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IMPACT ON THE SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY

A THREE-STAGE COLLEGE READINESS PROGRAM

We surround struggling 8th graders with positive peer role models so that they can succeed together. By the time they reach 12th grade, all students are prepared for our intensive, year-long course to guide them through the college application process. After graduating from the program, our alumni network offers lifetime support to our students, for college and beyond.
OUR STRATEGY >

HOW WE HELP

•  Comprehensive weekly 1:1 tutoring programs
•  College readiness and youth development programs
•  Community service weekends – Over 2,500 hours/yr.
•  Scholarships to UCSD’s Academic Connections
•  Summer leadership camp
•  School research and selection
•  College essay writing and editing
•  Application submission
•  Financial aid and scholarship support
•  Support to finish a four-year degree
•  Post-secondary academic guidance
•  Internship/employment resources

HELP HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS REALIZE THEIR COLLEGE DREAMS!

What’s the difference between an “at-risk student” and a resilient, filled-with-inspiration, first generation college student? The difference is YOU!

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LATEST BLOGS

30
Jun
2017

Everything You Need to Know about the College Common Application

What is the College Common Application? Before you can attend college, you have to apply for college. And how you apply to college – or, most likely, multiple colleges – is a pivotal part of the process. An inefficient college application process creates needless headaches, unnecessary delays and mounting frustration.

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15
Jun
2017

The Malin Burnham Awards a smashing success!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MALIN BURNHAM AWARDS   The Malin Burnham Awards, on May 23, was a great success! We raised and recognized $2,610,855 at our first gala while celebrating our region’s Most-Admired Leaders.  #CommunityBeforeSelf   VIEW MORE HIGHLIGHTS “I emcee a lot of great nonprofit events in San Diego, but

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01
Jun
2017

7 Tips for High School Students Preparing for College

College preparation: two of the scariest words in the English language. But they don’t have to be. Like everything else, even the most daunting challenges are much more doable with a solid plan in place. Because we’ve helped hundreds of students in the San Diego learn how to prepare for

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22
May
2017

How to Find Grants and Scholarships for College Students

High school seniors looking to attend college are often told to look for grants and scholarships. That’s sound advice, but is it detailed enough? Where should you look for scholarships for college? And should you start looking before your senior year? We’ll answer that last question now: of course you

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16
May
2017

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

BLANCA HERNANDEZ: UC Santa Cruz C/O 2011 Blanca graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2011, earning her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. She is currently on track to enroll in graduate school for Public Health in Germany. What was the biggest challenge you faced when transitioning from high school classes

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15
May
2017

How to Apply For College

While there isn’t a definitive “How to Apply for College” user’s manual, there are certain resources in place – including scholarships, mentoring programs and other tools – that will help in your quest to achieve the dream of a post-high school education. Reality Changers is an advocate for disadvantaged youth

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09
May
2017

Welcoming New Staff

ELLEN MALEY: Intern, Alumni Network Ellen is a recent grad from Point Loma Nazarene University. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish. As someone who is passionate about social justice and education, she was drawn to Reality Changers and their work with first-generation students. She is looking forward to

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08
May
2017

The Top College Planning Resources for High School Students

What ultimately determines college readiness? There’s not a single answer, or rather one correct answer; it’s a combination of things. So what is your optimal combination of skills, experiences and academic exposure that will benefit your upcoming college career? Reality Changers helps at-risk youth in the San Diego area attain

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01
May
2017

What to Look for in a High School Mentoring Program

A high school mentoring program helps develop critical social skills, encourages academic achievement and provides positive, life-enriching experiences for students all across the country. In its own way, the Reality Changers story of helping disadvantaged San Diego students attend and graduate college is a type of mentorship program for high

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