April 29, 2015 (Sacramento):  Local high schools have long participated in the tradition of athletic signing days to celebrate sports stars as they commit to a college. On Friday, May 1 – National College Decision Day – other seniors will get their day of celebration, too.

The Sacramento Pathways to Success program – a partnership among Sacramento City Unified School District, Sacramento State and Sacramento City College – is hosting a Reach Higher College Signing Day event at Luther Burbank High School. At the 10 a.m. Friday celebration, graduating seniors will join with other college-bound teens across the county as they sit down to sign commitment certificates to colleges and universities they will attend in the fall.

The students will be greeted in Burbank’s library by the school’s drum line and Sac State’s Herky the Hornet mascot. Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Max Alvarez, a Sac State grad, will address the students about the importance of higher education.

Reach Higher is First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to inspire students to complete their education past high school at either 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.

Approximately 200 Burbank seniors are expected to sign certificates of commitment on Reach Higher College Signing Day. College advisors will be on hand to provide information on financial aid and online admission assistance.

“We have to dispel that old, time-worn idea that a high school diploma is enough to land a good-paying job in today’s economy,” said SCUSD Superintendent José L. Banda.  “Postsecondary education is a must.”

Sacramento City College President Kathryn E. Jeffery said the school’s staff will not only offer advice but “stand ready to admit first-time college students on Friday as well.”

“Congratulations to all the high school graduates throughout Sacramento, especially those who have decided which college to attend in fall 2015 and are ready to sign a letter of intent this Friday,” President Jeffery said. “And I would add, if there are students undecided about where to attend college, then I invite them to consider Sacramento City College or another community college as an accessible educational pathway to a successful future.”

Added Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez: “It is a well-known fact that education is the key to a better future and has become the necessary admission ticket to a good job and a middle-class lifestyle. In today’s booming high-tech economy, higher education has replaced a high school diploma as the gateway to a better life. The students taking part in this first Academic Signing Day are to be commended for taking this first step toward that goal.”

WHAT:  Reach Higher College Signing Day
WHEN:  10 a.m. Friday, May 1
WHERE:  Luther Burbank High School library, 3500 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95823
WHO:  Sacramento Republic FC star Max Alvarez; Burbank students will be available for media interviews