5 smiling future first-gen college students

College Changes Everything

Reality Changers is a nonprofit organization in San Diego that prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their community.

Farm to Table(aux)

Thursday, April 11

Support first-gen futures while enjoying live painting, artisanal food, and world class entertainment and MORE!

Career Exploration Week

April 2 - April 5

Career Exploration Week is an annual event where future first-generation graduates visit workplaces across San Diego County.

Steven's Story

Get to know Steven, a Class of 2022 high school graduate, who is currently completing his first year at San Diego State University.

Student working on a poster

Give Monthly

Monthly giving spreads the financial impact of your contributions across the entire year, lessening the one-time impact on your wallet and allowing you to give more over time.

Our Work

Smiling high school graduate with cap and gown

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.

2 young adults in professional attire

Our Youth

High school student standing outside

Alvaro (‘23)

The Preuss School UC San Diego
“Reality Changers shows you that school could change your life, even if you don’t think it might.”
Karina Cardenas Graduation

Karina (‘17)

UC Berkeley
“Reality Changers has definitely been the backbone in my life, in my academics and on a personal level.”
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Michael (‘10)

UCLA
“Reality Changers taught me how to discover the power of my own story.”

Our Impact

PROGRAMS & PRACTICES THAT YIELD RESULTS

X 7

Seven times more likely

to graduate from college

1,580

people served Annually

8th grade to career & families

3,300

High School Graduates

Since 2001

Our Programs

A volunteer tutor helps a high school student

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.

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Reality Changers alumni at a reunion

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 tutor helps a student who is using a computer

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.

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Visit

Come see our education center and meet students working to become first-generation college graduates.

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Donate

Help youth achieve their dreams.

Blog and Media Coverage

See How Reality Changers Makes a Difference

2022-2023 Annual Report

We’re proud to share our latest Annual Report! This report, which covers the 2022 – 2023 School Year, includes profiles, data, infographics, quotes, and more.

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Meet Javier

“Without the resources provided by Reality Changers, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” 

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entry level resume

Popular Resumes for College and High School Students

In today’s competitive academic and job market, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever for college and high school students. Crafting a compelling entry-level resume is the first step to making a memorable impression. Whether applying for your first job, vying for an internship, or seeking college admissions, the proper resume can […]

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Meet Victoria

When Reality Changers alum Victoria (‘13) was getting ready to begin applying to college she knew that she would need support. Victoria was eager to be the first in her family to attend college, and knew that the best way to achieve this goal was by finding a like-minded community of peers who understood what she was going through.

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