ES 
Our Work
Supporting First-Generation Futures
Reality Changers serves youth who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Our programs support students from racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and academic backgrounds that are typically underrepresented on college campuses and overlooked by institutions. In fact, before Reality Changers, many of our students may not have considered themselves "college material."
Launching Agents of Change
College degrees create new opportunities for individuals. On average, a Bachelor's degree increases a person's lifetime earnings by 84%.
College builds equity for underserved communities. Not only do our graduates bring new economic resources to their families and neighborhoods, they also and work, invest, and get involved in their communities.
Our Youth
Alvaro (‘23)
Karina (‘17)
Michael (‘10)
Our Programs
College Town
College Town is a cost-free afterschool and summer program for 8th-11th graders. The curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation of academic, personal, and community-building skills. Students receive tutoring, join field trips, participate in community service outings, and more. Programs for families help to build resiliency and prepare parents for college.
COLLEGE APPS ACADEMY
College Apps Academy provides cost-free support for high school seniors through the college application process and beyond. We help students get into the 2 and 4-year institutions that are the best fit for them, with an emphasis on maximizing financial aid options and preparing for college life.
The Alumni Network
Just getting first-generation students into college isn’t enough. Nationally, 90% of first-generation, low-income college students don’t graduate within six years. The Alumni Network helps youth get through college graduation and launch their careers.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer
Looking to get involved with nonprofit organizations in San Diego? You can be the person that makes a difference in a young person’s life.
Visit
Come see our education center and meet students working to become first-generation college graduates.
Donate
Help youth achieve their dreams.
Blog and Media Coverage
See How Reality Changers Makes a Difference
Meet The Bueno Family
Meet the Buenos: Stephanie (‘15), Mimi (‘24), and their parents: Erika and Luiz. The family values education, not just because college is a pathway to opportunity, but also because it helps them to give back to their community in Southeast San Diego. Erika grew up in Mexico. She was not able to finish high school […]
Meet Genemo
Genemo (‘11) grew up in Ethiopia and City Heights. As a high school student, he participated in Reality Changers, where he learned soft and hard skills for college success. “If you go through the Reality Changers experience,” he says, “you’re a different person at the end. It gave me the discipline to follow through and […]
Meet Ricky
“College really gives people the opportunity to find something they love and to work in that field.” – Ricky (‘18) For many students, the path to college and career success can be daunting, especially for youth who don’t have a strong academic or professional network. Ricky, a Reality Changers graduate, had support from organization mentors […]
Why Mentorship Matters
As a parent, you want the best for your teen. However, sometimes, they need more than just your guidance to navigate the challenges of growing up. That’s where a mentor can make all the difference. Just why is mentorship important for youth? Mentor-mentee relationships have been proven to: Given these perks, it’s clear that mentorship […]