April marked the 19th time KidWorks hosted high school students during our annual Campus Crash event. Campus Crash provides students with an in-person taste of college and university life, with the goal that they pursue higher education.

Campus Crash is part of our College & Career Programs, formally known as CCSI (College & Career Success Initiative). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school and includes our College Apps Academy, Campus Crash, engagement with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.

From April 6 through April 10, 30 KidWorks high students and 25 KidWorks’ middle school students from all four of our locations and six from the Lighthouse Community Center experienced in-person visits to:

Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Director, says that experiencing campus life is what Campus Crash is all about.

“The students tour the campuses, meet with professors and other campus staff, explore the inside of a typical college dorm room, have lunch in the dining halls and sit in on lectures and labs,” she says.

“It makes the possibility of attending a college or university real to them in a way that only in-person visits can,” Clarisa adds.

Clarisa also thanked Leslie Martinez, our former College & Career Coordinator, who recently left KidWorks for another opportunity.

“Leslie made so many valuable contributions to the College Apps Academy and to Campus Crash and we wish her all the best,” Clarisa said.

Before leaving, Leslie expressed her joy in helping make Campus Crash such a success.

“The students we work with typically don’t travel nor go out of their hometown,” Leslie says. “Being able to give students an experience like a hotel stay or a trip on a charter bus is meaningful, even beyond the campus visit experiences.”

Leslie adds, “We also showed students that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to travel and see beyond their neighborhood. For example, we took them to the famous San Francisco pier and across the Golden Gate Bridge.”

Over the years, many KidWorks students have reported that Campus Crash was the key determining factor in deciding to definitely attend a college or university.

Here is what Shaila Jimenez, a high school senior enrolled in our programs since preschool, had to say about her 2026 Campus Crash experience:

“Being able to experience new campuses that were farther from home than I’ve ever been helped me get out of my bubble. Making memories with the KidWorks staff and other students was special before I embark on my next journey.”

Campus Crash was also meaningful for KidWorks’ staff who were present from start to finish during the various campus visits.

Here’s how Rachel Cervantes, our Volunteer Manager, puts it:

“This year’s Campus Crash was wonderful for so many reasons. Taking the youth on an extended Campus Crash had not been possible since before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also great to be on a charter bus with the students There was plenty of laughing, snacking, sleeping and great conversations on the road between campuses.

“On a personal note, the students who attended this trip were my students in the after-school program in years past when I was a program assistant. Seeing how much they’ve grown and being able to partake in this special trip allows them the unique opportunity to see new places, ask questions and dream about their future; it’s such a blessing.”

“The Campus Crash overnight trips are a time to bond with the students on a deeper, more personal level outside of the classroom,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator. “Genuine conversations take place about their hopes and goals for the future. We have the privilege of guiding them through these important life decisions.”

Maria adds, “As we experience new colleges and sightseeing areas together, it builds memories that we all hold dear to our hearts. That keeps us connected to the work we do and reminds us how important events like Campus Crash are.”

Isabel Rivas, KidWorks’ College & Career Associate, was also moved by the positive impact of this year’s Campus Crash event.

“Seeing the lessons and values we instill at KidWorks revealed on a larger scale, such as Campus Crash, is incredibly rewarding, especially as students begin to see themselves as part of something greater,” Isabel says.

She adds, “I’m mindful to remember that we are creating memories for students that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“As an alumna who participated in the last Northern California Campus Crash trip in 2019, returning to this experience as a staff member brought back many of the same emotions and memories I once felt as a student. Witnessing those moments now through the students’ eyes reaffirmed the lasting impact of these experiences.”

Javier Oliver, Site Director for the Ignite Youth Leadership Program, longtime KidWorks’ partners, whose parent company is Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM), says:

“It’s always a blessing to participate in Campus Crash with KidWorks. What made this year unique for me is that it’s the first time Campus Crash was extended to a three-day, two-night experience. The word ‘experience’ is perfect because it’s what our youth fully took part in.”

He adds, “The students were very engaged in the tours, always asking questions. I loved every minute spent building relationships with them.”

As expected, the details and coordination required to make Campus Crash a success are enormous. KidWorks thanks all those who made Campus Crash possible, including:

We also thank all the other supporters—out front and behind the scenes—who make Campus Crash an event our younger students hear about and look forward to with great anticipation.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Events and programs like Campus Crash plant the seeds that lead to lasting academic and career success for our students. Your financial support and partnership with us make this possible. Find out more about how you can donate to programs like Campus Crash here: https://kidworksoc.org/donate/

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