OUR PROGRAMS

Comprehensive Support for
Every Step of the College
Journey

Our Programs

At College Is Real, we offer a range of programs designed to support students in every aspect of their college journey. Our goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or challenges.

College Tours & Applications

One of the most important steps in the college application process is finding the right fit. CIR’s staff spends countless hours beginning in junior year to help students craft impactful college applications and personal statements. We take students on college tours, allowing them to explore different campuses, meet admissions officers, and understand what life at a college can be like. 

Scholarships &
Financial Aid

Navigating scholarships and financial aid can be one of the most stressful and confusing parts of the college process. We help students identify scholarship opportunities, complete FAFSA forms, and access other funding resources to ensure that cost is not a barrier to their success. CIR provides scholarships to all graduating high school seniors as well as merit-based scholarships to current college students. Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education without the weight of financial uncertainty.

Academic Counseling

We believe every student deserves a tailored plan to help them succeed in school. Our on-campus program directors work closely with students to create individualized strategies for success. From selecting the right courses to developing effective study habits, our goal is to help students excel in high school and prepare for college-level coursework.

Mentoring

We match students with experienced professionals who can guide them through the challenges of high school, the college application process and beyond including motivation to persist toward a college degree and career advice.

Summer Melt

The transition from high school to college can be difficult, but College Is Real provides a Summer Melt program to help ease that shift. Students gain early exposure to college life through academic workshops, college tours, and social activities designed to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they’ll face in their first year.

College Success

Once our students are in college, we don’t stop supporting them. Our College Success program ensures that students continue to receive guidance throughout their college careers, providing academic counseling, problem solving, career support, four years of financial assistance, and personal check-ins to ensure they stay on track to graduate.

Career Education

We provide career exploration workshops and job shadowing opportunities to help students connect their academic goals with real-world opportunities. From learning how to network to gaining insight into different professions, we help students explore a wide range of career options, internships, and prepare them for life after college.

Testimonials

[Inspiring words from those whose lives have been transformed by College Is Real.]

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    The difference between CIR and other college preparatory programs is the way it operates. CIR is always seeking ways to improve and implement new ideas that will benefit past, current, and future students.

    — Destiney Norsouvanh, Richmond High Class of 2015, UC Santa Barbara Class of 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology and Education Studies Minor, Former CIR Program Director and Current CIR Board of Directors

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    I’ve always cared about my education, but when I got to high school I didn’t know what steps I needed to take to make it to college. College Is Real made that path clear. They provided me with the resources and the guidance that has made everything up until this point possible.

    — Miguel De La Cruz, Richmond High School Class of 2018, graduate of UC Santa Barbara in 2022 with a B.A. in Communication and a Sports Management Certification

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    I always knew I wanted to go to college, but I often felt that I didn't have the resources or the opportunity to go to a four-year university. My parents never went to college and didn't know how to help me in school, nor did they understand what I was going through.

    — Eva Oliveros, Sonoma State University

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    CIR supports long-term success by showing you the path to strive and be successful at an institution of higher learning. In addition, it sets you up with opportunities to network with individuals with similar aspirations and a solid support system.

    — Fabian Martinez, Richmond High Class of 2012, San Jose State University Class of 2017 with a B.S. in Kinesiology, Former CIR staff member

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    Much if not all of my academic and life success developed through my participation with College Is Real. As a disoriented teenager entertained by the fast “street” life, I was not interested in furthering my post-secondary education. However, College Is Real introduced a desire and the importance of completing college, and such support is responsible for my success at an elite university like University of California, Berkeley.

    — Rodrigo Corona Flores, Richmond High Graduate 2013 and UC Berkeley graduate 2017 with a B.A. in Social Welfare, and current CIR Board of Directors

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    We know that Zach and I aren’t going to have this platform forever, but it’s amazing to think of what a little bit of hope, or compassion, or even just an opportunity, can help somebody succeed. So, we’ve partnered with College Is Real to provide funding to start a program at Kennedy High School.

    — Julie Johnston Ertz, Two-Time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Ertz Family Foundation