Mission Graduates

Join the Mission Graduates team! 📚 🚀 We're hiring for our After School Programs in San Francisco. If you're passionate about education and want to make a difference, this could be the opportunity for you. What you'll get: - Real experience in lesson planning and teaching - Work alongside SFUSD teachers - A supportive team environment - Chance to directly impact K-12 students' lives No extensive experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn! Interested? Check out our job openings: https://lnkd.in/gUyKuJu #EducationJobs #SFJobs #AfterSchoolPrograms #MissionGrads

We're excited to spotlight our valued corporate sponsor, PCS Technology! For over 30 years, PCS has been safeguarding Bay Area organizations from cyber threats. With their world-class helpdesk, senior service management, and director-level oversight, PCS enables nonprofits like us to focus on our core missions. But PCS goes beyond top-notch tech support - they're deeply committed to community service and education. Dan Hernandez, CEO/President of PCS Technology, shares: "Mission Graduates is an amazing organization. At PCS, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. I've met students, and there's nothing more rewarding than supporting their education." We're grateful for partners like PCS who share our vision. Together, we're making a real difference in the lives of San Francisco's youth! #CorporateSponsorship #TechForGood #EducationMatters #MissionGrads

While our Summer Programs are in full swing, we're taking a moment to celebrate an incredible achievement from the past school year! 🌟 85 immigrant students at Everett Middle School were honored at an "Excellence Dinner" for their outstanding efforts and achievements. These students arrived in San Francisco within the last two years and have shown remarkable resilience and dedication. In partnership with Mission Economic Development Agency and Everett Middle School, we celebrated these students' academic excellence, language learning progress, and successful adjustment to life in a new city. The event also recognized the vital support of their families in this journey. As one proud parent, Selvin García, shared, "I feel happy because they have recognized my son, not only for his efforts but also for being respectful." We're inspired by these students' perseverance and excited to see what they'll accomplish next! #StudentSuccess #ImmigrantExcellence #CommunitySupport #MissionGrads https://lnkd.in/g2pdxUTN

💫 Volunteer Spotlight: Anabell Gimena, Paying It Forward as an Alumna Mentor For Anabell, volunteering with Mission Graduates' Impact Gen program is a full-circle moment. As an alumna of our College Connect program and a first-gen college grad, she's now the mentor she once looked up to. "Mentorship was crucial in my personal and professional development," Anabell shares. "The support from Mission Graduates was instrumental in navigating life as a first-gen student." Inspired to uplift others as she was uplifted, Anabell serves as a career mentor for undergrads majoring in public health—her own field. Through eight-session journeys, she offers guidance on academics, resumes, interviews, and industry connections. "It's immensely gratifying to see mentees make significant strides and deepen their interests," she says of the rewarding experience. But Anabell grows alongside them, finding motivation in their shared backgrounds and goals for public health's future. More than checking boxes, these mentorships blossom into enriching professional relationships. "Our similarities reveal themselves each week, filling me with excitement for passionate, capable peers entering this field." For Anabell, returning to the Mission Graduates community reminds her why this work matters: "It reinforces investing in the next generation and uplifting one another. Our community thrives when the support I once received continues benefiting others." Her advice for prospective volunteers? "Your experience and knowledge are incredibly valuable. Students gain insights from your background, especially niche fields. It's a chance to connect, develop mentorship skills, and engage the next generation of leaders." A heartfelt thank you to Anabell for continuing Mission Graduates' legacy as an Impact Gen mentor! Her guidance empowers first-gen scholars to follow in her footsteps. #VolunteerSpotlight #AlumniMentor #ImpactGen #MissionGrads

💫 Volunteer Spotlight: Lauren Machi, Guiding the Next Generation For San Francisco native Lauren Machi, volunteering runs deep—from neighborhood cleanups to career mentorship. But her role as a career mentor with our Impact Gen program holds extra meaning as a first-generation college student herself. "My family didn't have the tools to guide me through education and career journeys," Lauren shares. "So helping students navigate this crucial time is what I hope to provide as a mentor." As a descendant of Italian immigrants, walking beside first-gen scholars is close to Lauren's heart. Her mom's roots in the Mission District further solidified her calling with Mission Graduates. "The intersection of education and community is where success lies," she says of the powerful synergy created through mentorship. For Lauren, the most rewarding part is sharing key insights she wished she had: "Life's path isn't a straight line. It's more about identifying and developing your passions along the way." Her memorable moments? Every interaction. "I feel we each learn so much from each session," she says. While Lauren is the guide, her perspective is equally enriched: "Volunteering has highlighted that when school, family, and neighborhood lift each other up, that's where education can truly flourish." To those considering this rewarding role, Lauren promises a "meaningful, fulfilling, and special experience." And witnessing students achieve their goals? "The ultimate reward." Thank you, Lauren, for your generous impact as an Impact Gen career mentor! #MiPasaje #VolunteerSpotlight #ImpactGen #FirstGenMentor #MissionGrads

