Skyline College invited 30 students from El Camino High School to attend our Discover ASTEP Day on October 13, 2016. Discover ASTEP was created to allow local African-American high school students the opportunity to sit in on college classes in order to create valuable, lasting, educational experiences. The goal of the day was to introduce high school students to collegiate level instruction, demystify the idea that community college is the 13th grade, and allow the students to organically interact with current college students to share information and experiences.
The students were welcomed by Maurice Goodman, Board of Trustees, and Lasana Hotep, Dean of Student Equity and Support Programs. Afterwards the students attended Nathan Jones’ ENGL 110 course and Danielle Powell’s COMM 110 course where they were able to interact with college level subject materials and current ASTEP students.
The students really enjoyed the experience. Some of their takeaways were:
- Learning about time management
- Understanding the difference between college and high school
- Recognizing that community college is still college (vs. an easier version of college or the 13th grade)
- Appreciating the ability to have discussions about race
Highlights included:
- Jones’ class and discussion about race
- Black Lives Matter debate and discussion
- Talking with current students and gaining helpful insights
- Lunch
Thank you to ASTEP students and faculty, the Division of Student Equity and Support Programs, and the Outreach Office for welcoming the El Camino students.
Article by Lauren Ford
