As part of the Fifty & Forward Campaign, San Diego Foundation is highlighting nonprofit partners and the SDF fundholders who support them. The Fifty & Forward Campaign connects people who care to causes that matter. Learn more at SDFoundation.org/50.
For Iedasa Sanchez, the journey to college began long before she ever set foot on campus.
Growing up in a community where higher education often felt like a distant goal, Iedasa joined Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) in third grade and began chanting along with her peers: “Who wants to go to college?” The answer was always a resounding: “We do!”
This simple affirmation planted a powerful seed in Iedasa’s mind, creating a dream that she would later bring to life as a first-generation student, or the first in her family to graduate from college. Now an alumna of BLCI, she’s in her first year at San Diego State University – and one step closer to making that dream a reality.
“Being a first gen, just the name gives you a lot of power saying – ‘Oh, I’m the first to do this, like no one’s going to be able to take this away from me,’” she said.
For her, BLCI had always been more than an after-school program – it’s a second family. One that provides support, resources, encouragement and a safe space to explore her potential.
Stories of Success
Iedasa’s story is one of many that demonstrate the remarkable impact of BLCI.
According to BLCI data, every student graduates from high school, and every student enrolls in college – a massive achievement in communities facing similar social and economic barriers.
This success speaks to the broader influence of the BLCI mission: to break the cycle of poverty by preparing first-generation students to succeed in college and beyond. The program transforms not only students’ lives, but also the futures of their families and communities.
“We can see how grateful the parents are,” said Sara Boquin, Chief Executive Officer, BLCI. “Many of them come here as immigrants, looking for a place that will support their dreams – and their child’s dreams.”
Receiving a college degree can open a world of possibilities by helping students hone their skills, build confidence and grow their network to shape their future. For first-generation students especially, college can break down barriers, bringing more economic stability to their families and inspiring younger siblings or relatives to aim high.
Collaboration & Community Support
At the heart of BLCI’s success is a dedicated network of partners, supporters, staff and leaders who believe in the life-changing power of education – including San Diego Foundation (SDF). Through SDF, BLCI has received several education-based grants – including through the Community Scholars Initiative.
“We can’t do the work that we do without partnerships and collaboration,” said Boquin. “They help us have a voice, they help support our programs, and they really make sure that we can deliver our mission.”
Among them are Moisés and Vicki Baron – staunch supporters of the BLCI mission and vision and members of the Fifty & Forward Campaign Council.
For Moisés, the cause hits close to home.
“Being a first-generation college student, also an immigrant from Mexico, obviously there was a resonance there, there was a sense of connection right away,” he said. “You can really feel and see the impact it has on their (students’) lives. That is really fulfilling.”
For Vicki, there’s that familial feeling that keeps her coming back.
“We’ve seen the program change not just the students, but the community,” she said. “(We) feel really good to be part of giving to that – both in time and treasure.”
A Legacy of Achievement
At BLCI, every student’s story is part of a growing legacy of achievement. Current student, Jayden Fernandez, says his love for his family fuels his commitment to the future.
“Being first-generation, seeing how my parents didn’t have the same experiences or have the same opportunities – they didn’t graduate high school – I want to show them that it’s possible,” he said.
“(To) show them that their efforts and their sacrifices, it wasn’t for nothing. There’s nothing else that can stop me, other than myself.”
His determination reflects the heart of the BLCI mission. With every graduation, every college enrollment, and every step forward – BLCI works to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.
“Education really is the way to change a community,” Boquin said. “For every dollar that’s really invested in our program, society gets more than that. They get four times as much at least in making sure that families are self-sufficient.”
Fifty & Forward
San Diego Foundation has supported nonprofit organizations like BLCI for nearly 50 years.
Now, let’s take the past 50 years of investment and impact into the next 50 years of possibility and promise.
With your help, we will grant $500 million to realize our region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families, and the environment – and raise $1 billion to help shape our community’s future.
Partner with us to amplify your giving and help make a transformational change for the issues you care about most—and the issues that mean the most to our community.
