SBCS proudly congratulates the graduating class of 2021! Despite the pandemic, students of all ages persevered with strength and the support of family, friends and SBCS staff.

Mi Escuelita Preschool

• Accomplishment: Children ages 3 – 5 who have been exposed to violence and abuse earned their preschool diploma
• 28 Graduates
• Next Steps: Kindergarten and beyond
• Flickr Photo Album

Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood

• Accomplishment: Students from Hilltop High School and Castle Park High School earned their high school diplomas, with support from SBCS’ Academic Advocates
• 48 Graduates
• Next Steps: UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, UC Riverside, San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos, San Diego State University, San Diego Mesa College, Southwestern College, Cuyamaca College, Culinary Institute of America

Daisy Medina: UC San Diego

Major: Radiology

“Ended one chapter strong, now coming into a new chapter stronger than ever!”

Stephanie McDonald: Cuyamaca College

Major: Physical Education

Earned a basketball scholarship

Yizel Hernandez: San Diego Mesa College

Major: Kinesiology

Pursuing career in athletic training

San Diego Promise Neighborhood

• Accomplishment: Students from San Ysidro High School earned high school diplomas, with support from SBCS’ Academic Advocates
• 20 Graduates
• Next Steps: (Coming Soon)

Independent Living Skills (ILS)

• Accomplishment: Current and former foster youth and other youth within the community engaged in a unique series of educational classes and services
• 15 Graduates
• Next Steps: San Diego State University, San Diego City College, Southwestern College, Grossmont College, Urban Corps

Mia Gastelum

Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)

• Accomplishment: Completed secondary bridging program which provides youth with 6 – 8 weeks of academic skill remediation, work readiness and life skill development as well as college and career exploration and preparation
• 7 Graduates
• Next Steps: UC San Diego, Chico State University, Avila University, Southwestern College
• Supporting partner: Union Bank

Artemis Devine: Southwestern College

Jaime Caravantes: Southwestern College

Carlos Valadez: Chico State University

Xavier Bustamante: Avila University

Natalie Smith: MAAC Community School Graduate

Jermayn Navarro: Urban Corps Charter School graduate

Omar Aragon Sotelo: UC San Diego

First 5 First Steps 

• Accomplishment: Parents gained knowledge, tools and support to nurture strong relationships with their children from pregnancy to age three and help them grow up healthy and ready to succeed.
• 12 Graduates