How College Bound Academy helped me overcome self-doubt and realize my potential
Currently a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, 16-year Christian Seong has a lot on his plate – and he likes it that way. When he’s not spending his free time thrift shopping or drawing, Christian keeps himself active and involved at school, and currently serves as the Associated Student Body President. Christian is also the Program Choir President of the Kennedy Singers and the co-President/co-Founder of the Humanitarian Resource Association as well as the John F. Kennedy High School Humanitarian Resource Association Branch Club. This summer, Christian participated in TGR Foundation’s virtual College Bound Academy (CBA) program, where he received the college guidance and support he was looking for. Read more about his experience with CBA.
Student Spotlight: How College Bound Academy shaped my path to College, empowered me to pay it forward
Coming from a first-generation Mexican-American household, college was a pathway to upward social mobility and the American Dream. Even though it was highly encouraged, I never really knew how the college process worked. The only thing I knew was that I had to study hard, get involved and never give up – three core principles I truly believe have allowed me to be where I am today.
I would be lying if I said my path to college was easy. It was challenging. As I connected with my friends, Gabriella Henry and Gustavo Aguilar from Katella High School, who also attend UC Berkeley, we noticed that there was a common trend in our community – a lack of resources and college assistance – and we felt that it needed to be addressed. We knew that we wanted to give back to our community and help students navigate the college process.
Virtual College Bound Academy student reflects on her experience from NC
When she’s not working toward her dream college and career Tanis Priddle, a rising senior at Eugene Ashley High School and the North Carolina School, can be found performing at an athletic event or varsity cheerleading competition for Eugene Ashley High School, practicing one of the many string instruments she plays or leaving Wilmington, North Carolina for a spontaneous travel adventure.
After learning about TGR Foundation’s virtual College Bound Academy, Tanis took advantage of the opportunity. She recently reflected on her experience and how it’s shaping her path to college and career success.
Carol Kimmelman Memorial Scholarship awarded to TGR Foundation students
Last summer, TGR Foundation welcomed its newest cohort of College Bound Academy students to the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim. Beyond the two weeks of immersive college prep courses offered by TGR staff, the students had a chance to engage with special guests and friends of the foundation. One such guest was Dr. Jennifer Winward, an instructor at the University of California, San Diego and creator of the online platform, Winward Academy.Through the generosity of Dr. Winward along with the Kimmelman Family Foundation, 100 students including those enrolled in TGR Foundation’s College Bound Academy (CBA) received access to Winward Academy’s award-winning curriculum geared towards ACT and SAT preparation.
College Bound Academy prepares students for journey to higher education
While many incoming high school seniors in Southern California started their summer on vacation or sitting by the pool taking a break from their studies, participants in our annual College Bound Academy spent two weeks preparing for their path to college.
Including admissions and financial aid workshops, campus visits to the Claremont Colleges, guest speakers and training from Disneyland Marketing professionals, the program was packed with opportunities for participating students to gain inspiration, build skills, connect with peers and start their journey to higher education.
Angela Segura and Cyan Erdita connected with us to share on their experience.
TGR Learning Lab Student Spotlight: From College Bound Academy to College
Last summer, I took the first steps of my college journey by signing up for College Bound Academy (CBA) at the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, CA. Coming from the Phillipines, I grew up with no prior knowledge of the U.S. education system. As the oldest among my siblings, I often had to turn to my friends for guidance. I followed their actions in hopes that what I was doing was right, but I realized that I shouldn’t be dependent on them. From then on, I took charge of my life and made myself responsible for my future.
College Bound Academy prepares students for life after high school
Last week, TGR Foundation wrapped its 6th annual College Bound Academy, held at the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, California. We welcomed nearly 50 rising high school seniors from the Anaheim Union High School District for a two-week immersive course in all things college! Although the program aims to introduce students to the college application process, it does much more. It helps them build resilience and confidence.
Conquering College Bound Academy
For two weeks this June, Betsy Peña, a program coordinator with the Tiger Woods Foundation’s Earl Woods Scholar Program, took part in her first College Bound Academy as an instructor to 42 rising high school seniors from the Anaheim Union High School District. Betsy, a recent college grad herself, had the opportunity to lead workshops, activities and discussions all geared towards helping her students better navigate the college admissions process. Rounding out the program, Betsy and her colleagues took their students on excursions at the Claremont Colleges as well as had them participate in Disneyland’s Youth Education Series (YES) Program. As she reflects, the College Bound Academy experience proved to be just as rewarding for Betsy as it was for her kids!