San Diego – Reality Changers, a City Heights-based nonprofit that helps youth become first-generation college graduates, is expanding its positive impact and helping parents and families of its program
participants – by offering a free six-part workshop on financial education. Local Bank of America leaders will teach the Better Money Habits virtual workshop series to help Reality Changers families build
financial know-how.

The series, which begins on December 7, will be offered in both English and Spanish and include financial literacy skills such as saving and budgeting for college. In City Heights, less than 14% of adults hold college diplomas and students’ families live on a median income of $33,000, compared to $70,588 countywide. Last year, the organization served 500 8th -12th graders.

“At Reality Changers, we not only provide academic tutoring and college readiness programs to young people who will be the first in their families to go to college, but we also assist them with financial aid and scholarship applications,” explains Tamara Y. Craver, President & CEO of Reality Changers. “We are excited to offer this opportunity as another tool to help families plan for college expenses and build
toward financial stability. “We are committed to helping families improve economic mobility, particularly in low-to-middle income areas and in communities of color” says Rick Bregman, Bank of America Market President for San Diego. “This includes investments into educational programs as well as tools to help entire households understand and manage personal finances, a crucial factor in helping families plan for college.”

Since 2012, Bank of America has partnered with Reality Changers to provide support for College Town, a program which includes professional development training that prepares youth for careers through
leadership skills coaching, job shadowing, and mentorship.