EUGENE–Minority middle school students will get a firsthand look at college life on a major university campus during this year’s "Reach for Success" visitation day on Saturday, April 17, at the University of Oregon.

About 150 students of color, their parents and school counselors from all over Oregon are expected to attend the free event, which is sponsored by the UO Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student Retention Programs and the Office of Admissions.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Ballroom of the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. on the UO campus. Participation will be limited to the first 150 students on a first-come, first-served basis, with a March 26 pre-registration deadline.

Each year, the UO offers "Reach for Success" to encourage and support African-American, Asian-American or Pacific Islander, Chicano or Latino and Native American students in pursuing their educational goals. The program gives students and their families the chance to experience firsthand the many opportunities available in higher education.

Jose Romero, director of special projects for the Woodburn School District and an UO alumnus, will deliver the keynote address at 9:30 a.m. in the EMU Ballroom. GANAS–students from Eugene’s Kennedy Middle School who are involved with a partnership tutoring program with the University of Oregon–will provide entertainment.

UO faculty, administrators and graduate students will teach mini-classes on 14 different subjects, including art, science, business, law, the Internet and journalism. Campus tours and sessions about admission requirements, financial aid and housing also will be available for students.

Workshops for parents will address topics such as paying for college, admissions options, campus and community resources, and "helping your child succeed in school." These workshops will be offered in Spanish as well as English. Those parents who request assistance in other languages at the time of registration will be provided interpreters.

Child care will be available for children ages 30 months to six years. Free bus transportation will be provided from central locations in Portland, Salem and Woodburn on a space-available basis.

For more information, or to pre-register, contact the UO Office of Student Retention Programs, (541) 346-1152.

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