1. The Future of Orange County Latinas Ana Tadeo, Costa Mesa High School Julieth Zapata, Costa Mesa High School Jenny De La Luz, Beckman High School Yesenia Romero, Costa Mesa High School Inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold!

2. OUR FUTURE LATINAS Orange County Latinas were asked about their future... 61 % envision careers that require a college degree. 61 % envision careers that require a college degree. For the first time in three years, we have Latinas who want to be, Chemist Chemist Oncologist Oncologist Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Ultrasound technician Ultrasound technician Gynecologist Gynecologist Education plans after high school: Our concern: 60% of girls attending CC will not transfer to a four-year school.

3. College: Expectations and Concerns 90% said their parents expect them to go to college. 90% said their parents expect them to go to college. 90% of Latinas want to have the choice to go to college. 90% of Latinas want to have the choice to go to college. However, 15% feel that they don’t have this choice. However, 15% feel that they don’t have this choice. 22% list $ as the reason. First Generation? 85%

4. School Support Services 62.5% of Latinas have met with their counselor 3-4 times However 92% said that meetings lasted less than 30 min. Is there a college counselor in your school? Yes - 55% Yes, but haven’t met - 16% Not sure - 22% SO WHAT? Girls don’t have enough time to talk with counselors They’re not aware or haven’t sought out the resources available to them.

5. Future Goals Who are Latinas talking to about their goals? 72% - Counselors 25% - College counselor 55% - Teacher 50% - Parents 32% - HAVE NOT TALKED TO ANYONE Latinas are talking to their parents, but is 50% enough???  - They are still not getting enough information or school resources

6. College Preparation A-G courses: should they be mandatory for all students? 64% answered YES 10% answered NO 26% aren’t sure. If A-G makes students eligible to enter a college/university, why do 36% OC Latinas not want to or aren’t sure about making A-G mandatory? Are they uninformed or are they not prepared to take those classes?

7. How prepared are Latinas? College Entrance Exams 31% have taken the PSAT 51% have taken the SAT. 33% have taken another exam. 31.25% have not taken any exam. Why? 1. 1. “I haven’t received any information about the exams” 2. 2. “I can’t afford it” AP Course enrollment: 57.5% of Latinas are enrolled 41.25% are not If 51% have taken SAT, 87% have a 2.5 or higher GPA and 57% are in AP classes, then why are 42% only going to a four-year school?

8. Elections 2008 Are you eligible to vote? YES 55%NO 40% Presidential Candidates Clinton 76% Obama 70% McCain 47% A good president should be: Responsible, honest, experienced, determined, unbiased, compassionate, problem solver, Just, Courageous Do you foresee a Latina president in your lifetime? YES - 63%NO - 37% Issues Important to Latinas 1.Immigration 2.War 3.Healthcare 4.Economy 5.Environment & Job creation Money and the lack of information are reasons why Latinas are not going to college. Why is EDUCATION NOT a top 5 issue when it comes to the 2008 Elections!!!

9. Recommendations LEGISLATORS Make college more affordable (keep fees low or provide more grants) Don’t make legal status a requirement to obtain financial aid Provide more counselors to serve the needs of overpopulated schools SCHOOLS Longer meetings between counselor and students More encouragement for Hispanic participation in school activities like ASB or science clubs Have mandatory meetings with parents to inform them of A-G