In an initiative that promises to change lives, High Tech High and the University of San Diego (USD) have collaborated on a project designed to make college dreams a reality for first-generation students. This partnership breathes life into the ambition of many young scholars who once viewed a university education as out of reach.
The Elevate Event: A Day of Connection
Recently, USD hosted an event known as “Elevate,” tailored specifically for High Tech High’s upcoming graduates. The day was a montage of hope and determination as students connected personally with admissions officers from eight leading institutions. The phrase “Higher education requires higher expectations” resonated as students didn’t merely gather leaflets but built meaningful relationships.
“It was a joy seeing these students experience the essence of Elevate,” expressed Chris White, executive director of college counseling. Students were empowered, leaving a lasting impression on college representatives.
Alumni Narratives: From Dream to Reality
Highlights of the event included stories from previous ‘Elevate’ attendees, now thriving in higher education. These alumni shared candid narratives of perseverance, challenges, and triumphs, lighting a hopeful path for the next generation.
Yuliana Cibrian, a student at High Tech High International, reflected on these narratives, finding inspiration to succeed despite financial limitations. “It helps me believe I can reach where I want to go,” she stated. For King Famous California of High Tech High Chula Vista, the event turned college from a fantasy into a tangible target, “Very proud,” he added with determination.
Breaking Barriers: Pre-Collegiate Pathways Program
High Tech High and USD’s collaboration extends beyond one-day events into practical preparations for college life. This engagement offers students the experience of university-level coursework without financial burden through USD’s Pre-Collegiate Pathways Program. The promise of university credits paired with a comprehensive support system strengthens students against traditional barriers.
“It’s about more than credits,” shares Dr. David Miller, a leading faculty member in the program. “We aim to demystify higher education and show students they belong at institutions like USD.”
A Free College Experience
Students in the program immerse themselves in university culture, gaining confidence and readiness for academic success - tuition, books, and parking fees are fully financed. USD, recognized as a Hispanic-serving Institution, seeks to redefine its narrative to include all San Diegans, particularly those who’ve never envisioned it as their path.
In Dr. Miller’s words, the program is “an unparalleled opportunity that prepares students for future success — opening doors to higher education, stronger, more resolute, and ultimately more successful down the road.”
As the pages turn on these students’ stories, High Tech High and USD script a compelling future — unveiling higher education as a goal within reach and rewriting impossibility into infinite possibility. According to Times of San Diego, this partnership marks a significant step forward in educational equity.