PROGRAMS

I'M GOING TO COLLEGE PROGRAM

UCLA's I'm Going to College program, the nation's largest collegiate community outreach effort, has touched the lives of thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students across Southern California. Offered through Southern California school systems, this unique program couples the excitement and tradition of UCLA Athletic events with a message about the importance of higher education.

Upon arrival at the event (3 hours before the game), students are greeted by a UCLA Alumnus, current student, or student-athlete volunteer, and are then led to the IGTC fair area. Students are immediately immersed in Bruin traditions, as they learn the spirited UCLA Eight Clap and the importance of higher education. While at the college fair, students speak with academic counselors and pick up educational information about questions they may have regarding education and preparing for college. Students also have the opportunity to get autographs from student-athletes and speak with current UCLA students who assist with the college fair. Other fun fair activities include carnival games, activity books, a DJ, community outreach booths, give-aways, and removable tattoos where students and even some of their teachers can get into the UCLA spirit before heading into the stadium. During the winter and spring IGTC events that take place on campus, students and teachers are taken on a campus tour that features Pauley Pavilion, Royce Hall, Powell Library, Ackerman Union, the Bruin Bear, and Kerkoff Hall.

The "I'm Going to College" program is offered throughout the year. Specific events are targeted in the sports of football, women's basketball, gymnastics, and track & field. By placing young students into a collegiate atmosphere that stresses the excellence of both education and athletics, UCLA hopes to build positive relationships with young people in the community and to motivate them to continue achieving goals in both school and life.

What began as a way to honor requests for ticket donations, ultimately grew into UCLA's Athletics For Youth program. This program provides complimentary tickets to selected UCLA Athletic events to non-profit children's organizations and other charitable community groups. It encourages children to think about their educational futures and offers a first-hand look at the opportunities available through participation in sports. Children learn the value of teamwork, leadership, cooperation and gain a new appreciation about what it means to be part of a team.

This program presents a positive alternative to surrounding social problems by helping young people build a sense of self-esteem and self-awareness. Tickets are subject to availability and all groups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Athletics For Youth program.

Reading Days is a program that endeavors to positively affect the reading habits of elementary and middle school students involved in local library reading programs throughout the course of the year. Successful readers are rewarded with tickets to selected UCLA Athletic events where they have the opportunity to visit the UCLA campus and experience the excitement of a Division I NCAA sporting event.

The program has touched thousands of children in the greater Los Angeles area and continues to grow. Along with support from parents and library administrators, UCLA hopes that these students will develop a love of reading that will help them achieve their future aspirations.