (which shares a fence with SSU) I graduated from RCHS in 2002 and moved on to Humboldt State University from 2002-2006 where I earned a BA in Sociology. It was my experience there that has led me to pursue a career in higher education. Currently I'm the coordinator for the East Bay Initiative Program so I'm often in at High Schools in the East Bay giving presentations on the CSU System and Sonoma State University. I also travel to other high schools and community college for outreach recruitment. I review applications for admission for first time freshman and transfer students while providing pre and post admission advising. Contact me at (707)664-3399 or via email conklinc@sonoma.edu You can also find our program on Facebook so any question you have about the university or admissions we will be able to answer for you so feel free to message any questions you have!

About Brigette :: Student Assistant, East Bay Initiative program

Hello my name is Brigette Crum and I am a third year student here at Sonoma State University. I am originally from East Palo Alto and I am a Criminal Justice Major. I am apart of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) that helps historically low income first generation students get into college and stay until they graduate. Here at Sonoma State University one of my main goals is to assist in creating a more diverse campus. My efforts to do so include being a part of the Black Scholars United (BSU) organization and a member of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Incorporated. My goal in helping to make this campus more diverse is primarily carried out through my position as the Student Assistant of the East Bay Initiative program. I do so by outreaching to those students in the East Bay area and encouraging them to pursue higher education. I genuinely enjoy my work because it feels good to pass on to others the encouragement and support that people give me to strive for better.

Mihakael :: Student Assistant, East Bay Initiative program

Hi my name is Mihakael Tsegaye and I am the East Bay Initiative Outreach Assistant at Sonoma State University. I have been at Sonoma Since fall of 2006 and am currently on my junior year. My major is American Multi-Cultural Studies. If you are a student who needs help with the application process or a high school teacher/counselor that would like a representative to give a presentation at your school, please contact me or Briggette Crum via email eastbay@sonoma.edu or by calling (707) 664-3034 .