High school students got a taste of college life yesterday as they explored the CSUN campus as a part of Associated Students’ “A.S. Awareness Month.”

Local high school Associated Student Body students from Northridge Academy and Granda Hills Charter were invited to attend a “High School Conference,” a series of events hosted by A.S. in an effort to encourage the high schoolers to attend CSUN and get involved during their college years.

The event began with a leadership reception at 8 a.m. in the Grand Salon where the high schoolers were given an opportunity to talk to current senators and cabinet members over food and refreshments.

The high schoolers then attended an A.S. senate meeting and multiple workshops before being given a tour of campus and participating in the traditional rose ceremony.

“These students are looking up to you [A.S. senators], and you are an example of what a leader is on campus,” Valerie Leal, A.S. chief of staff, said as she addressed the senate.

Through these high school outreach programs, A.S. hopes to motivate students to pursue a higher education and to continue to get involved in their future campus community, whether through A.S. or not.

This is the second annual A.S. outreach to local high school students. Northridge Academy has attended the previous year and this is the first invite for Granda Hills Charter School.

The high school conference was the final event of A.S. Awareness Month.