Reality Changers: The Origin Story

2018, 11 minutes

Discover how Reality Changers' Founder, Christopher Yanov, turned an idea into a program that has helped thousands of students become first generation college graduates.

In his best attempt to divert youth away from gang life in San Diego, Reality Changers' Founder, Christopher Yanov began a program that focused the attention of inner city high school students on to getting into college universities. It all started in 2001 with a handful of eighth and ninth graders that Christopher recruited at Ray A. Kroc Middle School, where he worked at the time as a substitute teacher. Back then, program was held in the Hispanic Presbyterian Church, near downtown San Diego. With minimal help, funding, and students in attendance, there were times Chris wasn’t sure if the program was going to take. Flash-forward to today: Nearly two decades later, Reality Changers now serves nearly 1,000 youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in Southern California every year. Since starting with just $300 in seed money, Reality Changers has served 2,000 graduates