Fulfillment Fund

Last week, Fulfillment Fund’s College Access & College Success team partnered with the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) for their annual conference in Pasadena alongside partners at Los Angeles City College and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The conference brought together college access and admissions professionals from across the region to collaborate, share resources, and strengthen pathways to higher education for students.

Fulfillment Fund presented two sessions highlighting innovative strategies and partnerships that support students on their path to college success.

The first panel, “Planting Seeds of Success: Designing a Summer Institute That Prepares Students to Apply to College,” featured John Kuhlmann, Director of College Access at Fulfillment Fund, Jinna Lee, College Counselor at Fulfillment Fund, and Marcus Mathis, Assistant Director of Admissions, Community Engagement at UC Santa Barbara.

The second panel, “Roots and Relationships: Cultivating Student Success Through Strategic Partnerships,” featured Rachel Livingston, Chief Program Officer at Fulfillment Fund, Olivia De La O, Director of College Success at Fulfillment Fund, Mauro Perez, Lead College Success Advisor at Fulfillment Fund, and Sarah Sprunger, Student Services Specialist, First Year Experience at Los Angeles City College.

We’re proud to share and learn alongside partners who are equally committed to helping students thrive in college and beyond.

The memories from Sip & Celebrate 2026 will stay with us for years to come. ✨📸

From inspiring student stories to celebrating our incredible honorees and supporters, the evening was filled with meaningful moments, joyful connections, and core memories made together as a community.

Thank you for helping make this night such a success for Fulfillment Fund students and families.

View the full photo gallery and relive the highlights with us.
https://ow.ly/gjjL50Z3nxZ

The transition to college can feel overwhelming, and for many students, the summer before college can feel like a gap between acceptance and actually arriving on campus. That’s why we kick off the summer with Fulfillment Fund University and continue support through Camp Fulfillment Fund, helping students stay connected, confident, and prepared every step of the way. Both programs are designed to help bridge the summer gap by equipping students with the tools, guidance, and community they need before their first semester begins.

At Fulfillment Fund, we’re just getting started on helping students feel career ready and supported through every stage of their college journey.

https://fulfillment.org/preparing-students-for-college-success/

Decision Day last Friday was a meaningful celebration of our students and all that lies ahead 🎓 We came together to recognize the many paths our students are taking, from trade and vocational programs to California Community Colleges, California State University campuses, University of California campuses, and private and out of state institutions. Each decision reflects their goals, their hard work, and the future they are stepping into.

The event brought our community together in celebration, while also sharing what comes next through our College Success programming and the continued support available to our students.

Thank you to LAUSD Region West for providing the mariachi band and helping create such a special atmosphere, and to LAUSD leaders and friends of Fulfillment Fund for showing up to celebrate and support our students. We are also grateful to our partner schools ASGL, LAHSA, SVAH, NOW Academy, and UCLA Community School for helping bring this event together, with special thanks to Ms. Cesare and UCLA Community School for co planning this year’s celebration. We are proud to continue supporting our students as they move forward into their next chapter.

From scholar to volunteer, Michelle’s journey comes full circle. Inspired by the support that shaped her path, she now shows up for students at events like Picture Your Perfect Career Day and our financial literacy alumni webinar, sharing her experience from Fulfillment Fund scholar to paralegal to help others navigate their own path forward.