Golden State of Mind: Exploring Colleges & Careers in California

Day 1: First Look at cali

(Aug 1st, 2025) — Attollo scholars packed their bags and flew across the country to experience California in full! From the tech campuses of the Bay Area to the creative studios of Los Angeles. Over six days, they stepped onto some of the nation’s most recognizable college campuses, met professionals at the top of their industries, and explored the culture, beauty, and energy that make the Golden State so unforgettable.

We started in San Francisco, where the group settled into our Airbnb with a laid back game night featuring Spoons and Mafia setting the tone for a week full of connection and conversation.

touring san fran

Stanford

UC Berkeley

San Francisco State University

Monday began with a visit to Stanford, where students connected with current undergraduates during a student-led panel. The conversations were real, eye-opening, and energizing. Tuesday featured tours of UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, with bookstore visits and a walk through both campuses.

google

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google 〰️

Next up was Google Headquarters, where students explored the outdoor campus, got their fill of snacks and coffee, and learned what day-to-day looks like at one of the most innovative companies in the world.

TopGolf⛳️

That evening, we wrapped up at Topgolf, where nearly everyone was trying it for the first time. With views of the Bay Bridge in the distance, students took turns swinging, cheering each other on, and trying (sometimes failing) to hit the targets. Between the energy, the music, and the teamwork, it quickly became one of the most memorable activities of the trip.

Professional Development Dinner

That evening, we had our Professional Development dinner at Bottega in the heart of downtown San Francisco, seated on the balcony with four inspiring guests including our former staff member Kyle Muña! Students got the chance to ask real questions, hear real stories, and envision their own next steps.

los Angeles

Wednesday began with a travel day to Los Angeles1 Our first stop was Apple's Marketing and Communications office, where students experienced behind-the-scenes work, including a custom-built Zoltar machine voiced by André 3000 himself. The immersive experience was complete with a panel of Apple employees from departments like design and operations. We ended the day shopping and relaxing at The Grove.

Pepperdine & OXY

Thursday started with a breathtaking tour of Pepperdine University in Malibu. Easily the most scenic campus of the trip. After lunch and a bookstore visit, we explored Occidental College, which had been transformed into a live film set for Steve Carell’s upcoming comedy. Our tour guide even had a Lancaster connection through their father who’s a Franklin & Marshall alum! Students enjoyed an engaging info session, ice pops, and a campus favorite tour.

IN-N-OUT🍔🍟

We closed the day with burgers and milkshakes at In-N-Out, followed by exploring Hollywood Boulevard, including the Walk of Fame and the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

Friday was a packed finale: a visit to UCLA, a bookstore stop, and then a full Sony Pictures Studio tour where students saw the sets of Breaking Bad, Seinfeld, Talladega Nights, and more. They even got to meet the Wheel of Fortune writer of 20 years! We closed out with a tour at USC, where we explored the Sports Hall of Fame and Spielberg Building, and finally wound down at Santa Monica Pier. Every student made it into the water, explored the boardwalk, and ended the evening with dinner at Mariasol, sunset views and all.

Sony pictures

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Sony pictures 〰️

This tour was a blend of future-focused exploration and unforgettable memories. From industry giants like Apple and Google to iconic universities and cultural hotspots, our scholars walked away with new dreams, new goals, and new connections.

About Attollo:

Attollo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. By providing mentorship, academic enrichment, and college preparation support, Attollo aims to level the playing field and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since its inception, Attollo has helped thousands of students realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.