Strive

Strive is a free program on Del Mar’s Campus where aspiring college students connect with dedicated mentors from San Jose State University to receive one-on-one guidance and support through the college admissions and financial aid application process. In addition to a dedicated mentor, Strivers also have access to exclusive, data-based college matching tools and custom resources specifically for first-generation college students -- and it is all accessible anytime, anywhere!

Strive partnered SJSU with Del Mar High School in 2008 and in a year, doubled the amount of mentors as well as the number of students going to four-year colleges. The partnership is still going strong.

The Associated Students of SJSU’s Cesar E. Chavez Community Action Center recruits, trains, and operates the Strive for College program at Del Mar, under the direction of an SJSU student coordinator.

Senior social work major Veronica Carrillo has mentored at Del Mar for a year, and her first student is expected to attend Chico State this fall. As a mentor, Carillo helps her students choose the right college, find financial aid, sign up for SAT and ACT tests, and create personal statements and essays.

“I realized that those who don’t get the opportunity to go to college don’t need much. They just want someone to guide them,” Carillo said.

Incoming freshman Shanna Brancata, a foster youth who was in the Strive program, was chosen to give the commencement speech at Del Mar High last June. She plans to become a Strive mentor at SJSU this fall.

“Through this program I found the confidence to get into college” Brancato said. “Strive made me believe in myself.”

Contact your Guidance Counselor in Student Services for more information.