CSUN's 7th annual "Summer Academic Program Recognition Ceremony," which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 9, will recognize the students and their families for making the extra effort to ensure the youngsters make it through the program.

"The program is particularly important because most of the students who go through it are first generation college-bound students," said Juana Maria Valdivia, coordinator of the program. "It can really make a difference in these students' lives."

The recognition ceremony will begin with a breakfast buffet at 9 a.m., followed by the ceremony starting at 10 a.m. in the Shoshone Room of CSUN's Satellite Student Union on the southwest corner of Lassen Street and Zelzah Avenue.

For the past five weeks, students from middle schools throughout the San Fernando Valley have been taking intensive courses in such subjects as algebra, English, geometry and science to help prepare them for admission to a four-year university upon graduation from high school.

Valdivia said research has shown that economically and environmentally disadvantaged students are more likely to attend college if they demonstrate academic achievement; take rigorous academic courses; have the support and encouragement of their parents, counselors, teachers and friends; and have accurate information about what it takes to get into college, which includes costs and the availability of financial aid.

She said the Summer Academic Program tries to do all of that. In addition to the academic courses, the middle schoolers take a college preparatory class that outlines the necessary requirements for college admission and academic success. They also have an opportunity to meet and talk to CSUN faculty and students about college life.

For more information, call Valdivia at (818) 677-5875 or Frank Colón at (818) 677-4864.

California State University, Northridge has more than 31,500 full- and part-time students and offers 61 bachelor's and 42 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."