More than 200 seventh graders and parents visit Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa

"It gives you a whole bunch of new ideas about what you want to be," he said. "Since I've been here, I've been thinking about going to college here or to the University of Redlands."

Wilk's mom, Belinda, praised the event for getting both parents and their children working together towards the students' success. She believes difficult times in recent years have distracted families from important issues such as education.

"Events like this bring the focus back to the students by putting the parents with their kids at college," she said. "It gets parents actively involved. That's the way it should be."

"I believe this will inspire my son to further his dreams and never stop," Wilks said. "I'm looking forward to both my sons going to college."

Chairing the local Cal-Pass committee that applied for the grant were CHC Counselor Debbie Bogh and Yucaipa High School Counselor Pat Gorman.

"This was an intensive and fun event that taught seventh graders and their parents about college preparation, career training, college life, trade school information, and commitment to successfully completing high school," Bogh said.

"Our professional representatives were well prepared," she said. "Not only did I hear from the parents and students that there was good interaction and communication, but I heard that from the presenters as well."

"These kids were well prepared," added Gorman. "They are at an age when they are starting to inquire about their futures, and their parents were with them. Also, it was a gorgeous day."

Rialto High School Counselor Wendy Ditchfield, who wrote the Cal-Pass grant that funded the event, praised the many CHC staff who participated in the event as well as other professionals in the region.

"This was designed to have parents and children talk to each other and help motivate students to get beyond obstacles they will encounter later in life," Ditchfield said. "

As the visiting seventh graders traveled through each part of the event, they earned tangible "treasurers" such as backpacks, compasses, and other useful and fun items.

According to Ditchfield, the hope is that by tying the concept of a treasure hunt to a strong education, the students would be inspired to continue their educational plans with the chance of earning more "treasures" later in life.

During the opening of the event teachers used a "power teaching" technique, which leans heavily towards class participation and interaction among the students and parents. The opening created an energized atmosphere that lasted throughout the remainder of the day.

"This has been fantastic," said Park View Middle School teacher Terri Corbin. "This is getting the students excited for what is ahead and is getting them ready to plan for it. It also showed them how they can pay for college, getting rid of the myth that college is too expensive."

Various seventh graders expressed being inspired by what they learned during the day.
Clement seventh grader Cecilia Argulo said visiting the college encouraged her to consider going to college in the future.

Argulo's mom, Jennnie, noted the many careers were represented at the event and recommended that other parents visit the college with their children. "I learned about financial aid and how to get that process started," Jennie said. "Even I'm thinking about going back to school."

According to Clement seventh grader Zulema Solis, the event opened her eyes to the variety of career opportunities available.

"My goal is to better myself," Solis said.

Below is a listing of participants from Crafton Hills College who helped make the Cal-Pass event a success.

Crafton Presenters at Cal-Pass Event:
Sherri Wilson--Math
Liz Langenfeld--English
Julie Davis--Sociology
Dan Word--Emergency Medical Services
Dan Sullivan--Fire Science
Gary Williams--Instructional Assessment
Kristi Simonson--Web Page Designer
Daniel Bahner--Activity Director/Student Interventionist
June Wagner--Admissions Technician
Laura Winningham--Library Director
Kevin Palkki--Theatre Technician
Michael Bedoya--Art Assistant
Rosemary Bedoya--Counseling Assistant
Fermin Ramirez--Financial Outreach Coordinator
Kristin OVerturf--Admissions Technician
June Wagner--Admissions
Rejoice Chavira--Extended Opportunity Programs and Services
Kim McCormick-Career Center Specialist
Rebecca Orta--Student Services Technician
Kirsten Colvey--Dean of Student Services
Alex Contreras--Vice President of Student Services
Student volunteers from Sociology, EMS, and Fire Science