On July 29 and 30, an Academic Talent Search High School Transition and Academic Readiness event was held at Sonoma State for students in Mendocino County TRIO programs. SSU Librarians Rita Premo and Hilary Smith led workshops that helped the students find their voice, including through a library collection project that emphasized the importance of self-expression and advocacy.
Workshop presenters – Anthony Landeros, Advisor for Educational Talent Search at UC Berkeley; Frances Fontanilla, Upward Bound Advisor for the University of San Francisco; and Norma Trejo, FlockWorks Art Specialist – were first-generation college graduates from rural areas. As relatable role models, they inspired the students to pursue their academic and personal goals and believe they could achieve them.
“With collaboration and support from campus and community partners, SSU Mendocino County TRIO programs continue to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people in rural areas,” said Yadi Sánchez, Mendocino County TRIO Director.
Sanchez acknowledged other SSU staff who contributed to the event’s success, including Jennifer Delgadillo Bevington and Stephanie Mower from the K-16 Collaborative and Outreach Coordinator Sandra Gonzalez-Hernandez.