During the recent HTH Elevate event, the University of San Diego hosted a powerful gathering of High Tech High’s high-achieving juniors. Approximately 40 Elevate scholars—students from across all HTH high school campuses who come from first-generation, low-income, and historically marginalized backgrounds—came together for a day rooted in connection, confidence, and college readiness.
Guided by the slogan, “Higher education requires higher expectations,” the annual Elevate event provided students with a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with admissions representatives from eight leading colleges and universities. In this small, intimate setting, students weren’t just collecting brochures—they were building relationships.
“It was so joyful to see the students experience what Elevate is truly about,” said Chris White, Executive Director of College Counseling. “These scholars were able to engage deeply with college reps who will walk away knowing their names.”
The day also included a powerful alumni panel featuring six former HTH Elevate scholars, now flourishing in college. Their stories—of perseverance, self-discovery, and growth—offered both guidance and inspiration to the next generation.
As the HTH network continues to grow, Elevate stands as a testament to what’s possible when high expectations are paired with high-impact support—putting students in the best position to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Students reflected on the experience with gratitude and newfound motivation.
“Today, I learned so much more about college and what the path can look like for students like me. It was really powerful to hear from students who came from similar backgrounds—low-income and first-generation—and to see how they found support and success. For me, coming from a low-income family, it means everything to know that I still have opportunities through scholarships, programs, grants, and FAFSA. That support helps me believe I can get to where I want to be. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”–Yuliana Cibrian, Junior, High Tech High International
“What resonated with me most was that going to a conference like this was the biggest opportunity for growth. It showed me that just because I might have some disadvantages in certain aspects, it doesn’t count me out or put me behind anyone else. I learned a lot about colleges, financial aid, and the different opportunities I can take. Talking to college reps one-on-one made it feel real—like college isn’t some fantasy. It’s truly an opportunity for me, and I’m very proud of that.”–King Famous California, Junior, High Tech High Chula Vista
In addition to college exposure events like Elevate, HTH students also have access to college-level coursework through a growing partnership with the University of San Diego.
High Tech High has partnered with the University of San Diego to offer students an exciting opportunity to earn college credit and experience university life, at no cost, through USD’s Pre-Collegiate Pathways Program.
More than just a dual-enrollment opportunity, the program takes a holistic approach to college preparation. HTH students take actual courses on the USD campus while also participating in workshops and events designed to demystify the college experience and support them on their journey toward higher education.
“We really want to open USD up to students who traditionally have not been able to attend places like USD,” said Dr. David Miller, a USD History professor who helps lead the program. “Something the pre-collegiate program can do is help students realize that USD is a place for them—that they fit here and see people who they recognize.”
All expenses—tuition, books, and parking—are fully covered. As a first-generation-serving, Hispanic-Serving Institution, USD’s goal is to build meaningful pathways for students from the San Diego region, particularly those who may not have seen themselves at a university like USD before.
Dr. Miller puts it best: “It’s worth enrolling because you are going to get, at no cost, the college experience, college credit, and a real introduction to the University of San Diego. Students who participate in these types of programs go into college more prepared, stronger, and more confident—they’re ultimately going to be more successful down the road.”
Programs like USD’s Pre-Collegiate Pathways and HTH Elevate are central to High Tech High’s mission of building meaningful and equitable college-going pathways. By giving students the tools, experiences, and belief that they belong on a college campus, HTH continues to create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
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