Inspiring First-Generation College Dreams: Reflections on the 2024 Northern California College Exploration Trip

In late September, 44 high school students and nine chaperones from the Salesian Family Youth Center embarked on an unforgettable journey to Northern California. This wasn’t just another school trip—it was a life-changing experience for many, particularly for the 65% of students who are first-generation college hopefuls. Over four days, the group visited some of the region's most prestigious universities, including University of California, Santa Cruz , Stanford University Graduate School of Business , 美国加州大学伯克利分校 , UC Santa Barbara , and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo .

Moments That Mattered

This trip gave students more than just a glimpse of campus life. For many, it was their first tangible connection to the possibility of higher education. From the serene redwood-filled campus at UC Santa Cruz to the bustling energy of UC Berkeley, students had the chance to see where they might thrive in the years to come.

Before the trip, most participants admitted they didn’t know much about the college application process, financial aid, or what campus life is really like. By the end of the trip, their confidence and understanding had grown dramatically. In their words:

"For the first time, I feel like college is possible for me. This trip showed me that there’s a place for everyone."

Another student shared, "It was eye-opening to visit campuses and imagine myself there. I now know what I want in a college and feel ready to take the next steps."

Beyond the Campuses

The journey wasn’t just about academics. Students bonded during bus rides, shared meals, and explored San Francisco together. These moments of connection built a sense of community that will last far beyond the trip. It was clear that this was as much about personal growth and camaraderie as it was about planning their futures.

Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

While the trip was overwhelmingly positive, it wasn’t without its challenges. Time management proved to be tricky, with some activities feeling rushed. Students suggested starting earlier and sticking to a tighter schedule next time. They also expressed a strong interest in having official campus tours led by current students for more in-depth insights.

Financial literacy was another area for improvement. With tuition costs weighing heavily on many minds, future trips could include workshops on scholarships and budgeting for college.

Gratitude for a Shared Vision

This incredible experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of generous donors, dedicated chaperones, and tireless organizers. Thank you to Southern California Edison (SCE) , Enterprise Mobility , and SoCalGas for their contributions, which made this trip a reality.

Though the program ran slightly over budget, the impact on the students’ confidence and aspirations was priceless. The memories created and the seeds of ambition planted will have a ripple effect for years to come.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this trip, one thing is clear: programs like these are essential. They empower young people to dream big, especially those who may not have considered college as an option before. We hope to expand this initiative and continue paving the way for students to reach their full potential.

If you’d like to support future trips or learn more about our mission, watch these two short videos from this year’s journey here and here. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders. Thank you Christina Mendoza , Luis Chacon , Angel Castillo, Angelica Rojas and all our team members for making this possible!

#CollegeDreams #FirstGenerationSuccess #YouthEmpowerment #EducationForAll