Compton Unified School District recently hosted its 10th Annual Compton Goes to College Conference at Cal State Dominguez Hills, welcoming more than 1,200 scholars from grades 6–12. For the first time, the conference also included middle school scholars, ensuring that college readiness conversations begin earlier in students’ academic journeys.

The event was made possible in partnership with GEAR UP Cal State Dominguez Hills and GEAR UP UC Irvine, who played a key role in helping bring this important opportunity to life. Scholars attended a keynote session designed to inspire them to think big about their future, while also receiving practical guidance about navigating the road to higher education.

In addition to the main college fair, nearly 200 10th and 11th graders from Centennial, Compton Early College, Compton High School, and Dominguez participated in focused college information seminars. These sessions covered Business, STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, and Athletics, with nearly 20 expert speakers leading small, interactive discussions that allowed students to ask questions and gain deeper insights into future pathways.

Compton Unified is proud to celebrate a remarkable 95% college acceptance rate, a reflection of the talent, determination, and academic preparation of our scholars. This success is also a testament to the dedication of our educators, families, and community partners who continue to provide the guidance and opportunities necessary for students to thrive.

This year’s conference once again demonstrated the power of partnership, preparation, and possibility—and what it truly means when we say: Compton Goes to College.