FRESNO, CA—Two-thirds of black adults between ages 25 to 64 in California attended college at some time in their lives; however, many drop-out, resulting in only a third earning an associate or bachelor’s degree, according to EdSource article, California’s black students lag in college completion despite some gains.

The article continued that the study, “State of Higher Education for Black Californians,” calls on state and education leaders to set specific statewide goals for black student achievement in high school and college; establish a strategy to help black students who started college but didn’t finish to return and earn a degree; improve financial aid and ensure that community colleges place more students in credit-bearing courses with academic support rather than no-credit remedial classes.

California Community Colleges has taken a proactive stance, assembling a California Career Education Black/African-American Advisory Panel last year to help raise awareness among black and African-American students about career education opportunities available at California community colleges throughout the state. The 23-member Panel is comprised of statewide influencers from various fields including employment/unions, education and the faith-based community.

The Panel began its first town hall in Los Angeles last October, with the purpose of hearing first-hand, the challenges the black/African-American community faces when seeking higher education, and how the California Community Colleges can help break down barriers.

The Panel will have a town hall in Fresno, CA April 30, at the Westside Church of God located on 1424 W. California Ave. The event will start with a college fair at 4:30 PM and dinner at 6:00 PM, followed by the town hall from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Parents, students, the public and community leaders are encouraged to attend. This free event requires an RSVP: 559-720-7930 or at www.fresnotownhall.eventbrite.com.

At the town hall, subject-matter experts will discuss success factors for blacks and African-Americans in higher education. The “I Can Afford College” and Associate Degree for Transfer campaigns will join the Career Education campaign to provide helpful information about the statewide offerings at California community colleges.

The Town Hall will have representation from local community colleges in the Fresno area to interact with prospective students and their parents.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to win prizes and other monetary scholarship awards toward their education costs, (must be present to win.)

For more information, visit website: www.fresnotownhall.eventbrite.com