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CSU Push for Black Students Comes to Seaside

SEASIDE, Calif. -  The Cal State University system renewed an annual effort Sunday to bring more black students to campus.  The initiative is called "Super Sunday", with top university administrators heading out to some 70 black churches statewide.

Cal State Monterey Bay president Dr. Dianne Harrison spoke after the morning service at Seaside's Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as part of the recruitment push.  Harrison talked about preparing young adults for college, the value of a college education, and the CSU's commitment to access.

"I hope to underscore the value of a university education, especially in these tough economic times," Dr. Harrison said.

Harrison called for students to start thinking about college in the sixth grade.

"Only 19 percent of African American high school graduates are eligible (for college)," Harrison added. "We wanted to get them started early we want to get them to start early getting on the right track to college."

CSU officials say the initiative has led to a 15 percent increase in applications by black students and a nearly 9 percent increase in enrollment.