/
First-gen college student studying cinema and media studies at UC Davis, Isabel Reyes, shares about what it means to be the first in her family pursuing higher education and how support from Making Waves donors makes a positive impact.
We are reimagining what it means to prepare students across Contra Costa County for the future, ensuring they have both the education and the experience to achieve economic mobility and fulfilling lives. Learn more in our 2024-25 Making Waves Impact Report!
Loyola Marymount grad Chaylah Williams shares five lessons from PR, social media, and sports media internships.
The class of 2025 shares their inspiring college journeys, post-grad plans – from sports PR to vaccine development – and how Making Waves helped them thrive through challenges, internships, and community impact.
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.
This pilot program led to 100% of students gaining increased information about career pathways, increased social capital connections, stronger durable skills, and renewed motivation for their future.
A first-generation college graduate pursuing her dreams in public relations, Chaylah Williams shared: “Know where you’re going, why you’re going, and know what you’re going to do when you get there.”
Education should be a bridge to opportunities rather than a barrier. We hope this conversation helps current and future college students feel understood, connected, and inspired.
Making Waves Academy and Willamette University are partnering to expand access to higher education and equip students with the personal support, financial aid, and resources they need to succeed.
Voices of Making Waves: Meet Armando Ramirez “I always try to advocate for both mental health and for higher education, especially in the Latino community,”
Making Waves is partnering with Studio Bondy to create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in architecture and design through field trips, internships, externships, job shadowing, and more.
