Los Angeles, CA—Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) invites students and parents in the region to join him at the 15th Anniversary of Southeast College Conference to close the gap in college and university attendance among students living in one of Los Angeles County’s poorest areas.

“Over the years, the conference has had over 20,000 students and parents in attendance.  The conference has helped enroll over 15,000 students in fulfilling their educational aspirations,” said De La Torre.  “Education is one of my top priorities.  It is a great equalizer, and every year I look forward to working with the surrounding high schools to make higher education available to students in the region.”

WHO:             Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, over 1,000 students from local high schools, Cal State University System, alongside 60 postsecondary institutions including UC System, USC, and Stanford University among other private and public institutions are scheduled to participate.

WHAT:           De La Torre invites students and parents to participate in the College Conference 15th Anniversary to access college experts, financial aid workshops, and career advice.

WHY:              According to the 2000 Census less than 5 percent of the population in South Gate have a Bachelor’s degree while an average of 4 percent of residents in the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, and Lynwood hold a college degree.  These percentages fall below the state’s average of 26 percent of the population that has a Bachelor’s degree.

WHERE:         Bell High School
                        4328 Bell Ave.
                        Bell, CA 90201

WHEN:           Saturday, October 13th, 2007, Press Conference is at 9 a.m.
                        College Conference: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.