Porterville College Inspires Local Students at High School Junior Day

The energy was electric inside the Porterville College Gym on Thursday, April 2nd, as the campus successfully hosted more than 800 local high school juniors for its annual High School Junior Day. This high-energy event id designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education by offering students a firsthand look at the academic and professional opportunities awaiting them at the college.

The highlight of the morning was keynote speaker Dr. Richard Santana, the founder of Homeboy Goes to Harvard Productions. Once known as “Señor Chocolate” in gang circles, Dr. Santana shared his transformative journey from a third-generation gang member to earning a Master’s degree from Harvard University. His powerful narrative of overcoming adversity through education aims to inspire a new generation of students to envision a future beyond their current circumstances. Dr. Santana noted that sharing his story provides an opportunity to give back to the community, and he expressed his hope that students walked away feeling they have genuine opportunities in life.

The day was packed with interactive experiences intended to create excitement around the prospect of attending Porterville College. Students participated in campus tours and visited a resource fair featuring dozens of booths that highlighted various programs and support services.

The event concluded with giveaways featuring items provided by the Porterville College Foundation. By providing students with these information-rich experiences, the college continues its mission to make the decision to attend college easier for local youth.