REALITY CHANGERS prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Earlier this year, I asked a struggling 8th grader how it would feel if he were accepted into Reality Changers. Without hesitation came his response: “Words haven’t been invented yet.” I echo these sentiments when trying to quantify my gratitude towards everyone who has supported Reality Changers over the years, because it’s all of you that have helped us (like our students) defy the odds and prosper.
It all started in 2001 with a handful of eighth and ninth graders that I recruited at Ray A. Kroc Middle School, where I worked at the time as a substitute teacher. I ran the program solo, supported by a few college-student tutors. Back then, program was held in the Hispanic Presbyterian Church, near downtown San Diego. With minimal help, funding, and students in attendance, there were times I wasn’t sure if the program was going to take.
Flash-forward to today:
Nearly two decades later, Reality Changers now serves nearly 1,000 youth
from disadvantaged backgrounds in Southern California every year.
Headquartered in a neighborhood described once described as “the rotting core of America’s Finest City,” Reality Changers has developed a nationally-recognized, three-stage college access program that changes realities for high-potential, inner city youth.
Since starting with just $300 in seed money, Reality Changers has served 2,000 graduates
– including 29 Gates Scholars – who have earned over $140,000,000 in scholarship from all sources.
Reality Changers aims to scale its programs so that we can provide even more youth with the academic support, financial assistance, and leadership training to become college graduates.
Our vision is to create universal access to college, one community at a time.
Please join this effort so we can succeed together!
COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING
Earlier this year, I asked a struggling 8th grader how it would feel if he were accepted into Reality Changers. Without hesitation came his response: “Words haven’t been invented yet.” I echo these sentiments when trying to quantify my gratitude towards everyone who has supported Reality Changers over the years, because it’s all of you that have helped us (like our students) defy the odds and prosper.
It all started in 2001 with a handful of eighth and ninth graders that I recruited at Ray A. Kroc Middle School, where I worked at the time as a substitute teacher. I ran the program solo, supported by a few college-student tutors. Back then, program was held in the Hispanic Presbyterian Church, near downtown San Diego. With minimal help, funding, and students in attendance, there were times I wasn’t sure if the program was going to take.
Flash-forward to today:
Nearly two decades later, Reality Changers now serves nearly 1,000 youth
from disadvantaged backgrounds in Southern California every year.
Headquartered in a neighborhood described once described as “the rotting core of America’s Finest City,” Reality Changers has developed a nationally-recognized, three-stage college access program that changes realities for high-potential, inner city youth.
Since starting with just $300 in seed money, Reality Changers has served 2,000 graduates
– including 29 Gates Scholars – who have earned over $140,000,000 in scholarship from all sources.
Reality Changers aims to scale its programs so that we can provide even more youth with the academic support, financial assistance, and leadership training to become college graduates.
Our vision is to create universal access to college, one community at a time.
Please join this effort so we can succeed together!