Campus Visits Kick-off ACE Academy Students’ Path to Career Readiness
For many first-generation high school students, the dream of college can sometimes feel distant—or even unattainable. At Huckleberry Access to College Equity (ACE) Academy, we believe that the path to higher education should be paved with tangible experiences, community support, and the confidence to claim a diploma and graduation cap.
Our rising high school seniors recently returned from an unforgettable Southern California college tour, marking a major milestone in their personal and academic development. This was a transformative opportunity for these future leaders to envision their own potential on campuses that might have once felt out of reach.
More Than a Campus Tour
Over three days, our students toured six universities—USC, UC Merced, CSU Fullerton, UC Irvine, CSU Long Beach, and UCLA.
These visits provide critical exposure to different schools, financial aid options, and the day-to-day reality of university life. As one student shared: “I loved the experience of going on the So Cal trip. I am very grateful for the opportunity of being able to visit schools in person. I enjoyed hanging with my class and getting to joke around with the ACE Team. Though it was very hot, everyone enjoyed seeing new campuses and looking through the campus stores.”
Seeing our Bay Area students embrace the So. Cal heat, navigate new environments, and ask the right questions reminds us exactly why the work we do is so vital.
Why ACE Academy Matters
We know that for first-generation students, the transition to post-secondary education requires bravery, persistence, and a willingness to be vulnerable. The ACE Academy is designed to bridge the opportunity gap by providing comprehensive career exposure, college pathway planning, and academic guidance. Most of all, these students don’t have to go it alone.
The results speak for themselves:
- 100% of our ACE high school Class of 2025 graduated from high school.
- 100% of our high school graduating Class of 2025 enrolled in a post-secondary institution, including UCs, CSUs, community colleges, and private universities.
- 63% of our seniors graduated with work experience, ensuring they enter their next chapter with the professional skills needed to thrive.
Opening Doors So They Can Walk Through Them
When we provide youth with the tools to explore higher education, we help them to build their own future. By breaking down systemic barriers to higher education, we ensure that every young person has access to the educational opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their identity and background. We are incredibly proud of our students for taking this important step. We cannot do this work without a dedicated community standing behind them.
Help Us Open More Doors
Your support makes experiences like these possible. By donating to Huckleberry, you are directly investing in the future of our youth—helping us fund college tours, academic guidance, and the vital programming that empowers these students to realize their potential. Support the ACE Academy and our youth today!
