Partnership Scholars Program provides six years of educational and cultural experiences to academically motivated, but economically disadvantaged students, starting in the 7th grade, to promote college access and a lifetime of success. 

PSP has pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to take pride in trying new things and exploring new places. Now, I feel empowered to speak up and take up space in the world because it’s my world too.   – Anthonia, Class of ’23

 

Our core values reflect our beliefs that:

  • Children who come from low income families tend to believe that college is not a feasible option for them.
  • College access and success is the most viable way out of poverty.
  • Learning outside the formal classroom is essential for every child.
  • Student who come from low-income families should have the same educational and cultural enrichment opportunities that more affluent students have.
  • Having a teacher/mentor/advocate helps bridge the educational and cultural divide.
  • Every child should have the opportunity to enter and succeed at higher education and they should not be limited by their environment.

program1

Following a rigorous admission process, our scholars are provided a mentor throughout the six year program. The goal of the program is to:

  • Enable our scholars to qualify for entry into four year universities with scholarship aid.
  • Expose students to a variety of educational and cultural enrichment activities and college access guidance.
  • Provide opportunities similar to those a middle class family would provide for their college bound children.
  • Examples of outings and activities include trips to museums, concerts, sporting events and restaurants. In addition, mentors and scholars visit local and national colleges of interest in California, in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

accomplishments1

Since 1996, PSP has inducted 700 scholars throughout California.

  • We support over 100 scholars from school districts in Northern and Southern California: El Monte, Fort Bragg, Lennox, Mendocino, and Ukiah.
  • Ninety three percent of our high school graduates are attending or have graduated from colleges located all over the United States including Brown, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard,  Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, USC and Berkeley.
  • Recent surveys of our students show that over 80% of all our graduates are on track to graduate from college within six years, a figure 20 points higher than the national rate.
  • The average dollar amount that scholars receive in scholarship and grant aid, money that does not need to be repaid, is $28,000.