Minds Matter Southern California

Congratulations to the Minds Matter Southern California Class of 2026.

Twenty-three driven, determined students. Twenty-three college destinations. One extraordinary community behind them.

This Saturday, our Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation, and are heading to Amherst College, Brown University, Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design, Cal Poly Pomona, California State University Long Beach, Loyola Marymount University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, Pitzer College, Pomona College, Santa Monica College, Swarthmore College, University of California Berkeley, University of California Merced, University of California Riverside, University of California San Diego, University of California Santa Cruz, University of Southern California, and US Merchant Marine Academy..

Since our first graduating class in 2013, 100% of Minds Matter SoCal graduates have been accepted to four-year universities. 82% attend top 50 colleges and universities. 94% graduate within four years. These results belong to our students. They show up, do the work, and deliver.
College acceptance is a milestone, not a finish line. A degree, a career, and a future without limits: that is the full journey. That is why Minds Matter SoCal is expanding our commitment to support students through every year of college.

To our Class of 2026: we could not be prouder. The capture some of the beauty seen, felt, and heard on graduation day.

✨ “You helped me believe…” 💙

Sometimes the most powerful impact isn’t just helping students get to college. It’s helping them see what’s possible for themselves.

Damari’s words remind us that mentorship, support, and community can shape so much more than academic outcomes. They can build confidence, expand dreams, and help students believe they are capable of reaching goals that once felt out of reach. 🎓✨

To every mentor, volunteer, educator, and supporter who continues to show up for young people: thank you for helping students imagine bigger futures for themselves.

💭 What’s something or someone that helped shape the way *you* think about your future? Share below ⬇️💙