We’re the 8th-grade class of AIMS College Prep Middle School in Oakland, CA.

We are asking for your help to make our dream graduation field trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on June 12, 2025, a reality.

We began our middle school journey in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022) — masked faces, eyes full of worry, a world uncertain of itself. In 6th grade, we learned to smile with our voices. In 7th grade, we learned to speak up for ourselves. By the 8th, we found the power in our stories, our culture, and our truth.

Now we’re preparing to write our next chapter. And we want to turn the page together—one last time.

AIMS College Prep Middle School serves 450 inner-city students from grades 6 – 8. Demographically, approximately 70% of AIMS Middle School students qualify for free and reduced lunch, 99% are minorities, and 75% speak English as a second language.

We’ve been fundraising since last summer for this trip—lemonade stands, bake sales, donation jars—you name it. So far, we’ve raised $2,500. However, we still need to raise an additional $5,000 to cover the cost of buses, wristbands, food, and chaperones, ensuring that every student can participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.

This isn’t just a trip, it’s a celebration of our hard work, our resilience, and the community that made it possible. It’s joy we’ve earned. It’s healing we deserve.

If we exceed our goal, every extra dollar will go toward making graduation memorable, such as a movie day, snacks, and keepsakes. Every bit helps.

We’ve done the work. We’ve shown the heart. Now we need a little help to get to the Boardwalk.

Whether you can give $5, $50, or help us spread the word, you’re helping a group of brilliant, resilient, Oakland-born students end this chapter the way they deserve—together.

Use of Funds:

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With love and gratitude,

The 8th-Grade Class & Middle School Student Government Association

AIMS College Prep Middle School, Oakland, CA