Karla Corea-Carcamo, Director of Public Affairs Central College 100 College Avenue Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone: (240) 435-0024

Email: kcoreaca@terpmail.umd.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTRAL COLLEGE TO PARTICIPATE WITH FOUR INSTITUTIONS IN FOUR-YEAR PILOT STUDY Central College and four other institutions will participate in a four-year pilot study with high schools from the Los Angeles region to increase graduation rate. (CLAREMONT, Ca., March 10) The California Educational Research Foundation (CAERF) and the California Department of Education will fund Central College and four other institutions in Early Support, a four-year pilot study of long-distance education. The pilot study will focus on electronic learning to increase graduation rates among high schools in the Los Angeles region.

Central College will focus on programs in computer skill development, basic English and writing. Participating institutions will work with high school juniors and seniors from the region to improve reading, writing, math and computer skills before they enter college. College personnel will develop and teach the online courses. More

Central CollegePilot Study, pg. 2

As an entire university we are delighted to form part of this study and look forward to enhancing the ways in which learning is done inside and outside of the classroom, Central College President Dr. Leon C. DeWitt said. We remain positive that our participation in this study will bring about innovative ideas to create efficient technologically advanced learning environments.

Central College will appoint a team of five staff members to oversee and help develop the program. Central College also agrees to accept admission and provide financial aid to high school participants who perform satisfactorily in the pilot study.

Central College will ensure that all students receive the proper tools and attention needed to succeed throughout this program, said Dr. Leon C. DeWitt.

About Central College: Central College is a private, liberal arts college founded in 1902 in Claremont, Ca. and part of the greater Los Angeles County. Central College enrolls more than 4,500 full-time students at its main campus and more than 800 students at its annex campus in La Verne, Ca. Central College was the first to offer courses in business administration and marketing under the GI Bill to meet the needs of World War II veterans. Central College also offers technology labs for community enhancement. To learn more about Central College, visit www.centralcollege.edu

For more information about the pilot study, contact Joanne Robinson, Education Officer, directly at (200) 929-0744.

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