Campus Tours
CommUniverCity’s SJSU Campus Tours introduces elementary and middle school students from underserved communities to the college experience at San José State University, inspiring them to see higher education as an attainable goal. The Spring 2025 Campus Tour planning was done in collaboration with school liaisons, Ernest from Sacred Heart Nativity School and Mr. Aguilar from ACE Inspire Academy, ensuring that the visits aligned with each school’s needs and aspirations.
In partnership with SJSU’s EDCO 4: Education Counseling course, taught by faculty member Jimma Cortes-Smith, two campus tours were hosted during the semester. A total of 39 SJSU students served as guides and role models, leading visiting students through key campus sites including the SJSU Greenhouse, Engineering Department, Geology Department, and SJSU Cares Food Pantry, highlighting the university’s diverse academic disciplines and vital student resources.
Each tour concluded with a hosted lunch, giving visiting students the opportunity to engage in open conversations with their SJSU guides. These informal exchanges built personal connections and made the idea of college more intriguing to the young learners. Many students left the tours expressing excitement and curiosity about attending college in the future, highlighting the power of early exposure to higher education.
For the EDCO 4 students, the tours provided a meaningful service-learning experience that strengthened their leadership, communication, and community engagement skills, while offering space to reflect on their educational journeys.
Through SJSU Campus Tours, CommUniverCity continues to strengthen the bridge between the university and local communities—opening doors, expanding horizons, and helping to shape the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Project Impacts
96% of students believed attending college is crucial for achieving their life goals
This project supports the City of San Jose’s Children and Youth Services Master Plan and provides early exposure to a college-going mindset.
54% reported being more likely to participate in college after attending this tour.
Participants*
Community Engaged Learners*
Cumulative Hours
Investment Value*
Faculty Lead
Jimma Cortes-Smith
* Community Participants include K–12 students engaged in educational activities and workshops, along with residents attending neighborhood events and celebrations.
* Community Engaged Learners (CEL) include SJSU students who apply course-based knowledge through activities and presentations for K–12 students, as well as Public Health, Communications, and Educational Counseling interns who work directly with the CommUniverCity team to implement projects.
* Investment Value encapsulates the total monetary worth of the CEL volunteer hours contributed to the project.