For the last four years, KidWorks College Success Initiative has helped countless students on their journey towards college success.
As the program has developed, we’ve recognized the need to provide expanded support to students both in high school and while they are in college.
Thanks to the generosity of the Trowbridge family, Brenda Trujillo Sanchez will help continue to ensure that 100 percent of high school students enrolled in our programs successfully graduate and that 100 percent continue their education.
“Brenda is uniquely qualified for this leadership role,” says Erika Sanchez, our College & Career Manager. “She has been involved with College Readiness programs since 2017. Since joining the KidWorks, she has been working with junior high and high school students, supporting them to further their academic journey and prepare for meaningful careers. She also works closely with parents, who are vital to this process as well.”
“KidWorks makes an amazing contribution the community and I’m excited to be a part of this journey,” Brenda says. “I’m most excited to continue working with youth and their families within the Santa Ana community, promoting a college-going culture and helping make college accessible for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Support and guidance is especially crucial now as families and students navigate the unique challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
She adds, “My focus is to educate 12th graders and their families on the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarships and financial literacy. I support college students through their academic and professional goals to ensure a successful college completion.”
By adding Brenda to the team, KidWorks is increasing the positive impact of our College Success Initiative™, which serves students from “Pre-K to B.A.” This represents our 18-year commitment to each student at KidWorks. KidWorks is deeply grateful to the CSI initiative’s sponsor, David A. Pyle, philanthropist, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of American Career College and shareholder of West Coast University.
Erika says. “In addition to our more expanded high school curriculum, we are excited to grow our partnership with Joya Scholars and the Santa Ana Unified School District. With Brenda on board, we are now able to increase our enrollment from 25 to 50 students, doubling our impact. ”
Adds Brenda, “Each two hour session includes a lesson on a college-related topic, individualized help with college and financial aid applications, admission essays and scholarships.”
Students are very grateful for the college readiness preparation KidWorks provides.
Luis R., a first year college student, says: “The program was very helpful since it held me accountable for the college application process and helped me understand ways to seek financial aid. KidWorks’ guidance really helped me to understand the various options that will support me in college and lead to my success.”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer