Sonoma State University has been addressing the needs of low-income, first generation college bound students through Saturday Academy, part of a pre-collegiate program that was implemented in 1984. The goal is to prepare high school students both academically and motivationally for the enrollment process into a four year college or university through challenging academic instruction.
From mid-October through May approximately 180 students meet twice a month in a curriculum that is grade level and project oriented. Students are exposed to different academic arenas, experiencing field trips such as the San Francisco Symphony and are immersed in hands-on projects resulting in self- created documentaries. The interdisciplinary program also teaches robotics in science and technology through the use of Legos and the political arena is addressed in the creation of a mini United Nations model. In order to gain a broad spectrum of knowledge students are required to master one discipline at a time. Graduates receive support and guidance in the college search and application process as part of the pre-college philosophy. Lanette Brown, assistant vice-president of student affairs, recalls students like Natchee "Blu" Barnd and Jesse Mills who are both currently in Ph.D. programs at UCLA. Susan Swayze, a Saturday Academy graduate, received a Ph.D. from UCLA and is currently on staff at the University of Virginia. "This program is making a difference to students," says Brown.
For additional information on pre-college programs at Sonoma State University, contact 707 664-2428.
