Cristina Ayala is an alumna of PSP, class of 2016. She now attends UC Merced and is the Vice President of Operations for an on campus organization called Generation to Generation. The organization’s mission is to enlighten and guide Merced youth through mentoring, resources, and educational workshops that promote their development.

As a part of Generation to Generation, she helps put on an event called “UC Merced Splash”. The goal of Splash is to expose students to the college environment and learn more about academics, clubs, and speak with current college students. A number of current PSP scholars will be attending Splash this year, thanks to Cristina’s relationship with PSP.

Ms. Ayala joined the club during her first semester at UC Merced. She attended an information session for the club which was founded a semester before her arrival. The club was founded because graduation rates in the Central Valley are low and the club members want to make a difference.

She reached out to PSP to invite scholars to the second annual Splash conference on March 3rd. She decided to reach out to PSP because she says it helped her feel more eased into college. PSP was a source of support to her during high school, so when people at UC Merced reached out to her about Generation to Generation, she wanted to join. Now she’s doing her part to give back and support students even if she doesn’t know them. We are inspired by Ms. Ayala’s commitment to empowering scholars and giving back to the Central Valley and the PSP community. You can learn more about the Splash college visit day here.