Feb. 13, 2025 - College is a family affair - especially for students who are the first
in their families to pursue higher education. To support these students and their
loved ones, (海角社区CI) will host D铆a de Familia, an annual free event designed to help Ventura County
families navigate the college experience, from academics and finances to student life
and support services.
D铆a de Familia will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in 海角社区CI鈥檚 Grand Salon. The event is geared toward middle and high school students and their families, with sessions available in both English and Spanish.
鈥淭his event is about demystifying the college experience for families,鈥 said Elena Jaloma, Project Director of Student Outreach, Academics & Retention (SOAR). 鈥淢any families have concerns about financial barriers, distance from home, or how college may disrupt other responsibilities. Some students may have never seen themselves as 鈥榗ollege material.鈥 Our goal is to send a clear message: college is for everyone.鈥
In addition to informative sessions, families will enjoy a complimentary lunch and a special performance by Ballet Folkl贸rico Bell Arts, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Following a welcome session, attendees can choose from a variety of informative workshops designed specifically for parents, middle school students, and high school students. A children鈥檚 corner will also be available to engage younger attendees while families participate in sessions.
Parent sessions will cover topics such as: Navigating Friction Between Parents and Students, Pathways to Success, Financial Aid Overview, and Dual Enrollment Opportunities.
Student-focused sessions will include 鈥淪haring Your Story,鈥 鈥満＝巧缜 General Overview,鈥 鈥淢anaging Stress,鈥 鈥淪cience Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Activities,鈥 student panels and campus tours.
鈥淭he foundation of this event is to help the entire family understand the college pathway,鈥 Jaloma said. 鈥淲e want families to leave feeling more confident and informed about the journey ahead.鈥
For many first-generation students, college can feel overwhelming due to unfamiliar terminology, financial aid complexities, and unspoken expectations known as the 鈥渉idden curriculum,鈥 and they may feel uncertain about how to navigate through the experience. The same can hold true for the entire family.
鈥淪ome families may not fully grasp the value of a college education, while others may believe in their student鈥檚 potential but feel unsure about how to support them,鈥 Jaloma explained. 鈥淢any simply lack confidence in navigating the system. D铆a de Familia provides a welcoming space where all families can ask questions, receive guidance, and feel included in their student鈥檚 educational journey.鈥
D铆a de Familia will feature representatives from local higher education institutions, including UC Santa Barbara and Oxnard College, as well as community partners such as the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) and Padres Juntos.
鈥淥ur goal is to make it clear that college is accessible to everyone and to equip families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions,鈥 Jaloma said.
Families are encouraged to to secure their spot at D铆a de Familia.
For more information, please contact: outreach.unversity@csuci.edu.