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College Access Programs

We’re proud to recognize the incredible sponsors who make JCYC’s Excellence in Education Awards possible. Your support helps more than 3,000 first-gen students work toward their college dreams each year. View the photo gallery here.

San Francisco Chronicle: Low-income, first-generation students could lose vital college resource under Trump’s budget cuts

Read the Article Here (free, enter email to access)
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Trump administration is proposing to eliminate all federal funding for TRIO programs like Upward Bound - programs that have changed the lives of millions, including those in our own community. Read full article here.
Why this matters:
  • JCYC receives  $2.6 million each year to support 3,000 first-generation, low-income students across 13 local schools.
  • These resources have sent students like Mariana Aguilar to college on merit and scholarship, transforming their lives.
  • Losing TRIO funding would deepen the racial wealth gap and leave vulnerable students without the coaching, mentoring, and financial guidance they need.
What You Can Do:
  1. Write to your Congress members to protect TRIO (It takes less than 3 minutes). Under Your Associated TRIO Institution, enter Japanese Community Youth Council.
  2. Share this with your network.
Our students’ success shouldn’t depend on politics. With the path of these cuts still uncertain, the stronger our voices, the better chance we have to stop this now.

Our Programs

Educational Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO program that identifies, selects, and assists income-eligible youth ages 11 and older who have the potential to be the first generation in their family to attend college.
Upward Bound is a federally-funded TRIO program that provides first-generation college-bound students from income-eligible backgrounds with the encouragement, preparation, and skills needed to succeed in college and in life.
San Francisco California Student Opportunity and Access Program is a state-funded Cal-SOAP program that strives to provide culturally competent, comprehensive college preparation information and assistance. Cal-SOAP targets income-eligible students and the first of their family to attain post-secondary education.
Learn More About Our Programs
SCHOOLS WE SERVE

At a Glance

3,000+

77%

96%

93%

Middle & High School
Students Served Yearly

Income Eligible and First Generation Participants

Participants Promoted
to Next Grade Level and/or Graduated from High School

Seniors Enrolled into College

Learn More About Our Impact

Our FUNDERS

Our Partners

we make college accessible.

We connect historically underserved youth from local public schools throughout San Francisco and Daly City with free, comprehensive, culturally competent college access services. We serve 3,000+ youth annually, and 77% of our participants are income-eligible and the first in their families to attend college.

The Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) is a non-profit youth development community organization based in San Francisco. 
College Access History
Visit JCYC main website!

CASH FOR COLLEGE

Financial Aid season is around the corner! Join us at a Cash For College event to learn how to pay for college and have an opportunity to work on and complete your financial aid applications (FAFSA/Dream Act)!
DATES AND LOCATIONS

Middle SChool
Career DAys

Career Day season is here! Join us at a Career Day and 
share about your career path with our middle school students. 
 
Dates and Locations