Join Reality Changers

Start Your College Journey

Are you a high school student who is interested in joining Reality Changers? Apply to enjoy free field trips, after-school tutoring, community service opportunities, career workshops, mentoring, college applications help, scholarship & FAFSA support, and more!

Opportunities for High Schoolers

A group of high school students wearing body paint and posing

College Town

College Town, located in City Heights, is our free program for 8th-11th graders. Students come at least once a week after school. Activities include homework help, learning about college, and practicing public speaking. There’s plenty of fun and exploration as well! This past year, we offered robot coding camps, kayaking adventures, volunteer opportunities, Padres games, and more to students in College Town.

COLLEGE APPS ACADEMY

College Apps Academy helps 12th graders get into the 2 and 4-year schools that are the best fit for them, with an emphasis on helping you to afford college and prepare for college life. Our free programs are offered on weekday evenings in City Heights or on-campus at some local high schools.

Students work on college essays together

Reality Changers in Action

smiling Reality Changers freshman

"Reality Changers is an amazing program. I have a math test every Friday and my tutor always helps me get ready. I feel like they really do help with all sorts of things. I really would recommend Reality Changers.”

Ricardo

Class of 2025
High school student standing outside

“Reality Changers has really impacted my life. It’s not only helping out with applications for summer opportunities, helping out with community service, and helping out with homework in general; it’s also a place where you can have fun and make good friends.“

Alvaro

Class of 2023
A college-bound high school senior

“Because of College Apps Academy, I got into one of my top choice colleges and I got a bunch of scholarships.”

Olivia

Class of 2022
Wendy smiling and holding a UC Irvine pennant

“I literally failed a class freshman year. But, ever since I joined Reality Changers, I haven’t failed anything. Reality Changers is just like another family to support you. The people here are really sweet and friendly.”

Wendy

Class of 2022

Interested in Applying for Reality Changers?

We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 31st, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students that attend school in San Diego County, and meet our program entry requirements are eligible to apply to our programs.

Definitions for First-Generation (also called "First-Gen") differ. For Reality Changers, you are considered "first-generation" if neither of your parents (or your legal guardian) have earned a four-year college degree from a university based in the United States.

Yes – Applicants must reapply each year.

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email (please keep this email for your records). You may be contacted if there are any issues or questions about your application. Please be sure to provide an email address that you check frequently so that you do not miss any communications from Reality Changers.

Due to the high volume of applications, our main form of communication is via email.

If you completed an online application and have questions about it, please contact our Associate Director of Programs, Mariel Mauricio, at Mariel@RealityChangers.org

Reality Changers Requirements

To participate in any of our programs, students must:

  • Attend school in San Diego County 
  • Be entering 9th – 12th 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
  • Are able to secure transportation to and from each session

GPA Requirements

For students entering 9th-11th grades, Reality Changers recommends that you have a certain GPA level. If your GPA falls below this level, you may still apply to the program.

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

Incoming 12th graders are required to have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Questions about joining Reality Changers?

Contact us to learn more or get involved

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