At Palo Alto College, the mission to provide accessible education for all students comes to life through inspiring stories like Jeremy Pelegreen’s, a talented student on the autism spectrum. Jeremy's story begins with a dream shared by many students but uniquely important to him: attending college. He wanted to experience college life alongside his peers, but for a long time, his family faced challenges finding an educational path to meet his needs. 

"My dream was to go to college like everyone else," Jeremy shared. “My cousin and all of my friends were going, and I wanted to do that too.”

Luckily, Jeremy’s family found Project Access through his high school counselor. Project Access is a specialized program at Palo Alto College that supports students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers students the chance to earn certificates that enhance their career prospects while equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. 

“We tried, we really tried to look for opportunities for Jeremy all across town, " shared Robert Pelegreen, Jeremy’s grandfather. “ And we found the opportunity here at Palo Alto with the help of Cindy Cook and Project Access.”

Through Project Access, Jeremy earned his General Office Level 1 Certificate, gaining a strong academic and life skills foundation. But for Jeremy, music was always his true calling, and it was at PAC that he met Professor Castillo, a faculty member in the music department, who introduced him to the world of college-level music classes. 

Jeremy’s love for music is a lifelong passion." Jeremy didn’t speak his first words—he sang them," said his mother, Lilian. "From that moment on, he’s always had a passion for music.” His mother, Lilian, took on the role of his piano teacher until he was ten, fostering his early musical abilities. Later, as Jeremy pursued formal education in music at Palo Alto College, Lilian returned to school and began taking courses at PAC alongside her son to help him navigate his classes and ensure his success.

Jeremy has become a fixture of the campus music scene throughout his time at PAC, showcasing his talents in everything from jazz to mariachi. He plays piano, drums, xylophone, and more and has participated in several on-campus performances. For Jeremy, performing brings immense joy—unlike many, Jeremy rarely feels nervous on stage. When asked, Jeremy said, “No, I don’t feel nervous. I know I’m going to do a good job, and it’s fun to be on stage.”

Perhaps the most touching chapter of Jeremy’s journey unfolded in December 2024 during PAC’s Merry-achi Christmas performance, when Jeremy and his mother, Lilian, took the stage together for a heartwarming duet. The moment was made even more special with the addition of Jeremy’s grandfather, who played Santa Claus during the performance. This powerful family bond, strengthened through music, illustrates the close-knit support system crucial to Jeremy’s success at PAC.

In addition to the unwavering support from his family, Jeremy has thrived thanks to the inclusive and accommodating environment at Palo Alto College. Jeremy has made many friends and is just months away from walking across the stage in recognition of his musical accomplishments. Jeremy and his family attribute his success to the dedication of PAC’s staff and faculty, who have gone above and beyond to ensure his educational experience is enriching and achievable. Robert expressed his gratitude to faculty and staff, saying, “They are nothing but supportive; I think they’re among the best teachers I’ve ever seen.”

Jeremy’s journey is a testament to the power of inclusive education and the transformative resources available at Palo Alto College. Thanks to Project Access and the commitment of faculty and staff, Jeremy has found his academic and professional path and discovered the joy of musical expression. Jeremy’s story serves as an inspiration to all students, showing that with the right support, anything is possible.