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Laguna Beach students describe gains from First Generation Leaders program
Summary
High-school students and program coordinator Yvonne Redard told the school board that the First Generation Leaders program (year three) offers mentorship, college exposure, a book club and a partnership academy with IVC; staff said 19–20% of recent graduating classes identify as first-generation and the district plans to scale earlier into middle and elementary grades.
Students and program staff presented the First Generation Leaders program to the Laguna Beach Unified School District board on May 8, describing how mentorship, college visits and targeted supports help students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Coordinator Yvonne Redard outlined program elements — a first-gen book club (which met author Alejandra Campoverdi via Chapman University), a partnership academy with IVC, morning meetings at 7:30 a.m., and field trips to colleges — and said the program is in its third year of implementation. Redard noted data from recent senior surveys showing about 20% of the class of 2023 and 19% of the class of 2024 self-identified as first-generation in Laguna Beach.
Four students gave first-person testimonials about how the program provided confidence, mentoring and practical guidance on college and career choices. Board members praised the program and asked staff whether capacity, funding or outreach limit participation; Redard said the program currently serves about 30 active students and staff are developing targeted outreach and plans to expand participation next year.
Board members and the superintendent commended the students and staff and asked how the program can scale; staff said they will continue partnerships with nearby campuses and have presented the program to the San Diego County Office of Education as a model.
