2025-2026 marks my fourth school year with Minds Matter, and my students continue to be one of the great joys of my life. They are brilliant, driven young people who will change this country for the better. Our staff, volunteers, and alumni make up a close-knit community that supports our students in any way possible—not just academically. Together, we help our students achieve their dreams of higher education and end the cycle of poverty in their families.

For students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds, the impact of having a bachelor’s degree is staggering. On average, college graduates earn $30,000 more each year than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, that adds up to over a million dollars in additional earnings.

The impact of a college degree goes far beyond income. For example, children of college graduates are more likely to finish high school, attend college, and achieve higher incomes themselves. In addition, college graduates are more likely to have stable health care, stronger community ties, and the confidence to lead and give back.

I’ve kept in touch with many of my students over the years as they continued on to college, and I’ve loved seeing where their paths have taken them. One of my former students is majoring in mechanical engineering at Washington University in St Louis and interned at NASA this past summer. Another, in her junior year at Cal Poly SLO, has enough credits to graduate a year early and is planning to apply to law school. Another student just began studying animal science at UC Davis and sends me delightful text updates such as, “Today l learned how to flip a sheep!”

Amidst all the terrible, terrifying things happening in this country, I have faith and optimism for the future because I have seen firsthand the power and determination of the next generation. Your generous donation helps these remarkable young people thrive.