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Students pitch Watsonville Ivy League trip fundraiser to Pajaro Valley board
Summary
Fifteen high‑achieving first‑generation students detailed the Watsonville Ivy League Project and asked trustees to support a March benefit show to raise $50,000 to fund college‑exposure trips to nine East Coast universities.
Fifteen students from Pajaro Valley and Watsonville high schools asked the board Wednesday to support a fundraising event for the Watsonville Ivy League Project (WILP), a college‑exposure program that brings first‑generation, low‑income students to East Coast universities.
Mark Mendoza and a panel of WILP students outlined a March 23 benefit show at the Miller Center that will feature local youth performers and aims to raise $50,000 to cover travel costs for all participating students. "Any amount will help, and all donations to WILP are tax deductible," a student representative said, asking trustees and the community to attend or donate.
Multiple students described growth in confidence, public‑speaking and college awareness after participating in fundraising, interview practice and outreach. One student said the program taught practical skills such as fundraising and producing business cards, and another told trustees the experience opened possibilities they had not previously considered.
Trustees and district staff praised the students and encouraged community support for the benefit show. The board recorded the presentations and noted outreach to assist with ticketing and promotion.
