College Match East Coast Trip—April 2-10, 2004

 Statements by College Match Students

College Match took 24 very enthusiastic high-achieving low-income students from Watts and East Los Angeles to visit 14 outstanding colleges on the East Coast April 2-10, 2004.  Most of the schools we saw are among the nation’s finest small colleges: Tufts, Boston College, Connecticut College, Brown, Wheaton, Mount Holyoke, Trinity, Wellesley, Bates, Bowdoin, Wesleyan, Yale, Harvard, and MIT.  (We have also visited Pomona, Claremont Mckenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Occidental and Cal Tech.)

The students grew enormously during the trip.  They asked very good questions, began to understand the seriousness of the process and started to realize that they could compete with the best students in America if they continued to work hard.

A number of the colleges complimented us on the quality of this group of students.  Ten of the colleges were so interested in attracting these students to their campuses that they either contributed cash and/or in-kind services (housing, food, etc.) to help defray some of our costs.

At the end of the trip, the students chose to write messages of appreciation regarding the trip.  A selected set of these messages follows:

“I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be in College Match.  It is also an honor being invited on this trip.  It gave me a chance to get out of Watts as well as California. I probably (never) would have considered applying to an East Coast college if it weren’t for you and this trip.  Thank you very much.  I really appreciate it.”

                        --This young woman has enrolled in Columbia University.

“Thanks for all your support and help.  You are the best.  You have opened new horizons which otherwise would have never been open.  You will always hold a special place in my heart.  Thanks so much.”

--A Latino girl from Franklin High School
who wants to be a pediatric surgeon

“Thank you….This was the best college experience that I have ever had.  It helped me a lot because now I know what kind of college I want to attend.”

            --An African-American boy from Jordan High School who plays basketball

“I cannot say how thankful I am.  There is no way or words that can explain it.  You are a wonderful person and I wish the best for you.  I wasn’t thinking about going to college but you opened a new world of opportunities for me.  Thank you very much.”

--A Latino girl from Franklin High School
who came to the United States two years ago and has been studying English at night ever since.  Even though she is still learning the language, she has managed to get a high grade point average. 
Now she wants to be a physician.

“We really appreciate all your time, effort and care you have given us during the past year, not only in this wonderful opportunity, but also the sessions and guidance.  The help you have given us has impacted our lives and shown us that there is a world of wonders outside California.  Thank you very much.”

                        --Three Latino girls from Bell High School

“Thank you very much for everything you have done for us.  Before I did not think about coming to the East, but now I’m considering Tufts.  Thank you again.”

                        ---A Latino boy from Bell High School

“Thanks for everything you have done for us.  I know that it’s not just me who appreciate(s) the effort, time and willingness you give us.  You uplifted me up in so many ways and I want you to know that you’re one of the reasons why I can’t stop thanking God everyday.  (The) world needs more people like you.  One who helps and someone who really cares about others.  Thank you soo mucchh!”

            --A Pilipino-American at Franklin High School who wants to be a physician

“Thanks for the opportunity you gave all of us.  You are really helping us in something we would otherwise be stranded in.  Once again thanks for the experience I will never forget and never will finish being thankful for."

                        --A Latino boy from Jordan High School

“Thanks for the trip.  It’s been amazing.  And thanks for taking the time to help us.  Both my parents and I really, really appreciate it.  It’s hard being away from home, but it’s worth it.”

                        --A Latino girl from Fremont High School

“Thank you so much for giving us this fantastic opportunity to visit colleges.  (T)hat could have never happened if it (were) not (for) you.  This truly opened my eyes to see many great colleges that I could not see before, and this will affect my life, of course in a good way.  I will never forget this wonderful trip.  Once again, thank you very very much….You are the best.”

--A Korean-American from Franklin High School

“Thank you for the great opportunity you have given us.  I never would have had this experience.  Seeing all of these great colleges has motivated me to work even harder. [Note:  She is already one of the top students in her class.] You have surely changed my life for the better.”

                        --A Latino girl from Franklin High School

“I appreciate all the time and effort that you put into helping me and also my peers with College Match.”

                        --An African-American girl from Jordan High School

  East Coast Colleges Visited (in chronological order)

• Tufts
• Boston College
• Connecticut College
• Brown
• Wheaton
• Mount Holyoke
• Trinity
• Wellesley
• Bates
• Bowdoin
• Wesleyan
• Yale
• Harvard
• MIT

See photos and read comments from the 2008 College Match Graduation Ceremony

See photos and read comments from the 2006 College Match Graduation Ceremony

See photos and read comments from the 2005 College Match Graduation Ceremony

See photos and read comments from the 2004 College Match East Coast Trip

See photos and read comments from the 2005 College Match East Coast Trip