June 4, 2008

More than 100 sixth graders from six Chandler elementary schools headed off to college this week as they attended the Chandler Unified School District "Destination College" program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

From Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 26, students from Erie, Frye, Galveston, Hartford, Knox, and San Marcos Elementary Schools will learn about various career fields, as well as attending classes covering computers, math, nutrition, wellness, and more.

Destination College is part of the Chandler Unified School District's "Children of Promise" program, which offers summer school for six Title 1 elementary schools. Schools that qualify for Title 1 status must have a majority of their population that qualifies for free and reduced lunch. Supported by the Chandler Education Foundation, the City of Chandler, and members of the community, the programs offer continued educational opportunities for youth during the summer months. Started in 1990 with an idea from Eddie Basha, the program has expanded the academic year for thousands of children.

"'Children of Promise' has touched the lives of thousands of children," said Glenna McCollum-Cloud, Executive Director of the Chandler Education Foundation. "We believe Destination College will prove to be one of the most exciting opportunities in the program for our sixth grade students, allowing them to experience college life at a young age with the hope of inspiring them to set a vision for the future."

Destination College will culminate with a graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 26, followed by a celebration later that day for families, in which students will showcase their college projects to their parents.

“We are thrilled to host these Chandler elementary students and hope that they will one day become CGCC students,” said Maria Hesse, president of CGCC. “By attending Destination College, they will have the opportunity to learn about many career paths and begin setting goals toward the pursuit of a degree in higher education.”

For more information about the Destination College Program, call (480) 732-7030. CGCC is located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. in Chandler.