SAN DIEGO, CA - September 7, 2010 -  San Diego State University and Reality Changers, a nonprofit that helps build first generation college students, have partnered to provide San Diego inner-city students with guaranteed admission to the university. This strategic partnership will provide a valuable pipeline for inner-city youth qualifying for admission into San Diego State University.

In the past 10 years, Reality Changers students have earned over $10 million to prestigious universities throughout the nation.

"Reality Changers has an impressive record of making a difference in the lives of so many of San Diego's inner-city youth," said Stephen Weber, President of San Diego State University, "SDSU hopes to provide these hard working students with the opportunity to attend college here in San Diego. In turn, our university will benefit by having these talented, determined students as part of our campus community."

Reality Changers' core program prepares all students to meet the California State University admissions requirements. Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, the organization will prepare students to meet the requirements for San Diego State University upon graduation from high school. In addition to the academic requirements, students selected for guaranteed admissions will be required to also complete additional community service projects. "Reality Changers has created a formula for success," said Christopher Yanov, Reality Changers' Founder and Executive Director, "We are preparing students to succeed not only academically, but also in every area of life. We want students to see the significance of achieving academically, as well as the importance of giving back to their community." This partnership will allow more San Diego students to not only attend SDSU, but also be well-prepared for the rigors that such a prestigious university has to offer.

"A college education should be a realistic goal for each and every young person and Reality Changers inspires San Diego's inner-city youth not to think of it as a dream out-of-reach," said Weber, "We want these students to know that if they do the hard work that Reality Changers asks of them - then they will have a space at SDSU."

This MOU continues San Diego State's strong commitment to the community of San Diego. Similar partnerships exist with Sweetwater Union High School District and the Sweetwater Education Foundation (Compact for Success); and at Hoover High School with San Diego Unified School District, Price Charities and the San Diego Education Foundation (College Avenue Compact).

 

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