SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- About 30 local students got more than a chance to watch golf at Torrey Pines on Wednesday — they got valuable career insights that could shape their futures. As the Farmers Insurance Open teed off, a group of college students from underserved communities participated in a behind-the-scenes career tour, learning about the many opportunities within the golf industry. Many of these students, who are part of programs like Promises2Kids, Barrio Logan College Institute, and Reality Changers, had never attended the tournament. These nonprofit organizations support low-income and foster youth, guiding them toward college and beyond. “We are in La Jolla, not too far away, yet some of our students have never had the chance to be here,” said Nonzenzele Aldonza of Reality Changers. “Today gave them the opportunity to think about career paths they might not have considered.” The tour included sessions with professionals like Shana Medley, director of marketing and public relations for the tournament. Medley talked about the importance of mentorship. “I’ve had great mentors in my life,” she said. “Hearing positive messages early on can show young people what’s possible and help them envision their futures.” Students also got a glimpse into the world of live sports broadcasting, an inspiring experience for those interested in journalism and media. “It was so cool — there were so many screens,” said Aliyah Banks, a San Diego State University student studying sports marketing. Banks, who grew up in the foster system, said the experience was transformative. “Being in spaces like this elevates how we see ourselves and our futures,” she said. For Karlo Vazquez Melendez, another SDSU student and a participant in Barrio Logan College Institute, the event was particularly meaningful. “Being from Barrio Logan, my mom didn’t have the opportunity to go to college,” Vazquez Melendez said. “This has been life-changing and something I might want to pursue in the future.” Thanks to events like this and the support of nonprofits reliant on donations and grants, these students are building paths toward bright futures — and perhaps, one day, they’ll run tournaments like the Farmers Insurance Open themselves.