BTSLA Youth Empowered by College Visit

Posted: November 19, 2015

November 20, 2015  |  Thinking about the possibility of attending college may seem a long way off for elementary and junior high school students, but it’s a great idea to set goals and expectations early in life.

For this years college visit, the California Baptist University Admissions Visit Program guided our students through an information session and college campus tour.  They were helpful and enthusiastic, as they discussed the process for applying to college, the cost of attendance, financial-aid & scholarships, college dorm life and the various academic programs they offer.  These topics are an important piece to the holistic approach our sports-based youth development organization offers.  For our returners, it was their second visit to a college campus, but for most, this was their first time stepping foot on a university campus.

In addition to the academic opportunities discussed, our youth were treated to an outdoor wrestling dual meet, featuring California State University, Bakersfield versus California Baptist University.  In it’s second year, this unique format took place on the “Front Lawn” of the CBU campus.  With over 2000 fans in attendance, including Freestyle Wrestling World Champion and NFL great Stephen Neal, our students were in awe of the experience.

On the bus ride home, first year wrestler and 6th grader Reggie Williams said “I think this is the college I want to attend”.  When asked why, he stated “because I really liked the campus, the cafeteria and the people I met”.  Fortunately, Reggie still has 6 years to decide, but it’s fantastic he is already thinking about his prospects and the possibility of higher education.

Wrestling Photos provided by California Baptist University