The documentary on breaking barriers to college education for underserved communities debuts June 29 on KLCS-PBS
IRVINE, Calif. (May 11, 2026) — The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit, are thrilled to announce today the broadcast premiere of “Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond” on Monday, June 29 at 5 pm on KLCS-PBS. The third episode in their six-part “The Power of Community” series, this program focuses on opening pathways and bridging gaps to higher-education success in underserved communities, especially among first-generation college students.
Program highlights include:
- Disparities in readiness: A snapshot of college readiness reveals that nearly 60 percent of all Orange County high school graduates were college-ready, outpacing the statewide average. However, less than 50 percent of Latino, Black and Pacific-Islander students in the county achieved college readiness and face significant barriers in preparing for higher education.
- Specialized support programs in high school: A feature on programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) shows how students can prepare for college by acquiring fundamental skills such as analytical writing, time management, and goal setting. Nonprofit organizations such as Think Together partner with districts and charter schools to expand learning opportunities and provide early intervention.
- Making the college dream attainable: A spotlight on KidWorks illustrates how its College and Career Success Initiative not only inspires students from underserved neighborhoods to pursue higher education but also guides them every step of the way through the college application and financial aid process, and supports them throughout the college years.
- First-generation college student stories: A college student and a young professional share how they fulfilled their dreams of attending college and the impact of AVID and its scholarships funded by philanthropist Ranney Draper on their journey.
After its June 29 premiere on KLCS-PBS, “Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond” can be viewed through the Orange County Community Foundation’s website. Previous episodes in “The Power of Community” series include “Child and Youth Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic,” which examines startling local data, highlights real-world solutions in action, and presents heartfelt stories of resilience and healing from local youth and families tackling mental health issues; and “Earn & Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy,” which explores the intersection of education and economic innovation, spotlighting programs that equip youth and young adults with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
The remaining three episodes will focus on:
- Environmental Stewardship: Protecting and preserving Orange County’s unique ecosystems
- Women’s Health: Addressing health challenges across life stages in underserved communities
- Building Bridges of Community: Advancing collective action and community voices
“The Power of Community series has provided a unique opportunity to explore areas of need within Orange County and showcase the stellar work of our nonprofit sector in addressing these complex issues,” said Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “The ‘Promising Futures’ episode illustrates how community efforts to support college dreams can change lives, opening doors of opportunity for all who call Orange County home.”
OCCF and OC World invite everyone to explore “The Power of Community,” a series that promises to inspire change and elevate the voices of those making a difference. By sharing stories of perseverance and promise, this series serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, encouraging audiences to connect with local efforts that are making a meaningful and lasting difference.
For more information on “The Power of Community” series, please visit oc-cf.org/power-of-community.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) transforms our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good by working with local donors and nonprofit partners as an expert advisor and innovator. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. OCCF’s Vision 2030, a five-year strategic plan, is designed to amplify giving and support donors’ philanthropic goals as well as address critical needs in Orange County. Since 1989, OCCF has granted more than $1.25 billion in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2025 annual report here.
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Media Contact
Lisa Liddane
lliddane@cornerstonecomms.com
(714) 656-5002
