Rohnert Park, CA - The EXCEL for Youth Program, now in its 26th year, was recognized with a State Assembly Resolution for its many positive contributions to education by Assemblymember Jared Huffman on July 25 at a open house reception in the campus Art Gallery. Sonoma State University Provost Eduardo Ochoa and EXEL Program Director Alison Marks accepted the resolution on behalf of the program.

Since it’s inception in 1982, EXCEL has served over 16,000 students from throughout the North Bay.  With over 60 classes per year, EXCEL offers students entering 4-9th grade accelerated classes in arts, sciences, technology and humanities on the campus of Sonoma State University. Classes are taught by professional mentors who are experts in their field and include professors, artists, scientists, authors, urban planners, soft ware designers, and a poet laureate.

The EXCEL High School Teaching Assistant Program works with schools from around the county to identify volunteers (many former EXCEL students) to help teachers in the classrooms and provides high school students with an opportunity for community service as they become role models for younger learners.

“This immensely popular youth educational program is designed to foster curiosity and involvement,” noted Mark Merikel, dean of the School Extended Education. “We are proud to see it recognized.”

Students and their families enjoyed viewing class work during the open house reception along with interested program supporters.

“I am pleased to recognize this model program and its sustained success for over a quarter of a century,” said Assemblyman Huffman.  “EXCEL allows children to experience the rich resources that the university has to offer in a non-competitive, supportive environment and encourages them to dream of the day when they may be university students themselves.”