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
What Can High School Students do to prepare for College
Learning how to prepare for college in high school is one of the most critical steps a student can take toward building a successful future. While many believe the college journey begins with a dorm room or a course catalog, it actually starts much earlier. Small, intentional choices made in the classroom, at home, and […]
9 Ways to Engage Gen Z with Career Exploration
Gen Z Career Exploration: 9 Powerful Ways You Can Take Charge Thinking about your future career can feel overwhelming, especially when advice comes at you from every direction — parents, teachers, friends, even social media. The upside? Career exploration for Gen Z is more open than ever. Success doesn’t have to mean a nine-to-five; you […]
Breaking Barriers: First-gen college student statistics & Outcomes
What the Data Says About First-Generation College Students Attending college is a significant milestone for anyone, but it can feel especially overwhelming when you’re the first in your family to do it. First-generation students often face a mix of pressure, pride, and uncertainty as they navigate unfamiliar territory. When we look at first-generation college student […]
Meet Christine
Christine (‘22) just completed her junior year at UCLA. Her confidence has grown during her time in college and she is proud of all that she’s accomplished. Driven by a life-long love of learning, Christine knew she wanted to go to college and that strong academics would be important. But even though she was earning […]