In 1995, Dr. Rotella inherited an American community college district with “the lowest 18-year old college enrollment figures in the nation”. Faced with a largely uneducated population of SE Asian, Central and South American immigrants, Dr. Rotella could see a “cycle of poverty” that only education could break. If someone could guide these kids and their families on a “pathway to higher education” an entire region would benefit.
His 1995 question to his Riverside Community College staff was simple:
“How many 11-year old children are there in our district today?”
“About 9,000” was the answer.
“How much will it cost to fund their two-year RCC education when they become 18 years old?”
“About US$1.5 million” came the reply.
“You get the kids, I’ll get the money” Dr. Rotella exclaimed!
And once he got his message out to local community business leaders - that unless students could be better guided, those kids will either end up “in jail or in the army, and the local businesses will have scant skilled labor, and as such be lucky to even keep their shops and factories operating, perpetuating a cycle of poverty”– and with that message, “the money flowed in like water!” he said.
PASSPORT TO COLLEGE’s innovative business, education, community, and family partnership increased the region's college–going rate by making a college education possible for high school graduates via community scholarship.
Our OpenHeart Community Education Foundation will offer the Thai community these PASSPORT-proven guidance points: 
For students
- Presentations by educators to reinforce the importance of high school, then college and the skills necessary to succeed in tomorrow's work-place
- Field trips to college campuses in Chonburi, and Bangkok
- Scholarship assistance for each eligible student
For teachers
- Curriculum that introduces higher education as a viable and attainable option right from early childhood
- Lessons on healthy study habits, classroom behavior, leadership and development, and other skills for success
For families
- Parent meetings to answer questions and receive ongoing program updates
- A resource manual and newsletters to assist in promoting student's education
- By participating in campus tours, family meetings, and school activities, our families can explore career opportunities and understand that if they plan now and work hard, their dreams are within their reach.
Today, over 11,500 graduates of the PASSPORT TO COLLEGE Program, and their families have been impacted by one man’s vision. Our intention is to replicate this amazing achievement in Thailand.
