College Awareness Month

A college-going culture provides the environment, attitudes, and practices

in schools that create access to postsecondary education. Even more

important is helping students understand they have opportunities and

paths available to them that lead to a successful adult life.

In partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles, LAUSD

identified the following principles of a college-going culture. A college going

culture exists when the following elements are present on all school

campuses, in classrooms and school offices:

1. College Talk – clear communication about what it takes to get

to college

2. Clear Expectations – the explicit goals of preparing students for a full

range of post-secondary options is clearly defined

3. Information and Resources – students have access to information and

resources related to college

4. Curriculum – school makes a commitment to provide the resources

necessary for every student to be prepared to meet grade level

standards, every year in every classroom

5. Faculty Involvement – faculty integrates college information into regular

classroom activities

6. Family Involvement – family members must have the opportunities to

gain knowledge about the college planning process

7. College Partnerships – college-related activities and academic

enrichment programs raise awareness of and aspirations

toward college