Two Can't-Miss CSU Opportunities for LA Students
West Angeles EEP is hosting two exceptional California State University events in March—one virtual, one in-person—and we need strong student turnout to keep colleges coming to our program. Before you dismiss these because "it's just CSU," consider this: these are high-return-on-investment schools where you can graduate with manageable debt and actually start your life.
Why CSU Matters (Especially Now)
For seniors waiting on decisions: You need backup options with guaranteed affordability. If your expensive private school acceptances come with massive loans you can't realistically repay, CSU becomes your smart choice—not your safety net, but your best investment.
For juniors and sophomores: Early college exposure is critical. Traveling the country visiting colleges costs thousands of dollars. Start understanding what college campuses offer now, through free local opportunities, so you know what to look for when you do travel.
Event 1: Cal State LA Virtual Session
When: Thursday, March 12th | 7:00-8:00 PM
Where: Zoom (45 minutes)
Who should attend:
Seniors admitted to Cal State LA (you NEED to be there)
11th graders with GPAs above 3.0 (even low 3s—they have an excellent honors college)
10th graders interested in college exploration
Why it matters: Cal State LA is one of the best CSU campuses, offering exceptional value with strong academic programs. This isn't about convincing you to attend—it's about getting students connected with quality college opportunities and understanding what CSUs offer.
[RSVP for Cal State LA Zoom Session]
Event 2: CSU Bakersfield Campus Tour
When: Friday, March 21st
Departure: 8:15 AM from West Angeles
Cost: $15 for transportation
Capacity: 14 students (LIMITED SPOTS)
Chaperones: 3 adult chaperones including program staff
Who gets priority:
High school juniors
Admitted seniors
10th graders (if space available)
Why CSU Bakersfield?
This campus is extremely underrated with impressive credentials:
10 Best Value in the West (Washington Monthly Magazine)
57+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs
100+ student organizations and clubs
Division I athletics
9,000 students = personalized attention and smaller class sizes
Open House Day means you'll experience the campus at its best—tours, student life presentations, and direct access to admissions counselors.
[RSVP for Bakersfield Campus Tour]
Critical RSVP Rules
DO NOT sign up if you're not 100% committed to attending.
We have limited van capacity (14 students) and Zoom session tracking. When students RSVP and don't show up:
Other interested students get turned away
We lose credibility with colleges
Future college visit opportunities disappear
Only RSVP if:
You can definitely attend
You've cleared your schedule
You're genuinely interested (not just "maybe")
If cost is a barrier for the Bakersfield trip, RSVP anyway and reach out—we'll work with you.
The Bigger Picture: College Exposure Strategy
Parents of underclassmen: How are you exposing your kids to colleges?
Your students are busy. Travel is expensive. But they need to understand college environments BEFORE you invest thousands visiting campuses nationwide. These local opportunities provide:
Safe, supervised college exposure
Understanding of campus culture and resources
Perspective on what questions to ask during future visits
Realistic view of affordable, quality education options
Start here. Start now. Start free (or $15).
Why We Need You There
Our program's reputation matters. Pre-pandemic, we regularly brought dozens of families to college presentations. Colleges noticed. They kept coming back.
Post-pandemic, turnout has declined. If we can't demonstrate student interest, colleges stop visiting. These opportunities dry up—not just for your student, but for everyone in our community.
Your attendance keeps doors open for future students and maintains our program's standing with university partners.
The Return on Investment Reminder
Many families focus exclusively on prestigious private schools, then face sticker shock when financial aid packages arrive. With new federal loan caps, students (not parents) now bear most of the debt burden.
CSU graduates:
Leave school with manageable loans
Can afford to move out and start independent lives
Don't face $1,700-$2,200 monthly loan payments
Get quality degrees that lead to employment
Private school graduates with massive debt:
Often move back home for years
Work multiple jobs just to cover loan payments
Delay life milestones (marriage, home ownership, starting families)
Question whether the "prestige" was worth it
Don't let pride about "just CSU" prevent you from securing your student's financial future. These schools deliver quality education at prices that won't destroy the first decade of your graduate's adult life.
See you March 12th and March 21st. Let's show these universities that West Angeles EEP students are serious about smart college choices.