Celebrating Our Stars 2024
Our Mission & Vision
If Given A Chance identifies vulnerable, yet resilient, Napa County high school juniors who have faced extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education to better their lives. We help students regain their sense of self-worth, emotional balance, and independent living skills through mentoring, life-skills training, mental health support, and financial assistance. IGAC provides ongoing support as these students navigate the challenges of obtaining a college degree or completing a technical training program so they can achieve job security, experience increased quality of life, and become a contributing member of their community.
“I recognize the important work If Given A Chance is doing every single day. Through mentoring and financial assistance, they help our most vulnerable young people succeed and pursue a college education. I was proud to designate this organization as the charity recipient at my holiday party in 2020, raising over $200,000!”
Bill Dodd, California State Senator
A New Day for If Given A Chance
Announcing a new partnership with Students Rising Above
Supporting Napa County High School & College Students
Every year, If Given A Chance selects juniors from all Napa County high schools to receive our award and participate in our program. Students apply for and are selected in the spring of junior year and participate in workshops and one-on-one coaching throughout their senior year to help them prepare for and enter college or professional/technical school.
Changing lives of 400+ students
Our organization has demonstrated successful outcomes for over 27 years with 400 alumni reaching pinnacles of success in their careers, which range from police and probation officers, to filmmakers, attorneys, scientists, entrepreneurs, marketing executives, and much more.
Our Stories
“As I chose my class schedule for my last semester of UCLA Law School, I couldn’t help but reflect on all of my experiences over the years and those who have helped me get to where I am today. The If Given A Chance Award provided me with support for 8 years, during the most financially challenging years of my life…”
Angeles
When she was 16, Catrina was removed from her mother’s custody and placed in the court system. She hadn’t attended school consistently past eighth grade. So when she got to the group home she was required to take GED classes. She finished about the time she was eighteen. Around the same time the funding from the county stopped and…”
Catrina
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