In an effort to reach out to the underrepresented communities around the California State University system, university officials spoke at Super Sunday events at more than 100 predominantly African-American churches throughout the state in the month of February.

The Super Sunday events are a part of the CSU’s outreach program to educate students and their families about the requirements for entering a four-year college and ultimately earning a degree.

Various officials from Sacramento State were part of this outreach effort on Sunday morning at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento. Members from the 5,000-person congregation had the chance to meet with several department heads from Sac State, including having the chance to speak with Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Joseph Sheley.

Sheley said meeting with members of the community and discussing the many opportunities that going to college is a great idea. About 100 churchgoers filed into the large exhibition room to meet with school officials after the morning services.

“Going into the community is huge. It’s not enough to just let the community know that college is an option for them,” he said. “We can say this over and over again, but unless we can be there and show people what steps they have to do to get into college, then really we are not doing our job.”

Sheley said even though the current economy plays a major role in education expenses, community members are always welcome at the college.

“We go out every year to churches in the community and try to make sure that people who are reading about how tough the budget is or how hard it is to go to school, understand that Sac State has a place for them. And unless we go out and tell them, a lot of times they do not hear it,” Sheley said. “Our goal is to say this to the communities, churches and families around the campus.”

As part of the morning’s meet-and-greet, those in attendance also received an informational poster titled, “How To Get To College.” The poster, designed for sixth- and seventh-grade students, gave steps to guide the students on how to get to college, with emphasis on what classes to take and gives parents and mentors tips on how to help the student succeed.

As a parent of three young children and a Sac State alumna, Paris Coleman said these types of events help to bring institutions like Sac State to the forefront.

“It is very important for administrators and schools to reach out to the community on several levels. One, to encourage people to attend college and also to inform the community that the college is there to help them,” Coleman said.

In a statement released from the CSU chancellor’s office, Charles Reed said the majority of jobs in the future will require a degree.

Of the 26,000-plus Sac State students enrolled during the fall 2010 semester, 6.2 percent were classified as African-American.

Coleman believes the assets are out there for the community to use, but few know they exist.

“The reality is that African-Americans need to utilize the resources available to us. We often look to what we know as opposed to looking outside and recognizing we need help just like everyone else,” Coleman said. “Everyone should be where they can get information, either at a church or university. There is help that is out there, to help us better our lives. Until we recognize that we need help, then it makes it harder for us to elevate ourselves.”

Matt Harrington can be reached at [email protected]