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)
MAKE AN IMPACT
YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
$250
COLLEGE ACCESS
Your gift of $250 helps provide individualized, expert coaching to high school seniors for support throughout the college, scholarship, and FAFSA application process.
$100
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Your gift of $100 helps provide career exploration services that connect youth to internships, local businesses, and professional role models.
$50
MENTORING AND TUTORING
Your gift of $50 supports the recruitment and retention of qualified volunteer tutors and mentors who work 1-on-1 with 8th graders, high schoolers, college students, and early career professionals.
$25
SUPPLIES
Your gift of $25 helps provide essential education supplies such as notebooks, binders, paper, pencils, and more.
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
Haniyeh’s Story
“Nothing could turn me away from school. This is the reason I came to the United States. My mom sacrificed everything so my younger sister and I could pursue our education. A lot of people dream of these opportunities.” – Haniyeh Haniyeh is a Class of 2018 Reality Changers graduate, part of the first UCSD …
NEWS: Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Awarded
Johnny Ritchey Scholarship recipients were celebrated on the field before the April 17th Padres home game.
Student Film
Congratulations to Reality Changers high school senior, Saad, for completing a short film that was showcased at the Media Arts Center San Diego’s Through Our Lens: Youth Stories of Expanded Learning in San Diego.
News: Tamara Craver Op-Ed
“It takes great strength, confidence, resilience, and grit to be first. Whatever you do next, whatever you overcome, wherever you go; no matter how big or small it may seem, you are making history –– and changing the future for those coming behind you.”
