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
Welcome Rosa María
Reality Changers is proud to announce that Rosa María Hernández has joined our team as our Vice President of Programs! Rosa María is an accomplished executive who is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of life. Her exceptional ability to bring together strategic program initiatives, community relations, and development …
News: Students meet with State AtTorney General
On August 17, 2023, Reality Changers students gathered with youth from MidCity CAN and Youth Will for the first Youth Community Conversation held by California State Attorney General Rob Bonta. The purpose of this event was for the Attorney General to hear directly from California youth about the issues that are affecting their lives. Five …
Employer Gift Matching with Reality Changers
As an employee or job seeker, you’re likely familiar with the benefits of employer-sponsored health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Many people don’t realize that employer donation matching is also a key benefit for employees. This often overlooked benefit can make a significant impact on your favorite charities and non-profits without ever costing …
Volunteer Opportunities in San Diego
You likely know by now that Reality Changers is not just any college prep program; it is a life-changing initiative that aims to break barriers, uplift communities, and pave the way for first generation college students to pursue higher education. As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely on compassionate individuals like you to make a difference …
