Avanza Rising Scholars Conference Focuses on Inspiring the Dream of College

A first-generation college graduate, immigrant and UC Davis alumna stood before a crowd of about 800 students and family members at the University Credit Union Center on May 16, offering a powerful reminder that higher education is not reserved for a select few.

By the time Aidín Castillo Mazantini, executive director of the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, finished sharing her story as keynote speaker of the Avanza Rising Scholars Conference, the audience was on its feet.

Castillo Mazantini’s message – that every student with a dream of a college degree belongs in higher education – resonated with attendees gathered for the annual conference hosted by the UC Davis Office of Inclusive Excellence. 

For Avanza Director Mayté Frías, Ph.D., who led the coordination of the 2026 conference, the keynote address was not only inspirational, but also perfectly reflected the purpose of the free annual conference that helps students explore pathways to college, careers and leadership.

"Aidín's story was one of resilience and showed students what is possible," Frías said. "She talked about the challenges she faced and what she overcame including people who told her she wasn't ‘college material’ or ‘law school material.’ She is an amazing human being who has accomplished tremendous things and is also very humble.”

College pathways and career exploration

Named after the Avanza Initiative, which focuses on student success, the event brought together hundreds of middle school, high school and transfer students from throughout Northern California for a day of workshops, panel discussions, campus tours and career exploration. 

As organizers emphasized, the goal is not simply to provide information but to help students envision a future they may not have previously considered. The conference introduces participants to university life, connects them with mentors and role models, and demonstrates that college pathways exist for students from every background. It is aimed at helping students understand that they belong in higher education.

“Our goal is to inspire people to dream and to go to college,” Frías said. “And that may not mean attending UC Davis. We had representatives from other universities there including Sac State and community colleges in the area. We want to show students that college, wherever they decide to go, is totally within their reach.”

Workshops focused on UC admissions and financial aid

The event, which reflects UC Davis' broad commitment to supporting educational pathways for K-16 students, has grown steadily over more than two decades. Many attendees come from communities that have historically been underrepresented in higher education or from families navigating the college admissions process for the first time.

For this year’s conference, event organizers used feedback from previous attendees to guide this programming. After reviewing participant responses, they expanded workshops focused on three areas students and families consistently identified as priorities: 

• applying to the University of California system
• understanding financial aid 
• exploring potential career paths

Students moved between workshops focused on practical questions that can often feel overwhelming for prospective college students and their families: How do I apply? How do I pay for college? What careers are available to me? What support systems exist once I arrive on campus?

Students also learned about careers in medicine, law, engineering, education and public service while also hearing directly from professionals, alumni and current students about their educational journeys.

A family approach to college planning

Among those attending were Woodland residents Lisa Rodriguez, her son Joey Preciado and granddaughter Cayden Preciado, a high school sophomore already earning college credits through San Joaquin Delta College.

While Rodriguez shared her experiences as a panelist in a session focused on pathways to nursing, her son and granddaughter attended a workshop about the California State University system just down the hall.

Rodriguez understands that journey firsthand. After earning an associate degree and raising four children who all completed community college or advanced degrees, she later returned to school herself, earning bachelor's and master's degrees. She is now pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing.

For Cayden, who is still exploring potential career paths, the conference offered an opportunity to learn more about the possibilities available to her and the steps required to reach them.

Their story reflected a common theme, according to Frías.

“In some communities, whether to go to college or where to go to college is often a family decision,” Frías said. “That’s why it’s important we have these events that are open to families as well, and not just visit the classroom. Giving the information to the whole family can be just as important as providing the information to the student themselves.”

To support that family-centered approach, the conference included Spanish-language workshops covering college admissions, financial aid and pathways to higher education. The sessions gave parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn alongside students and ask questions in their preferred language.

"When people speak to low-income students or first-generation students, sometimes the conversation starts with what they might not have," Frías said. "This conference starts with what they do have: talent, potential and opportunity." 

A community-wide effort

Behind the scenes, approximately 200 volunteers helped make the conference possible. The effort included students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners who assisted with registration, workshops, campus tours and event logistics.

Frías credits those volunteers, along with campus partners across UC Davis, for creating an experience that introduces students to higher education in an accessible and welcoming environment.

"I’ll tell you, it really was a large team effort,” she said. “We also have so many incredible campus partners who make donations and help put on this important event.”

Making the dream of college a reality

As the conference concluded, students left with admissions information, financial aid resources, career advice and new connections. More importantly, many left with a different perspective about where they belong. For Frías, that outcome matters as much as any workshop or presentation.

"Some students don't always know they belong in these spaces," she said. "But that’s why this conference is so important. It’s a lot of work, but we have to keep on hosting it because it is important that these students see that college is meant for them."

Frías continued, “I had a student come up to me at the end of the conference and say she was grateful for a very inspiring event and it really encouraged her to pursue a college degree. That’s what it’s all about – making sure students see that the dream of college is possible.”