Empowering Our Youth: UCSD YAC and SDRCC YLC Host Successful College Success Series
From September 2024 through January 2025, the UC San Diego Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition (SDRCC) Youth Leaders Council (YLC) collaborated to host a 5-part College Success Series, aimed at empowering refugee, immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income youth. This community-led initiative provided critical resources to bridge the gap in our higher education system, ensuring that students from our most impacted communities have the support they need to pursue their future career/academic goals and succeed.
To kick off the Series, we had a two-part virtual Financial Success Workshops led by YAC program managers Nghi Dang, Segen Zeray, and Asmaa Deiranieh, focused on financial literacy that included topics on understanding academic and general expenses, creating budgets, and accessing financial aid and scholarships. We also held a Professional Development and Statement Writing Workshop where students learned how to craft strong personal statements for college applications, scholarships, and internships, while also gaining key professional skills, such as resume building and interview techniques. Our Navigating Post-High School Options Virtual Workshop session introduced students to a range of post-high school pathways—college, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and gap years— helping them make informed decisions about their futures. Our 5-part series concluded in January with a guided tour of UC San Diego’s campus by the UC San Diego SPACES Program, a student-run space that is focused on access, retention, and community through UC San Diego. Our YLC and YAC students were able to explore campus resources, student life, and academic opportunities, helping them visualize their potential college experiences. The tour concluded with a UCSD student-led panel, providing space for further discussion.
Impact of the College Success Series on YAC and YLC Youth
Our Center for Community Health engaged a total of 80 youth participants across all five parts of the College Success Series. Most participants reported that the scholarship resources shared during the workshops had the greatest impact on them, along with the various financial resources available as they prepared for college. Many youth also found the peer-based workshop activities, such as mock interviews in pairs, both helpful and engaging. Overall, participants expressed greater confidence in exploring their options, whether in choosing a major or career path, applying for internship programs, or managing their finances and scholarship opportunities.
The completion of the College Success Series shows the power of community collaboration and the impact it can have on our young people’s futures. By reaching refugee, immigrant, and BIPOC youth populations, YAC and YLC are helping to break down the barriers that prevent these students from pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams. The resources and workshops facilitated not only provided important skills and resources but also helped foster a sense of belonging and confidence among participants—key ingredients for success in any academic or professional environment. Looking ahead, this series represents just the beginning of ongoing efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the tools and support they need to thrive in college and beyond. With continued collaboration and dedication, we can build a more inclusive and accessible pathway to success for all youth.
To learn more on how to be involved with our youth work, visit our pages below:
UC San Diego Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition (SDRCC) Youth Leaders Council (YLC)