Mission Fed’s “Community Is Everything” Fund Helps South Bay Scholars Rise
At Teens Rise Foundation, we believe community partnerships are the heartbeat of student success. Thanks to the generosity of Mission Federal Credit Union’s Community Is Everything Fund, this fall we proudly launched a three-day College & Career Readiness Series, an experience that connected learning with opportunity for 310 South Bay Scholars grades 9-12 from San Ysidro High and engaged 31 community volunteers who served as panelists and mentors.
This initiative brought our mission to life, empowering first-generation high school students from South County San Diego to learn from professionals, explore college pathways, and practice the skills that will carry them confidently into the next chapter of their lives.
From exploring career journeys and demystifying the college admissions process to mastering real-world networking, each day reminded us what’s possible when community meets opportunity.
Day 1: Career Panel - Exploring Pathways with Purpose
We kicked off the series with a dynamic Career Panel, where professionals from diverse industries shared their journeys, from entrepreneurship and public service to finance and education. Students asked thoughtful questions about leadership, financial stability, and building careers rooted in purpose. The conversation highlighted themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the power of community support. Both students and panelists were eager to linger afterwards and continue the conversations and network.
Career Panel at San Ysidro High
Day 2: University Admissions Panel - Demystifying College Pathways
Representatives from UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and Point Loma Nazarene University led a compelling dialogue about higher education. Students learned about the differences among UC, CSU, and private institutions, financial aid opportunities, and what colleges look for beyond GPA. For many first-generation students, this session offered clarity on the steps needed to access college, and served as a convincing reminder that college is for them.
University Admissions Q&A at San Ysidro High
Day 3: Senior Networking Mixer - Connecting Ambition with Opportunity
Our culminating event was nothing short of trajectory changing. Twenty-five local mentors, community leaders, and professionals from across San Diego showed up, not just to share advice but to stand beside 68 South Bay scholars from San Ysidro High as they stepped boldly into their future.
Through meaningful conversations, confident handshakes, and personal storytelling, our students practiced introducing themselves, asking thoughtful questions, and making genuine connections. They will carry these skills with them as they enter college classrooms, job interviews, and - one day - board rooms.
The energy in the room was electric, a living reminder that when our community meets youth, transformation happens. The event featured two consecutive one-hour networking rounds, each with a unique group of students. Several students from the first round were so motivated by the experience that they chose to remain for the second, eager to connect with more professionals and continue refining their networking skills.
What might have been a single morning of conversation became a spark for lasting change, proof that when mentors show up, doors open. We are in awe and deeply grateful for our incredible mentors who continue to step up for our youth, time and time again, helping them see that their voices matter, their potential is real, and their future is bright.
Class of 2026 Senior Networking Mixer
Community Is Everything
Mission Fed’s Community Is Everything Fund was created to support local nonprofits that are helping San Diegans thrive, and this partnership perfectly aligns with our shared vision of equity, opportunity, and empowerment. Together, we’re creating tangible pathways for students in South County to see what’s possible beyond high school, proving that community really is everything.
Thank you Mission Fed for believing in our students and investing in brighter futures. Because of your support, more South Bay Scholars are seeing themselves as future college students, professionals, and changemakers.
