In the fall of 2003 we, the leaders of the USC NAACP, took an informal survey of the USC student body to gauge which civil rights issue in society students thought was most significant. The issue of education easily beat issues such as healthcare, police brutality and employment disparities. Unsure of how to address such a complicated topic and well-aware of our own limitations as student volunteers, we decided to hold a forum discussion to determine a focus and direction for our Education committee.

We were struck at how different the college preparatory programs in schools were when we listened to the many college preparatory experiences shared at the forum. USC students told stories of under-supplied college counseling offices with one or two over whelmed- counselors. Others described tales of lavish centers adorned with brochures, financial aid materials and applications from schools across the nation. Troubled by the inconsistency among college preparatory programs led us to ask questions.

We all learn to write cursive in third grade, state history in fourth, US History in 11 th, why are we not taught about college in the same consistent manner? Why did I only learn what a Cal-Grant is when I was in 11 th grade and she learned when she was in 9 th? Is there a correlation between a structured college prep program and college interest and admittance among high school students? As these questions poured out, we decided that a formal inquiry should be our first step. Through a process of learning, truth seeking, listening, and giving of time and energy we hope to emerge with some useful information we can use to enhance the educational experiences of those that come after us.