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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University students, faculty and administrators will host an event in Portland on Saturday, Dec. 4, focused on helping African and African American students attending area high schools prepare for college.

Part of OSU's 1999-2000 series of Community Outreach events, the session will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Self Enhancement, Inc., 3920 N. Kerby Ave.

The program, which includes a light lunch, is designed for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Portland area.

"We're going to be talking to students about college choices and options and we'll have workshops for parents and students," said Paul James, coordinator of OSU's Ujima Education Office. Oregon State opened the Ujima Education Office in 1997 to assist African American students with cultural, educational and social development, James said. The office is named for a Swahili word meaning "collective work and responsibility." A large part of the office's work involves retention and recruitment of students, he said.

The event will give prospective students a chance to meet OSU students, staff and faculty, James said.

Scheduled speakers include OSU President Paul Risser.

Information on financial aid, admissions, housing, student support services and a number of other topics will be available. For information, contact the Ujima Education Office at 541-737-9032.