For Cal Poly President Soraya M. Coley, there was a familiar feeling when she walked through the doors of Antioch Baptist Church during a recent visit.

Her stepfather was a minister, and church was a place that made her feel that she could accomplish any goal she set in the future — including one day becoming a university president.

“Church — the building, the people, the community I grew up with — was my home,” Coley told the congregation at Antioch Baptist Church in Pomona during a Feb. 23 visit. “That congregation lifted me up, encouraged me to believe in myself and never let me doubt my abilities. Their constant encouragement helped me grow into the woman I am now.” Now, it was time to give back some of that encouragement to local youth by sharing with them a message about the value of a college education.

Her talk at Antioch, marked the 20^th year that Cal Poly Pomona has teamed up with predominantly Black faith-based organizations in the community as part of the California State University’s (CSU) Super Sunday initiative.

At the church, Coley engaged with prospective Broncos and their families, sharing that a college education is accessible, affordable, doable and life changing, especially at a CSU.

“A college education provides lifelong growth, security and opportunity, and it’s the very best gift you can give to yourself and your family,” Coley said. “I hope you’ll let nothing hold you back. Whether you’re the first in your family to attend, looking to transfer from a community college, or an adult who wants more for yourself through a certificate or degree, the CSU offers the programs and support you need to reach your desired dreams.”

Benefits to a CSU degree are huge, she added. A college degree has an average lifetime value of $2.8 million, and degree holders, even in tough economic times, have better access to health insurance and retirement plans, lower rates of unemployment, and reported higher levels of health and happiness.

The CSU supports the success of all students but has recently made the support of Black students an urgent priority, opening the first statewide office to ensure that the CSU becomes one of the national leaders in Black student success and excellence, Coley said.

“We make sure our students are connected with a range of support and experiences — from undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, Career Center, advising, as well as mental health and wellness services — to help them thrive.”

Staff from CPP’s Office of Outreach, Recruitment and Educational Partnerships also attended the service to share information about the services the university provides.

Members of the Antioch congregation said Coley’s message was well received.

“Dr. Coley’s comments about the importance of education and the opportunities that become available with an education resonated with me,” said Linda Ursery-Fleming (’75, liberal studies) “Because of higher education that began at Cal Poly Pomona, I purchased my first home in 1979. My husband, Anthony, who I met at Cal Poly Pomona, and I were able to provide our two daughters with a firm foundation that has supported their education, which includes master’s degrees and an Ed.D. They too, have options and opportunities as a result of their education.”

Fellow member Sydney Stewart also connected with Coley’s message about the value of a college education.

“It was a powerful reminder of the importance of bridging faith and education,” Stewart said. “President Coley’s message resonated deeply with our congregation, emphasizing the opportunities available to our young people and the importance of higher education. We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding these efforts in the future.”

While Coley spoke to the congregation at Antioch, RISE (Residential Intensive Summer Education), a free and immersive summer program for high school students and incoming freshmen, particularly aimed at supporting Black student success at CPP, hosted the congregation from Primm Tabernacle AME Church in Pomona. Visitors learned more about RISE and its effort to expose students to campus life and provide leadership development, mentorship and academic support.

“Our congregation was received with amazing hospitality last Sunday by Cal Poly Pomona, the RISE program, and the Kellogg West Center staff. The warmth was felt by everyone,” said Paul Thomas, deputy president and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and a volunteer at Primm Tabernacle AME. “As a church with nearly 130 years of history in Pomona, Primm is excited about forging deeper connections with Cal Poly Pomona. We’re both about the future. We’re both about community. We’re both excited to see where this connection leads.