April 21, 2016 (Sacramento):  Athletic signing days – opportunities for young sports stars to commit to a college – are a high school tradition. On Tuesday, April 26, other seniors will get their time in the spotlight as well.

The Sacramento Pathways to Success partner organizations are hosting a Reach Higher College Signing Day on Tuesday, April 26, at Rosemont High School. At the 10:30 a.m. celebration, graduating Rosemont Wolverines will join with other college-bound teens across the country as they sit down to sign commitment certificates to colleges and universities they will attend in the fall.

Of the approximately 100 Rosemont seniors expected to sign certificates of commitment on Tuesday, 69 have been admitted to Sacramento State, which has a long tradition of producing homegrown regional leaders. Dozens of others will be attending Sacramento City College. Advisors from Sacramento State and Sacramento City College will be on hand to provide information on financial aid and online admission assistance.

The students will be greeted in Rosemont’s library by cheerleaders, school musicians and Sac State’s Herky the Hornet mascot. Students will be encouraged to post selfies using the hashtag #BetterMakeRoom.

Reach Higher is First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to inspire students to complete their education past high school at a four-year university, a community college or a professional training program. Reach Higher events are helping to rally young people to reach President Barack Obama’s “North Star” goal: That America will have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

Sacramento Pathways is a partnership among the Sacramento City Unified School District, Sacramento State and Sacramento City College. The goal of Sacramento Pathways is to give students seamless support from preschool through college.

“We are so proud of our teachers, students and families that are working so hard to bring a college-going culture to every school in every neighborhood,” said Superintendent Banda. “Our district has a long tradition of preparing students for college and beyond. Through the Pathways initiative, our work is only accelerating.”

Sacramento State’s Vice President of Student Affairs Ed Mills said the university is looking forward to officially welcoming its incoming freshmen.  “We are excited that the majority of graduating seniors at Rosemont have made Sac State their college of choice,” Mills said. “It’s a great day to celebrate them joining our Hornet family.”

Sacramento City College Interim President Michael Poindexter applauded the Rosemont students for continuing their education.

“Sacramento City College wishes to congratulate all students who are signing letters of intent to attend the college or university of their choice today,” Poindexter said.  “We know you have worked diligently to achieve your goals and are now looking forward with pride to the next step in your educational journey. We also congratulate parents for your hard work in helping your son or daughter arrive at this point in their lives. Thank you all for helping our city and region develop a very bright future. Again, congratulations!”

• WHAT:  Reach Higher College Signing Day
• WHEN:  10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26
• WHERE:  Rosemont High School library, 9594 Kiefer Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95827
• WHO:  SCUSD Superintendent José L. Banda, CSUS Vice President for Student Affairs Ed Mills, Sacramento City College Interim President Michael Poindexter, Rosemont Principal Elizabeth Vigil, students and staff

CONTACT:

• SCUSD Chief Communications Officer Gabe Ross (916) 643-9145 or gabe-ross@scusd.edu
• Sacramento State Director of News and Communications Elisa Smith (916) 217-8366 or elisa.smith@csus.ed