🌟 Nicole's Journey: Rooted in Family, Reaching for Dreams 🎓 As Nicole walks across the stage at the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, her Psychology degree represents years of perseverance. This first-gen graduate didn't just earn a diploma—she trailblazed a path for her community. For Nicole, "Mi Pasaje" signifies her family's roots and experiences, as well as her aspirations for the future. It's a bridge between where she's been and where she's going. Throughout college, Nicole stayed actively involved with Mission Graduates' College Connect program. She served as a peer mentor in our Leaders Aligned program, participated in events, and now celebrates this major milestone with excitement for her next steps. On the horizon? "Taking a well-deserved break and celebrating with family in Mexico!" Nicole shares. She's also eager to develop professionally during gap years before pursuing graduate studies. Her long-term vision involves a dream career in the mental health field, giving back to her community. The skills she's honed—emotional intelligence, time management, confronting self-doubt—will be invaluable assets. Nicole's inspirations are the strong Latinas in her life: her mom and sister. "They've persevered through so much, yet remain fierce and vulnerable," she says of their resilience. As this journey concludes, another is just beginning. Join us in congratulating Nicole! #MiPasaje #UCBerkeley #FirstGenGrad

🌟 Spotlight on Gabriela: A Journey of Resilience and Success 🎓 Meet Gabriela Portillo, a 17-year-old from our Mission Graduates community. Her path to higher education is nothing short of remarkable—she was accepted into 15 colleges! 🎉 Gabriela's destination? Pitzer College, on a full-ride scholarship. It's a dream come true for this future dentist who wants to brighten the world with healthy smiles. Gabriela thrived at June Jordan School for Equity thanks to supportive teacher relationships. But college felt like a distant dream. "I didn't think a student like me would get into so many amazing schools," she shares. Enter College Connect. Our program opened doors that Gabriela didn't know existed. With guidance on applications and emotional support, she discovered her potential. Now, she's not just college-bound—she's had her pick of top schools! For Gabriela, Mi Pasaje is a celebration of this journey. It honors the hard work of students who, like her, are breaking barriers. Her inspiration? Her little sister, who'll see firsthand that with support and determination, the sky's the limit. "I want her to see me as a role model when she's my age," Gabriela explains, showing how inspiration often starts at home. Join us in cheering on Gabriela as she paves the way for her sister and others. We can't wait to see you shine at Pitzer College! #MiPasaje #MissionGrads #FirstGen #15CollegeAcceptances #FullRideScholar #FutureDentist

🎓 ✨ Future Day Success! 🐻 🎉 What an incredible day celebrating the Class of ‘24 at Mission High School ! The energy was through the roof as students, families, and our Mission Graduates team came together to honor these amazing seniors. To every graduate: You’ve worked so hard to get here, and we couldn’t be more proud. Your resilience, dedication, and spirit are truly inspiring. Keep dreaming big, working hard, and shining your light. Your future is bright! 🌟 Thank you to everyone who made Future Day so special. Let’s keep cheering on our grads as they take on their next adventures! #ClassOf24 #FutureDay #MissionHigh #MissionGrads #CollegeBound #SFProud

🎓 Celebrating Felipe's Journey 🌟 As Felipe gets ready to walk across the stage at Mi Pasaje on June 20th, he's brimming with excitement for what's next! This Summer, he plans to travel, work, and recharge before starting his journey at a University of California campus. Looking ahead, Felipe's goals are to earn his degree, build a global network, land his dream job, and become fluent in English. Thanks to Mission Graduates' College Access & Success program, he's equipped with skills to navigate college life, from knowing where to find resources to managing financial aid and time management. "Mi Pasaje means a joyful celebration and farewell from the Mission Graduates community as we all embark on new paths," Felipe shares. It's a day to honor the hard work of students like him who are graduating. Felipe's biggest inspiration is his mom, whose unwavering support fuels his drive to become the best version of himself. He's grateful to the College Connect team for making his dreams possible. Join us in congratulating Felipe and cheering him on as he begins this thrilling new chapter at a UC campus! 🎉 #MiPasaje, #MissionGrads

At Mission Graduates, we're constantly inspired by the courage and resilience of our students. Take Gilda Temaj Marroquin, a Mission Graduates Board Member, for example. Gilda, like many first-generation students, defied the odds. Arriving in San Francisco at 16, she tackled a new culture and language while attending high school. College Connect, a Mission Graduates program, was Gilda's game-changer. With their support, she not only got accepted into college, but also secured scholarships that made her dream of attending UC Berkeley a reality! This spring, you can help more students like Gilda! Donate today and empower the next generation of leaders! https://lnkd.in/gdBZ5SXF #MissionGrads #SpringAppeal #FirstGen #EducationEmpowers