Making Waves Education Foundation

We partner with students of color from low-income backgrounds to achieve economic mobility – starting in middle and high school through college and into their careers. ?? 100% of our high school grads met the A-G admissions requirements for University of California Office of the President campuses and California State University, Office of the Chancellor campuses ?? 86% of our college grads earned degrees with $0 in student loans Check out our latest impact reports to learn more about our Making Waves community: https://lnkd.in/guwqJY3D

???Is grad school worth it? College Coach Danielle Hall, M.S. (she/her) discuses her grad school journey with Financial Coordinators Leticia Perez (she/her) and Briggitte Bola?os Vieyra (she/her) in a candid conversation on the financial and career considerations that go into grad school decisions. Tune into the full podcast episode ?? https://lnkd.in/gtEzp87i

“It is an absolutely amazing feeling to know that I have made history,” shared Leajé Morris, Esq. (she/her), the first Making Waves Academy alumni to graduate from?University of California, Berkeley - School of Law ('22)?and the first in her family to become a lawyer. “It is truly unreal and is an absolute blessing. I would not be here without God, my mother, my Making Waves family, and the discipline that I have maintained throughout this process,” she shared. Leajé's advice for fellow Wave-Makers? "Believe in yourself and know that you are equipped with the knowledge and the power necessary to reach the finish line.” ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gPgWAXyB

Congrats to our COO Erick Roa (he/him) for being selected for the Pahara Institute's Pahara Fellowship! “The work of advancing educational equity is never done, and I’m excited to grow, reflect, and push my thinking in new ways through this experience," shared Erick, who is joining a cohort of values-driven leaders who are helping transform the education system. Erick started his career as a high school teacher in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY. “As a teacher, I discovered my passion for creating spaces of belonging, connection, and achievement – principles that remain central to my work today," he shared. “As a first-generation high school and college graduate, my connection to education equity is deeply personal,” Erick added. “My journey inspires my commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to opportunities that enable them to thrive.”

Today at 1:30 p.m. PT! Join the webinar ?? https://lnkd.in/grsqddCg

"Before joining the Making Waves community, I hadn’t thought about going to college. My biggest worry has always been the financial burden," shared Giovanna Barragan (she/her), a Making Waves Academy grad and second year student at the University of Southern California. "Making Waves has helped me every step of the way – from thinking about college, to applying, to attending USC, to staying in college with my yearly scholarship and my college coach, to getting an internship to start my career development journey," she shared. Giovanna shared that being a first-generation college student means being an example for future generations. "It means showing them that they can go for their dreams and break barriers. It’s like a special title that honors my family’s sacrifices while also planting new seeds," she shared. As the Lead Marketing and Storytelling Intern at Making Waves Education Foundation, Giovanna is putting her studies as a social change major to work. "Being able to not just build my resume but also be a voice for my community has been instrumental in my career growth. This internship pushes me to continue to advocate for those whose voices are unheard, especially through media platforms that can be shared all over the world." Hear more from Giovanna: https://lnkd.in/gaqXUByg

?? Are you ready to take control of your financial future but unsure where to start? Join us for this webinar with Richard Amaechi, CFP?, a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a Certified Financial Planner, a graduate of San Diego State University, and a Wave-Maker alum from our Making Waves college and career success program. Richard will walk you through the essential steps to set yourself up for financial success. Register here ?? https://lnkd.in/efWF9BYK

Join us in welcoming Lope Akinnitire (she/her) to the?Making?Waves?community! Our new UX Research Intern, Lope is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is studying accessible media as an Interdisciplinary Studies Field major. ?? Welcome, Lope!

If you're thinking of choosing a college away from your hometown, Naaji Joseph (she/her) is here to help! After making the almost 3,000-mile move from Florida to the University of Southern California, Naaji is sharing her five strategies for exploring a new place while staying connected to home.

If you’re intrigued by supporting causes you believe in and being a part of positive change, this is your sign to learn more. ?? Join this Friday's webinar to ask your questions and hear insights from philanthropists and foundation leaders: Grace C. from Atlassian Foundation, Leela de Souza Bransten from the Making Waves Education Foundation Board, Enrique Romero from Social Policy Research Associates, and Kristen Turek, CAP from Marin Community Foundation. Whether you are at the start of your giving journey or you are looking to make an even greater difference, this webinar can help you turn your interest into a legacy. Register ?? https://lnkd.in/dgt7-vdp