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Now, catching up with her three years after earning her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from California State University, East Bay, Alison Paxtor is still filled with dedication to her community and impact in the public health and healthcare industry.
Meet the largest class to graduate from Making Waves Academy: the Class of 2025, known as the 22nd Wave! 95% are heading to two- or four-year colleges and universities.
86 students joined Making Waves Education Foundation’s college and career success program, earning college scholarships and support from expert college, career, and financial coaches for up to six years.
As a sociology major at California State University, Stanislaus, Jezebelle Maldonado (she/her) chose an undergraduate research topic that wasn’t just about academics. It was personal. Now a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree to her name, Jezebelle is working in the healthcare field as a behavior technician and is considering a master’s degree in the future. “One thing I am taking with me from college is to not be afraid to build connections,” she said
“College and post-college can become a jumbled and confusing road. But the structure from Making Waves makes it all possible,” shared Abraham Segura (he/him), a first-gen grad who followed his passions and earned his degree from San Francisco State.
89 Bay Area students from low-income backgrounds earned $2.3 million total in college scholarships and are paired with Making Waves college coaches, financial coordinators, and career specialists.
At the 10th Making Waves Academy graduation ceremony in June 2024, Student Body President Simren Sandhu, Salutatorian Yoltzin Wallace, and Valedictorian Alessandro Torres gave compassionate speeches about their educational journeys.
Jonathan Negrete, a Chico State grad and relationship manager at Fidelity, shares his tips for networking and gaining career experience during and after college.
Richard Amaechi, a San Francisco native and San Diego State grad, shares his tips for recent graduates or job seekers pivoting in their careers.
An English education major at San Francisco State University, Salvador Sandoval is pursuing his passion for creative writing and his goal of becoming a teacher in his hometown of Pittsburg, California. “Making Waves is one of the reasons I am in college,” he shared.
During the 2022-23 academic year, more than 110 of our students received their degrees from more than 25 universities, with nearly 90% of our college graduates this year earning their degrees debt-free.
Growing its mission to expand educational opportunity, Making Waves Foundation is piloting an AI college advising technology to support more students. Developed to supplement the shortage of dedicated college advisors in public schools, this resource uses artificial intelligence and automation to deliver college access content directly to students and families.
