Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher comes to UCLA
March 5, 2019 •
Fans of former first lady Michelle Obama take note: The University of California has been selected by Reach Higher – the college access and success initiative launched by Mrs. Obama during her time in the White House – to co-host its 2019 College Signing Day event on May 1 at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.
College Signing Day is a national celebration of all high school seniors and transfer students, especially those from low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college-going backgrounds who have committed to pursuing higher education — whether at a community college, a four-year college or university, or a professional training program, or by joining the military.
Mrs. Obama’s high-energy celebration will feature celebrities, athletes and other performers, all of whom are coming out to recognize students’ academic achievements and to offer encouragement and guidance on how to make the most of their future educational opportunities. UC’s other undergraduate campuses will hold simultaneous celebrations for students in their respective regions and stream the UCLA event.
“There are few things in life that are as transformative as a college education,” says UC President Janet Napolitano. “We are excited to host a celebration of California students taking this significant step toward a brighter future.”
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block hopes that the College Signing Day events will send a clear message to students that a college education is attainable, regardless of family income, background or other circumstances.
“As a first-generation college graduate myself, I am proud that nearly a third of UCLA undergraduates also go on to become first-generation college graduates,” Chancellor Block says. “Public institutions like UCLA must always strive to make higher education accessible, through outreach efforts that encourage students to apply and resources that support their success while they are here.”
Read the full press release, and view a fact sheet detailing how UC is a driver of college opportunity.
Photo credit: Matt Slocum/AP/Shutterstock
Tags: Education Partnerships
How can we attend?
Hi Lisa, Unfortunately the event is limited to high school and community college transfer students who have been invited by participating schools and community organizations. Tickets are not for sale and will not be provided to the general public. We will provide information about how to watch the livestream as the event draws closer though. And, in the meantime, you can follow along via social media using the hashtags #CollegeSigningDay and #BetterMakeRoom.