Giving Tuesday 2018

Helping First-Generation Students of Waukegan Graduate from College

A fundraising campaign for Waukegan to College


The Gaytan family recently told their story at Waukegan to College's 10 Year Celebration.

Aurora is a senior in high school and beginning the college selection process. She is pictured here with her mother, Liliana (left); and her grandmother, Aurora (on the right). 

Aurora says, "I am always moved when I think about the sacrifices that both my grandmother and my mother have made. They are amazing women and a constant role model for me. I so clearly remember that in fourth grade, our teacher informed the whole class that 'you will not amount to anything.' And, frankly, that attitude and set of expectations were the norm throughout my tenure in the Waukegan School District. We are taught to expect nothing, and by extension, taught that all of our efforts to the contrary would simply be a waste of time. But Waukegan to College has changed all of that for me, my aunt, my brother, my mother, and for all of the families involved in the program."

Waukegan to College staff and board members witness the courage and conviction of students and families every day.

It is in honor of these students that we ask you to consider making a contribution to help fulfill their dreams.

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