COLLEGE PREPARATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

College Town serves 8th through 11th graders who are future first-generation college graduates. This means that our students will be the first in their families to graduate from college. College prep for San Diego students can make all the difference!

Our students come from racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds which are typically underrepresented on college campuses. Prior to coming to Reality Changers, some of our participants may not have considered themselves “college material".

Our college preparation in San Diego is open to 8th graders who attend Logan Memorial Education Campus or Wilson Middle School. Contact us for more information.

Incoming 9th through 11th graders can fill out our online application. 

To participate in any of our college programs in San Diego, students must:

• Attend school in San Diego County 
• Be entering 9th - 11th grade
• Be first-generation
• Be eligible for a Free/Reduced Lunch program and/or considered low income
• Complete our application process & be selected to join
• Be able to secure transportation to and from each session

Reality Changers recommends that you have a certain GPA level. If your GPA falls below this level, however, you may still apply to the program.

• Incoming 9th grade – 2.0+
• Incoming 10th grade – 2.5+
• Incoming 11th grade – 3.0+

College Town is college preparation for high school students designed to be fun, supportive, and helpful. Every evening, we spend time learning, socializing, eating dinner, and working on homework. Coaches help students to set personal goals and check in on progress, while tutors help with specific homework questions and preparing for tests.

Learning topics include: college knowledge, building academic/professional skills, strategies for mental health, and more.

College Town is like a key that unlocks many doors. Participants have the option to join the following types of activities:

• 3-week residential camp at UCSD
• Coding camp
• ACT & SAT prep classes
• Career Exploration Week field trips to local workplaces
• Outdoor field trips - hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and more!
• Internships
• College tours
• Job training
• Volunteering
• Padres games
• And more

At Reality Changers, we know that students can only be successful in school when all of their other needs are met. Our college prep for San Diego students often includes:

• Counseling and mental health support
• School supplies (including laptops and wireless routers)
• Professional attire & prom outfits
• Referrals for food, housing, and medical support
• Referrals for legal help
• Crisis support
• And more

College readiness in San Diego looks a lot different when you prepare with College Town. The program provides students with all the support and resources necessary for success. This includes workshops on college applications, standardized tests, financial aid, as well as support from mentors and tutors. Students are also encouraged to get involved in the local community and develop leadership skills through service programs and volunteer work. This helps foster a strong sense of social responsibility and purpose.

The College Town program is focused on helping students not just get into college, but succeed once they are there. The program provides ongoing support and resources to help students navigate the challenges of college life and stay on track to graduation. The program connects students with alumni and other professionals in their field of interest, providing valuable networking opportunities that can help students build connections and find internships or job opportunities.