Editor’s note: From their first day enrolled in our state-licensed preschool all the way through college/university graduation, KidWorks walks alongside our students to pave the way for meaningful careers. In our new series, “Positive Outcomes: College Graduate Career Success Stories,” we’ll introduce you to the career successes our graduates have now achieved. Our valued donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters make this all possible. Thank you!

Eveline Esparza is on her way to fulfilling a dream to design prosthetics or heart pumps that save lives.

A KidWorks student from fourth grade through high school graduation, Eveline earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fullerton, in 2024. She is now a computer-aided design (CAD) drafter at EKN Engineering in Irvine, a company focused on civil and utility engineering.

“I always enjoyed working with my hands and in a way that involved math, so this career path is ideal for me,” Eveline says.

Her work at EKN is very rewarding, Eveline says.

“I bring a fresh perspective as someone newer to the team,” she says. “I’m encouraged to suggest ideas for improvements while also learning from others. What’s especially fulfilling about being part of this company is the positive work environment and a team that is so supportive and helpful.”

Eveline is one of the hundreds of our students who have benefitted from KidWorks’ College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school and includes our College Apps Academy (guidance for high school students on how to apply for grants and admission to colleges/universities), Campus Crash (visits by junior and high school students to colleges and universities), engagement with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.

“Being the first young man or woman in your family to attend a college or university can be a bit overwhelming,” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Director. “But the soon-to-be high school graduates in KidWorks’ programs have the drive to pursue higher education—and KidWorks is right alongside them, from applying to the institution of their choice to earning a degree.”

Instilling confidence for success after high school graduation—at a college/university and then in a meaningful career—has long been a key initiative within KidWorks.

Eveline embodies this spirit when she describes herself as “fun, kind, adventurous and brave.”

From the start of her KidWorks experience in fourth grade, Eveline says KidWorks was right alongside every step of the way.

“Academically, KidWorks always provided help and resources to be able to succeed,” she says. 
“Socially, they helped me make friends that are still in my life years later.”

While from a young age she had a dream to attend college, Eveline says KidWorks offered the extra boost in helping to navigate the process once it was time to apply.

“KidWorks provided me with new opportunities and experiences that really shaped my life, from taking us on field trips during the summer that I would otherwise never experience to earning scholarships to help pay for the university,” she says.

Eveline adds, “I always knew a university was possible for me and KidWorks helped with the application process, college tours and financial aid,” she says.

Visiting campuses a part of our Campus Crash annual event also provided exposure to the higher education environment, including a trip to Northern California.

“We were even able to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge!” she says.

In addition to KidWorks, Eveline is also deeply grateful for the support of her parents, Jorge and Maria Esparza.

“They’ve always been my biggest supporters and have believed in me even when I didn’t,” Eveline says. “I would never have come this far without them.”

All of us at KidWorks are deeply proud of our alumni such as Eveline who serve as role models for our younger students and prove that meaningful careers can be part of everyone’s future.

Learn more about ways to support KidWorks students on their journey through higher education and onto meaning careers here.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

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