On February 23, hundreds of local high school students were invited to San Bernardino Valley College for the Black Excellence Education Summit. The event served as an introduction to the college lifestyle, and presented the numerous special programs and resources SBVC has to offer.

SBVC faculty recieve an awardNearly 400 students from 10 local high schools were guided into the SBVC Auditorium, where campus faculty and community officials welcomed them with upbeat music and a line of high-fives. Several guest speakers, including SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron and SBVC Career Counselor Keynasia Buffong, addressed the crowd of eager students by stressing the importance of higher education and excellence in the African American community. President Diana Z. Rodriguez was then presented a certificate of recognition from Assembly member Eloise Gomez Reyes.

Following a guided tour of the campus, the students participated in several workshops and seminars that introduced them to the resources, programs, and career opportunities offered on campus. Panels of campus and community members familiarized the attendees about concurrent college enrollment while still in high school, as well as transfer pathways available while studying at SBVC. They were informed about campus workforce development options, and the employment opportunities within these programs.

The summit also addressed one of the biggest factors for students considering college: the ability to afford higher education. Students were steered through the financial aid process and how to apply for various scholarships. The goal of these workshops was to answer any questions regarding the college process and illustrate the financial opportunities when transitioning from high school to college.

Among the summit attendees were Mayor of Rialto Deborah Robertson, SBUSD Police Chief Joseph Paulino, and SBUSD Superintendent Deel Marsden. Several members of the SBCCD Board of Trustees and the San Bernardino City Council also joined the day’s festivities to inspire the group of future college students. San Bernardino, Pacific, Cajon, San Gorgonio, Arroyo, Sierra, Rialto, Eisenhower, Milor, and Indiana Spring High Schools were represented in the exciting event.