During the 2025-26 school year, the Richmond Promise College Access Team will be joined in its work by Near-Peer Ambassadors. These members of our team are current RP Scholars who assist in the execution of in-classroom programming in local high schools. We are pleased to introduce you to one of our 2025-26 Ambassadors, Pawandeep.

Q: First, some basic info. Tell us your name, current school, the high school you graduated from and your major (or intended field of study):

A: My name is Pawandeep Singh, and I am currently attending Diablo Valley College with the goal of transferring to a four-year university or CSU. I graduated from Hercules High School, and I am pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering. I am eager to continue developing my academic foundation and gain more hands-on experience within this field.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about being an RP Near-Peer Ambassador and what are you hoping to get from the experience?

A: Being a part of the RP Near-Peer Ambassador program, I look forward to helping students who are in the same position I was in just a few years ago. I want to share my experiences, answer questions, and support them as they navigate their academic path. From this experience, I hope to gain stronger communication and leadership skills, as well as build meaningful connections within the campus community.

Q: If you were going to give advice to a high school senior about going through the college application process, what would it be?

A: If I were to give advice to a high school senior about the college application process, I would tell them that everything will work out, even if it feels overwhelming at times. Apply to colleges without doubting yourself, because you never know what opportunities might open up. Make sure to do your research, stay organized with deadlines, and ask questions when you need guidance. Trust your journey and be confident in your potential.

Q: What’s the best part about being in college/what should a high school senior look forward to?

A: I would say the best part of being in college is that there is more freedom — you get to make your own choices and manage your own time. However, with this freedom also comes responsibility and discipline. You have to stay on top of your work because professors won’t guide you the same way high school teachers do. A high school senior should look forward to growing more independent, learning about themselves, and having the chance to explore what they truly want to do.

Q: What are you most looking forward to after college?

A: The thing I am most looking forward to after college is starting my career in the field of mechanical engineering. I hope to use what I learn to create solutions that make a positive impact and help others in the world.