Huckleberry Wellness Academies – A Decade In Pictures

For 10 years, the Huckleberry Wellness Academies (HWA) have provided support to first-generation college students.

HWA provides a safe, supportive environment in which students attend weekly group meetings, access tutoring and academic case management, and receive intensive one-on-one emotional support.

Students can meet with an on-site therapist and receive primary and reproductive health services at Huckleberry clinics. Support extends beyond traditional college counseling; staff advocate with great care, providing consistent guidance and encouragement as students navigate the complex path to postsecondary success.

HWA coordinates college visits for students, and hosts an annual Southern California college tour (visiting 5-8 schools over Spring Break). HWA alumni proudly host many of our college tours.

HWA students on a tour of CA State University, Monterey Bay.

HWA students, along with their parents, are guided through the college application process, learning how to write effective personal statement essays, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and choose the college that best fits their interests and needs.

Through Huckleberry’s strong partnerships with Bay Area clinics, hospitals, and growing partnerships in other sectors, HWA has matched students with high quality internship placements, giving them an opportunity to explore a wide range of careers.

HWA students participate in mock job interviews at companies including Dodge & Cox, Okta, Deloitte, and Salesforce, preparing them for the workforce.

Financial aid support and guidance is a large component of HWA. Great effort is taken to educate families about college expenses, complete financial aid forms, and apply for scholarships. In the spring of 2018, ten HWA-Marin students earned over $250,000 in committed scholarships from the Making Waves Foundation, Dell Scholars, and Ezrati Family Scholarship. Two HWA DREAMERS won scholarships from The Dream.US.

99% of HWA participants graduate from high school, 72% meet the UC/CSU eligibility requirements, and to date, 80% of our students are currently enrolled in postsecondary education or have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher. 23% are currently pursing or have earned a graduate degree.