Celebrate the Shine Together Class of 2025!
Empower Young Moms to Achieve Their Dreams
Download our Graduation 2025 Newsletter and Discover How Your Support Creates Brighter Futures for Young Moms and Their Families.
This graduation season, Shine Together is thrilled to honor the incredible achievements of Karen Arellano (Stanford University, Class of 2025) and Sofia Jaquez (UC Berkeley, Class of 2025), two resilient young mothers who defied the odds to achieve their academic dreams.
Their stories are a testament to the power of support, determination, and the life-changing impact of Shine Together’s programs.
Nationally, only 2% of teen mothers earn a college degree by age 30, but at Shine Together, nearly 90% of our participants graduate high school, and over 60% pursue higher education.
Learn how we’re changing the narrative for young moms and helping them create thriving futures for themselves and their children.
Shine Together: Helping Young Mothers to Write Inspiring Stories
Meet Karen & Sofia: Their Journeys of Resilience and Triumph
"It was never just about academics... It was about extending every opportunity to my son."
"I’m living proof that being a young mother doesn’t mean your dreams are over—it means you have an even greater reason to make them come true."
Karen and Sofia's journeys are powerful examples of what is possible with the right support. For these two teen moms, college graduation once seemed like an impossible goal.
As single mothers, they faced unique challenges while pursuing their education. From juggling childcare and late-night study sessions to overcoming financial hurdles, they never gave up on their dreams.
In the Shine Together Graduation 2025 Campaign Newsletter, you can read their stories in their own words and discover how Shine Together provided them a lifeline of resources, encouragement, and community.
Are you a young mom seeking support in your education journey?
Shine Together can help!
Shine Together: Helping Young Mothers to Write Inspiring Stories
Empowering Young Mothers, Transforming Lives—Two Generations At a Time
Since 2011, Shine Together has supported over 2,000 teens and youthful women with resources such as financial aid for young mothers, scholarships for young parents, coaching, diapers, housing assistance, and most importantly, an unwavering belief in their potential.
As a 501(c)(3) Bay Area nonprofit organization for young families, we’re dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty and creating brighter futures for our program participants and their children.
Are you interested in making a difference in your community?
Your donations help us provide vital resources and support.
We Are a Bay Area Nonprofit Helping Teen Parents: Key Statistics
- 90% of Shine Together participants graduate high school or earn their GED.
- 60%+ pursue higher education or career training.
- Only 2% of teen mothers nationwide earn a college degree by age 30
Young Mothers Education Support: How You Can Help
Invest in the Future: Support the Education of Young Moms Today
Help us empower more young moms to achieve their dreams.
Your contribution helps provide education navigation, resource brokering, financial emergency support, and life-changing experiences. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference
How To Help Teen Mothers Succeed: Donate today and help young moms like Karen and Sofia Shine Bright!
Donate To Empower Young Women: Give A Gift That Will Empower Multiple Generations
To contribute, scan our QR Code
Or Donate Now to Shine Together
Shine Together is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | Tax ID: 45-0702884
Resources for Parenting Students: Other Ways To Get Involved
Get Support
Are you a young mother seeking support? Contact us to learn more about our programs. Shine Together has regional offices in the following locations:
Shine Together Bay Area (Head Office)
Shine Together Fresno
Shine Together Sacramento
Give Support: Contribute to Community Support For Single Moms and Help Spread the Word About Shine Together
- Share our 2025 Graduation Campaign Newsletter with your friends and family via social media, email and DM!
- Refer A Mom: Young moms can use all the help they can get—reach out to us if you’re an ally.
- Volunteer or Make a Donation: Join the hundreds of caring donors who invest in the lives of young mothers and their children to help create thriving futures.