We’re Thrilled to Join San Diego Foundation’s Community Scholars Initiative!
The Teens Rise Foundation board, staff, and volunteers are filled with gratitude and excitement to announce that we have been awarded the four-year conditional San Diego Foundation Community Scholars Initiative (CSI)! This generous support marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower teens and create lasting impact within our community.
The San Diego Foundation Community Scholars Initiative is a program designed to increase access to higher education for underrepresented and underserved students in San Diego County. It helps San Diego youth “prepare for, pay for, and persist through college by providing financial support and critical wraparound services that bolster academic achievement to increase equity, build a representative local workforce, and create resilient communities.” - San Diego Foundation, 2024
CSI Introduction and Welcome by San Diego Foundation Director, Education Initiatives, Michelle Jaramillo
Our gratitude for this opportunity goes beyond the grant dollars received. San Diego Foundation’s investment and trust in building our capacity, expanding our board development initiatives, providing coaching sessions, and supporting marketing strategies will equip Teens Rise with invaluable tools to strengthen our organization and amplify our impact. This aligns directly with Teens Rise’s commitment to sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
At Teens Rise Foundation, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This partnership with San Diego Foundation allows us to increase our capacity and our impact in creating a pathway to ensure our students achieve their goals. With the support of CSI, Teens Rise aims to provide much needed resources to first-generation, English Language Learners with college readiness resources during their high school years to prepare them for life after high school.
Given our strong mission alignment to address barriers for college and life success, we are dedicated to making the most of this new partnership. We will address areas for improvement, build organizational capacity, and change the life trajectories of families and communities as students become an inspiration and provide hope to those around them.
Teens Rise Executive Director, Gaby Millan
A Heartfelt Thank You
TRF extends its deepest gratitude to San Diego Foundation for honoring our work and recognizing our capacity. This partnership is more than just an award—it’s a partnership where missions align in an effort to transform lives and communities.
To our #SouthBayScholars who will benefit from San Diego Foundation CSI, we are here for you and honored to play a role in your journey.
Join Us on This Journey
Join us as we learn and grow with the Community Scholars Initiative and the other 9 incredible organizations dedicated to supporting English language learners, students experiencing homelessness, students with disabilities, and foster youth across San Diego County. Follow us for updates, stories, and opportunities on how you can be part of making a difference in shaping San Diego’s next generation of leaders.
CSI Closing Remarks by Senior Manager, Education Initiatives, Cecilia Morales