Valley students get their first college experience

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of 6th graders from the valley got their first college experience out of the way, thanks to a special promise.

It may be the middle of the school year but these students are feeling the excitement of their first day all over again.

1,500 students 6th graders from local schools got to experience college for the first time.

Reedley College President, Sandra Caldwell said, "This is about opportunities and making dreams possible for all of our residents here in the Central Valley."

Most students don't step foot on a college campus til high school but Reedley College President Dr. Sandra Caldwell says it's important to get them interested in higher education young.

"We know that our future depends on these young individuals and we need to start right now with them," Dr. Caldwell said.

But this wasn't just a tour of campus, it came with a promise, a community-wide effort to promote college as a viable option for kids in our region.

Kids who participate in the Central Valley promise program will attend their first semester at a local community college for free. Their promise in return, a 2.7 or higher GPA upon high school graduation. Something that should be easy based on their enthusiasm.

Using the Central Valley Promise mobile app or website students will be able to stay on track through updates on career and college events.