Media Advisory

  

                             For More Information Contact:

                                    Julie Whiting

                         Dir., Passport to College Program

                               (209) 954-5677

5151 Pacific Ave.                                                    jwhiting@deltacollege.edu

Stockton, CA 95207

For Immediate Release,

01/09/09

Delta’s Passport to College program selected as one of California’s best

“Practices with Promise” for Higher Education Access

(Stockton, CA)

San Joaquin Delta College’s Passport to College program has been selected by The Campaign for College Opportunity, as one of California’s 15 best Practices with Promise. The Practices with Promise award recognizes exemplary practices by K-12 education and higher to improve college access and success.

The Campaign for College Opportunity is a nonprofit organization solely devoted to ensuring that the next generation of college-age students in California has the opportunity to attend college, as promised by the state 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education. Delta’s Passport to College program is dedicated to help fulfill that goal.

In an effort to double the region’s college going rates by 2014, Delta’s Passport to College made an early commitment to college for all fifth graders in 2006-07 who attend feeder schools in its region. Participating students are guaranteed free tuition to attend Delta College for two years upon earning a high school diploma. Students will receive continuous information and support ser­vices to help prepare for college. The program also connects with parents on a yearly basis, providing critical infor­mation to increase parents’ knowledge of the steps necessary to prepare for college, including the availability of financial aid.

“Delta’s Passport to College program will make an enormous difference as California increases its demands for highly educated workers,” says Bob Biddle, Outreach Associate for The Campaign for College Opportunity. “This commitment is vital to prepare California’s 21st century workforce. The Practices with Promise award highlights the initiative, creativity and dedication of California educators.” Biddle adds, “We received an outstanding batch of 102 submissions. Passport to College was ranked among the very best!”

For more information on Delta’s Passport to College program, please contact

Julie Whiting, Director, Passport to College, at: (209) 954-5677,

jwhiting@deltacollege.edu.