Dear Parent:

I am pleased to inform you of a new opportunity for your child to become eligible for the University of California. For the first time, your child may become eligible for the nation's top public university system based solely on his or her academic performance at [INSERT NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]. However, we cannot release academic records to the University without parent authorization.

Students who we identify as being in the top-tier of our school, and whose parents have authorized us to release information to the University of California, will have their student record information, including transcripts, provided to the University of California. The University will evaluate the academic record of these students for purposes of determining the student’s qualifications for participating in Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) also known as the 4 percent plan, a new path to eligibility for freshman admission to the University. Only University of California personnel and their authorized agents will have access to student records. Student information, including names and addresses, will not be given to others for any purpose; this information will be utilized only by the University of California to determine ELC status, to evaluate the ELC program, and to invite students to apply.

We have a general idea of how many students will ultimately be included in the group that will be submitted to UC for ELC evaluation. However, as of today we do not have an exact number and students have not completed this year’s work which will be considered before we select students for submission to UC. Thus, given the stringent timeline we are working under, we need to seek authorization at this time based on an estimated rather than an actual number. This will result in some of the students for whom we seek your authorization not being included among those sent to UC for evaluation.

Students who achieve ELC status will be notified by the University that, contingent upon completion of all remaining eligibility requirements, they are eligible for admission to the University. These requirements include completion of all required academic coursework and all required standardized tests. Please note that while eligible applicants are guaranteed a place at one of the campuses of the University, they may not be admitted to the campus of their choice. All eligible applicants must complete a University of California application.

There are at least three major benefits of this program to the selected students. First, students will gain the prestige of being identified by the University of California as a top student. Second, by being identified early, these students will benefit from campus outreach programs. Finally, students will know that, as UC-eligible students, they will have a space reserved at the University. This will lessen anxiety about their status as far as UC is concerned and will help them undertake their application tasks with more ease.

For additional information concerning the ELC program, please contact [ENTER THE HIGH SCHOOL CONTACT, WHICH MIGHT BE THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR]. Please return the attached permission form promptly to make sure that your child doesn’t miss out on this opportunity.

Sincerely,