College Day
College Day introduces elementary and middle school students to the value of higher education by connecting them with SJSU students enrolled in the Career Exploration (EDCO 4) course. Through poster presentations and personal storytelling, SJSU students share their college experiences to spark curiosity and inspire younger students to consider college as part of their future. This initiative supports the City of San Jose’s Child and Youth Master Plan by promoting a college-going culture among children and youth at an early age.
During the 2024–25 academic year, CommUniverCity partnered with five local schools, including Lowell, McKinley, and Washington Elementary Schools, Ohlone Middle School, and ACE Inspire Academy, for College Day. A total of 240 SJSU students were grouped in teams of five to deliver 30-minute presentations about college life, majors, campus resources, and student organizations.
CommUniverCity supported the program by helping coordinate logistics, providing materials, and offering additional assistance throughout the event. College Day presentations were interactive, encouraging elementary and middle school students to ask questions about college, ranging from academic and dorm life to scholarships and extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and Greek life. The experience fostered emotional connections and helped youth envision themselves in higher education.
Surveys showed the program had a profound impact in that students identified key steps toward college-going, such as how to apply and how to choose a career path. Overall, College Day helps build stronger university community ties and inspires the next generation of college students.
Project Impacts
85% reported it helped them reflect on their college journey.
70% said they gained a better understanding of the Downtown San Jose community.
Participants*
Community Engaged Learners*
Cumulative Hours
Investment Value*
Faculty Lead
Michele Burns & Jimma Cortes-Smith
What people say?
* 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.