“What our students bring is knowledge. But they also bring a lot of wisdom from working in the actual world. When you combine both, it’s an extraordinary experience for them,” says Dr. Francisco Reveles, a faculty member in the Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Studies, a degree completion program for working adults at Sacramento State. The program is coordinated by the College of Continuing Education.

Dr. Reveles is a professor and former department chair in Educational Administration and Policy Studies at the university. He has conducted extensive research into resilience and success in youth, especially young people torn by violence and poverty.

Dr. Reveles has authored nationally recognized drop-out prevention materials and textbooks with the support of the California Department of Education. He has produced and directed educational films relating to Latino youth, and developed best practices aimed at motivating these individuals and empowering their parents. He has launched an online bilingual educational magazine for classroom use and will soon release a bilingual Latino parenting handbook.

From a barrio in El Paso, Texas to a career as an educator and gang mediator, Dr. Reveles is among 12 Americans whose stories and life struggles are featured in the book and film, The Try: Reclaiming the American Dream. Their own resilience and strength serve as inspiration for people of all cultures.