Director Spotlight: Elizabeth Richardson

Meet Elizabeth Richardson, the Director of High School Mentoring here at The Reach Foundation, who works with mentors and first gen low-income high school seniors in applying to college.

Elizabeth obtained her Master’s degree in Education from Stanford, where a large focus of her program was social justice and equity in education. After completing her degree, Elizabeth took a role at Downtown College Prep in San Jose, whose mission is to prepare first-generation students to thrive in college.  She has spent the last 15 years working in education in East San Jose. 

In East San Jose, the educational journey for first-generation students is marked by distinct hurdles. There is often a knowledge gap surrounding college requirements and processes. How do I select a major that I will like?  Which colleges should I apply to?  How do I receive financial aid? I’ve never filled out an application before and am confused.  First gen students lack parents who have been to college and have experience applying. 

“The other piece is believing that you CAN go to college.” Students need to believe that ‘yes, this is something that is possible for me.’ Many first-generation students have not felt like they are college material and a mentor can reaffirm their college going identity and help students overcome imposter syndrome.. 

Development of this college-going mindset is where mentoring can make a difference. Reach Foundation mentors spend 9 months building relationships with their students and supporting their preparation for applications and success in college. Elizabeth sees the Reach Foundation as a catalyst that increases college access for students. For many of these students, their mentors are the only positive adult relationship they have in their lives. 

“I strongly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to attend college, and deserves to have choices”, she says, “the world will be a better place, the more people we give access to higher education to.” 

Come join our mission to increase higher education equality for all students.  Follow us on LinkedIn or contact us to get involved at thereachfoundation.net