Jan. 12, 2003

Photo Gallery

Sunday January 12 was a fun-filled day as over 6,000 excited elementary and high-school students participated in UCLA's "I'm Going To College" event.

Students spent their morning exploring the fair area set up outside of Pauley Pavilion. Among the organizations that helped to make the event a success were representatives from the L.A Sparks, UCLA Alumni Scholars, UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program, and Santa Monica Red Cross. Other groups represented were the L.A. City Fire Station, the University Police Department, and the LAUSD Police Department, who gave many anxious students the opportunity to inspect their squad cars.

Other representatives were present as part of the LAUSD Health and Human Services Fair, such as the L.A. Zoo, Cerritos City College and John Robert Powers. A special thanks goes out to this group who, in addition to catering the event, had over 100 vendors as well.

Martial arts group Capoeira Brasil was also in attendance, creating a crowd of young children that gathered to watch them perform. Along with these organizations and performances, students were also able to participate in face painting, get autographs from UCLA student-athletes, and receive all sorts of UCLA souvenirs such as stickers, posters, and buttons.

However, the highlight of the students' day was attending the women's basketball game that afternoon. Thousands of kids sat in the bleachers, cheering on UCLA as they defeated cross-town rival USC by a score of 72-64 to create a tie for first place in the Pac-10.

Thanks to the efforts of many students, athletes, and volunteers, the "I'm Going To College" event is held at numerous times throughout the year. It provides young children with the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of attending college and witnessing the excitement of Division I Athletics.

If you would like to participate in the I'm Going To College Program, please contact the I'm Going To College office at 310-206-5990.