California students being recruited

When it comes to getting a college education, tough financial times means making tough choices.

With several hundred high school seniors graduating this year from Willows, Orland, Princeton, Elk Creek and Hamilton City, educators say navigating the world of higher education might be more difficult for youth today than it has ever been.

In California, where budget cuts have forced the state's community college system to scale back the availability of crucial classes, even getting into the local campuses this fall could be tough.

"You have to make decisions early," said Butte College President Kimberly Perry.

In fact, unless you are already enrolled, a returning student, first generation college student, foster child, veteran or disabled, Perry said chances of getting into college this fall are slim.

For those enrolled, either full-time or concurrently with high school, the college experience can be gratifying, even in Glenn County where opportunities are minimal.

"It's nice to be in a seat-based class," said 17-year-old Adam Lewis, of Willows, who attends Butte College at the Orland campus. "I've been home schooled most of my life."

Lewis, a junior at William Finch, takes an advanced mathematics class at Butte College and plans to take Spanish next year to meet his foreign language graduation requirement.

He is one of about 40 high school students taking classes at Butte College, which serves about 500 Glenn County students each year seeking associate degrees or filling general education requirements before moving on to a university.

When it comes time for Lewis to go on to a university to pursue an acting degree, he knows what he wants.

"My first choice is a Christian college in California," said Lewis, who already has one film under his belt: A science fiction thriller he wrote, directed and starred in for extra credit. "I know I have a better chance of being hired if I have a college degree."

But in troubled financial times, staying close to home is no longer the only option, especially in California where tuition has skyrocketed and overcrowded classrooms have limited enrollment opportunities for many college-bound seniors, said Glenn County Superintendent Tracy Quarne.

Today, many out-of-state colleges, like Minot State University in North Dakota, are making a huge effort to attract students from overcrowded California, and they have the money to do it.

"Minot is long on cash, but short on students," said Quarne. "Glenn County is long on students, but short on cash. It's a perfect marriage."

Spring enrollment numbers at Minot State, for example, show a 7.3 percent decrease compared to spring 2011, leaving school officials there willing to offer financial incentives to California students willing to make the move.

Quarne has been working with Kevin Harmon, assistant vice president of enrollment management, to offer Glenn County students a "sweetheart" deal, which includes full-time tuition and books for about $5,000 a year.

On campus room and board is another $4,500.

"For less than $10,000 a year, they give you everything but spending money," Quarne said of his alma mater.

The North Dakota native received his education degree from Minot University in 1981.

The university's programs include humanities, criminal justice, music, art, science, business, social science, education and health science.

"They have one of the best schools of nursing in the country," Quarne said.

Although people can chuckle about their children picking up language expressions in North Dakota like "yah, you betcha," parents may find themselves laughing all the way to the bank, Quarne said.

The cost to attend a California State University is about $22,000 a year with room and board, and the University of California is about $31,000.

California independent colleges, which many students must turn to when local colleges lack available space, runs about $45,000 a year.

For many graduating seniors, California prices are simply too high in today's economy.

"The hope we shared as high schoolers for our tomorrow is difficult to muster in an environment such as ours," Quarne wrote Harmon. "The Minot venture is most tangible, establishing college capable youngsters, who would otherwise be confronted with 'nothing' following the conclusion of their high school days."

Since Quarne believes "seeing is believing," he is working with the superintendents of the school districts in Glenn County to select five high schools seniors to spend spring break, April 9-13, at Minot University.

The students, which will be selected by March 1, must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be college ready this fall.

Those who have not already secured placement at a college or university will be given priority, Quarne said.

"Basically, we are looking a students who are finding out there is no room at the inn, so to speak," he said.

The chaperoned students will fly — all expenses paid — to Minot, stay in the university's dormitory, tour the campus and meet with university representatives, counselors and financial advisors.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Glenn County students," said Glenn County Board of Education Chairwoman Judy Holzapfel.

Quarne, the Board of Education and local school district officials expect the students to return as "ambassadors" for college, and share the experience with other seniors who might find better opportunities than the ones previously offered in their own backyards.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.