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When Eva Ochoa was in high school, she didn’t see a college or university degree in her future. In fact, she had nagging doubts about whether higher education was really… Continue Reading
When Eva Ochoa was in high school, she didn’t see a college or university degree in her future.
In fact, she had nagging doubts about whether higher education was really within her grasp.
But KidWorks transformed all that for Eva. Eva attended KidWorks Bishop Manor (KBM) spoke center when it was originally open before unforeseen circumstances forced it to shut down in 2020.
“Growing up, I faced academic and personal challenges that frequently made me question myself,” Eva says. “KBM provided a space where I felt supported, seen and encouraged to dream bigger.”
She explains, “KidWorks offered emotional and spiritual guidance during moments when I doubted myself. Mentors from KidWorks played a huge role reminding me that setbacks are part of growth and that I could overcome them with faith and determination.”
With KidWorks walking alongside her every step of the way, Eva graduated from Grand Canyon University, earning a bachelor’s degree in educational studies.
But the journey to where she is today wasn’t always a direct path. Upon graduating high school, Eva began her studies at Concordia University. But, as a first-generation college student, the road was anything but easy. Even with a full-ride scholarship, she faced challenges that forced her to pause her education.
“But that twist only made me more determined to stay on the path towards higher education,” Eva says.
With guidance from the KidWorks team and her volunteer mentor, Eva persisted. She began studies at Santa Ana College in 2017, then enrolled in Grand Canyon University in 2020. Eva graduated in April of this year with her bachelor’s degree.
“If it wasn’t for my mentor constantly encouraging me, I believe my higher education career could potentially have ended just as it was getting started,” Eva says.
“I’m super excited to return to the same community where I grew up and to be a leader who demonstrates that everyone is able to accomplish a dream,” Eva says. “My KidWorks’ experience helped me with my personal and academic growth, reinforcing positive qualities and guiding me to promote spiritual well-being.”
She adds, “The lessons I learned at KidWorks will always stay with me. I learned the importance of perseverance, compassion and giving back to others. Those values guide how I approach both my personal life and my career today. Because of KidWorks, I carry a mindset that reminds me to stay grounded, work hard and help others the same way I was helped.”
The Bishop Manor center re-opened in late October. It represents a major KidWorks goal: Launch more strategically located spoke centers in underserved central Santa Ana neighborhoods to serve more students from elementary school grades up to and through college.
Eva is an avid supporter of KidWorks’ intent to launch more spoke centers like Bishop Manor.
“Opening more centers is so important because it brings hope and opportunity directly to families who need it most,” Eva says. “Each center represents a safe and encouraging place for students to grow, dream and succeed.”
Eva continues, “Many kids just need someone to believe in them; KidWorks does exactly that. The more centers we open, the more lives we transform.”
Yet, opening and maintaining new centers is costly. The yearly costs alone are $250,000 or more for each center.
“Financial contributions from ongoing and new donors allows KidWorks to continue creating life-changing opportunities for students like me,” Eva says. “I am so deeply thankful to everyone who donates to KidWorks.”
Many students from our spoke centers also receive support from KidWorks’ college and career programs. Students, as young as six years old, get to hear that college can be for them, no matter their life circumstances. The program also exposes students to a variety of careers through monthly career nights and helps them see that higher education is within their reach through an annual week of campus visits.
“KidWorks’ college and career programs have helped guide hundreds of students—many who first enrolled in our state-incensed preschool—to successfully graduate high school and then go on to earn college and university degrees,” says Lisa Gels, our Director of Philanthropy.
“Opening centers like Bishop Manor mean there will be even more success stories like Eva’s. Every dollar goes to work benefitting hundreds of students and families supported by our four centers. We are so grateful for what our donors and partners make possible.”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Learn more about how to help fund centers like Bishop Manor that will allow KidWorks to serve even more students by clicking on the button below.
Fill KidWorks Bishop Manor with Hope, Opportunity, and Bright Futures.