From University Prep (UP!) Program to Project Engineer: Canal Alliance Graduate Pays it Forward 

A story of sustain support, community connection, and doorways to success.

Byron C. has been closely connected to Canal Alliance for years, from growing up in the Canal area and through support the agency has provided to him and his family over the years. His family’s years-long engagement with Canal Alliance is a testament to the agency’s impact and the enduring bonds that can been formed between staff and clients over the years—Byron is a graduate of Canal Alliance’s University Prep (UP!) and the College 2 Career (C2C) programs, his brother is currently enrolled as a junior in the University Prep Program (UP!), and his sister contributes as a tutor, continuing the family’s strong ties with Canal Alliance and the community. 

Byron’s relationship with Canal Alliance began in 2014 when his mother enrolled him in the UP! program in sixth grade. At first, he says he was hesitant—he wasn’t thrilled about additional schoolwork after hours. However, as many of his friends were also part of the program, Byron says he quickly found a sense of belonging and made new friendships. Byron was part of the pilot group for UP!, which laid a solid foundation for his academic and personal growth. 

In 2021, Byron graduated from the UP! program and transitioned into the C2C, which helped guide him through the next steps in his education. He chose to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo because of the strong job security prospects the school offered after graduation. Byron says that throughout his college years, he was counted on continuous support from the Canal Alliance team; he met regularly with Nusrat Islam, College to Career Senior Navigator, during his time in the C2C program. 

Byron credits his success in part to the dedicated tutors he worked with at Canal Alliance. He says Eileen and Katharine, both his English tutors, played significant roles in his academic development, and Byron remains grateful for their support. He is still in constant communication with his former tutors as they check in from time to time.  

“My former tutor, Eileen, does art, so I have been invited to attend her gallery opening and connect and network with different people in the community through my tutors,” Byron mentions. 

Maintaining contact with Canal Alliance tutors reflects how the UP! program helped him build lasting relationships and instilled in him a deep desire to give back. 

Byron also shared a heartfelt tribute to Eileen:

“Sadly, Eileen passed away recently on May 28th, just a day after her birthday. It’s been heartbreaking for me, as I’ve known her since 7th grade. She was incredibly special, and I had really hoped to visit her one more time and keep reminding her how grateful I am for everything she’s meant to me. I was so excited to come home and share the news of my graduation with her. She passed away from cancer, and I want to express my deepest condolences to her family.”

Looking ahead, Byron will graduate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in June 2025 and has already secured a position with Ghilotti Construction as a project engineer, starting in August. In this role, he will be responsible for document control and coordination with contractors and suppliers, working closely with the project manager. Byron envisions a future where he continues to grow within the company, enhancing his skills and contributing meaningfully to his field. 

Most importantly, Byron is passionate about giving back to Canal Alliance and his community. He hopes to support the organization financially one day or by mentoring students, sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained along the way. “I want to be an ally in Canal,” Byron says, “Translating what I’ve learned to help others navigate college and career pathways.” 

For anyone considering Canal Alliance Byron mentions , “If someone is thinking about coming to Canal Alliance, I would say to take advantage of all the academic resources they have to offer.” 

Byron’s story is a powerful reminder of how sustained support, community connection, and dedication can open doors to success.