ES 
Our Work
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.
Our Youth
Alvaro (‘23)
Karina (‘17)
Michael (‘10)
Our Programs
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.
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
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.
Visit
Come see our education center and meet students working to become first-generation college graduates.
Donate
Help youth achieve their dreams.
Blog and Media Coverage
See How Reality Changers Makes a Difference
No FAFSA? Here Are Your College Funding Options
Not being able to complete FAFSA can make college feel uncertain, but it does not automatically close the door. Many students run into FAFSA barriers for reasons outside their control. The truth is that federal aid is only one piece of the puzzle. There are college funding options that do not rely on the FAFSA, […]
The Financial Responsibilities They Don’t Teach You in School
The Financial Responsibilities They Don’t Teach You in School Most students leave school knowing how to write an essay or pass a test. Few, however, know how to read a credit card statement or plan for an unexpected expense. That gap can be jarring once real life starts moving quickly. This is why so many […]
What is Senioritis? Signs, Causes, & Strategies to Stay Motivated
Winning the Home Stretch: Strategies to Beat Senioritis The senior year of high school looks easy from the outside. Less challenging classes, more freedom, and graduation right around the corner. But for many students, this is when everything starts to fall apart. Grades drop. Motivation disappears. Deadlines stop feeling real. It happens so often that […]
Campus Tour Essentials: How to Know a College Fits You
Campus Tour Essentials: What to Look for When a College Becomes Your Fit You can learn a lot about a college from its website, brochures, videos, and virtual tours. For many students, those tools are the main way they explore schools. If you do get to visit in person, it can offer another perspective. Hearing […]
