At Making Waves, we’re opening doors to economic mobility. Our programs provide students of color from low-income backgrounds with the educational opportunities, career skills, and financial freedom to meet their goals and thrive. We partner with students as early as 5th grade through high school, college, and into their careers.
Part of the Wave-Maker Affirmation reads “I will be an impossible me and recycle my success.” Our students are passionate about breaking barriers and giving back to their families and communities. Many are pursuing careers in education, healthcare, law, and social work.
We welcome a range of students into our programs, rather than only the highest academic performers, so we differentiate our approach based on student goals. Our Wave-Maker Success Framework guides our actions as we partner with students to internalize their power and decision-making. We build a trusting community, increase access to information, and help students clarify their purpose and strengthen their skills.
Community is a shared core value across Making Waves. Community is central to our approach and our program participants frequently say the sense of community is what makes our programs unique. This means we focus on authentic, inclusive relationships, intentional collaboration and partnership, and making a positive change in our community.
From our founding as an after-school program more than 30 years ago to the innovations we have underway today – continuous improvement is a part of our day-to-day work. Measurement frameworks, data infrastructure, real-time data analysis, and student feedback allow us to make improvements to our programs that create more equity and overall impact.
My life story could never be told without Making Waves being a part of the equation. Without the educational backing and community I’ve had over the years, I wouldn’t be me. Making Waves did–and still does for us–what unfortunately the education system can’t do for many, which is provide a foundation of resources and preparation that I believe is absolutely necessary for a fruitful future.
Making Waves educated me and my family on higher education and gave me the opportunity to explore a different community and environment, which led me to choose the career I have today and discover other life passions.
Making Waves prepared me for the challenges of college and medical school. The mentorship and resources fostered my academic potential, and the supportive community encouraged and inspired me, and made me proud of the community I come from.
Donating to Making Waves means thousands of students have the support they need for the lifecycle of their education and employment journeys – from middle school into high school, through college, and into their careers.
Join our Making Waves community of supporters who are passionate about educational equity and supporting the next generation of leaders.
