Proof for McClatchy High School students that a University of California education is within their reach? Three of the four UC Davis students who took to the stage at an assembly there last Thursday (Nov. 3) were alumni of the Sacramento school.

McClatchy was the site of an Achieve UC event to inspire students to pursue a UC education, encourage early preparation and let them know it is affordable.

Earlier, dozens of UC officials, educators, elected officials and other community leaders met at a reception. "We have some important work to do here," UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May (above) said in brief remarks. "Together we are helping make college possible for McClatchy High School students."

UC Leaders Tell McClatchy Students: You Can ‘Achieve UC’

Read more about the Achieve UC event at McClatchy High School and the financial aid available to make a UC education possible.

Also that morning, UC Davis staff led classroom presentations about the opportunities that a UC education can provide, how students can prepare to be successful applicants and the financial aid available to help pay for university.

Chancellor May wore a McClatchy hat during an assembly for about 700 10th graders. He highlighted the diversity of the University of California. "No matter who you are or where you're from, you'll find a welcome home at UC Davis or one of our sister UC campuses."

The McClatchy High audience heard about college life from four UC Davis students, as they responded to questions from UC Vice Provost Yvette Gullatt, right. The panelists, from left: senior Alice Atiegar and first-year students and McClatchy alumni Claire Mitchell, Adamaris Perez-Venegas and Benjamin Saetern.

Atiegar, left, who attended El Camino Fundamental High School in Sacramento, said she was pleased to discover how diverse UC Davis is. She added that there are lots of student-run organizations and services for minority students.

UC Davis students and Gunrock tossed T-shirts and other swag into the audience.

Over lunch, May talked with about a dozen McClatchy students, including student body leaders and participants in the MESA college and career preparation program, offered locally through UC Davis. MESA hosts events to expose students from groups underrepresented in university to opportunities in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and help them understand university admissions.

Outside at a college fair, representatives of UC's nine undergraduate campuses and Sacramento City College were on hand to talk with McClatchy students.