SF State leaders to visit African American churches on 'Super Sunday'

For the 11th straight year, leaders from San Francisco State University will partner with San Francisco's historically African American churches to inform churchgoing students and their families about the importance of college. The partnership is part of California State University's annual "Super Sunday" events.

During Super Sunday, CSU leaders, including the chancellor and trustees, visit churches across the state to deliver a message directly from the pulpit that encourages youth to pursue a higher education. More than 100,000 congregants hear this important message each year. They also receive important resources from the CSU to help them foster a college-going culture at home.

"Opening the pulpit to anything but the [Sunday] service, that’s a very big deal," said Kenneth Monteiro, dean of SF State's College of Ethnic Studies. "Across the state, a lot of churches are doing this. It’s 100 churches, some in large cities, some in smaller communities. It’s a powerful partnership."

Between Feb. 14 and 28, leaders from SF State will visit five different church congregations within San Francisco to inform young students about the advantages of earning a bachelor's degree and the best ways to plan and prepare for college.

The community is invited to participate as SF State leaders address the following churches on the dates noted:

• Sunday, Feb. 14: Providence Baptist Church, Professor of Design and Industry Ricardo Gomes
• Wednesday, Feb. 24: St. Mary's Cathedral/African American Honor Roll, President Les Wong
• Sunday, Feb. 28: Third Baptist Church, President Les Wong
• Sunday, Feb. 28: Ingleside Presbyterian Church, Vice President for Administration and Finance Ron Cortez
• Sunday, Feb. 28: Grace Tabernacle at City College of San Francisco, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Luoluo Hong

After the service, CSU representatives will be available to speak with students about the application and financial aid process as well as advise students on placement exams, tutoring resources and GED or course requirements.

SF State's Super Sunday presence is part of a series of events across the state organized by the CSU African American Initiative, which aims to increase the number of African Americans who earn college degrees. These events now include Super Saturday, a college fair by the CSU African American Initiative designed to provide students and families from historically underserved communities with important information about preparing for, applying to and graduating from college.

Click for more information about the CSU's "Super Sunday" initiative.