This year, PSP, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ruben, is amongst 12 other leaders selected to sit on the SoCal CAN Steering Committee, the elected body made up of members from network organizations, which oversees ongoing strategic goals and work plan for the network. “By being on the Steering Committee, PSP can help guide the work of the network, ensuring that it continues to help us meet the needs of our scholars and mentors, along with supporting thousands more first generation students across LA County,” says Lisa.

For several years now, Partnership Scholars Program has been an active member in the Southern California College Access Network (SoCal CAN). The network was formed in 2005 as an alliance of over organizations working to promote a college-going and completion culture in Southern California. SoCal CAN now has 70 member organizations that meet quarterly to learn, collaborate, and advocate on issues facing first generation college students in the region.

Through membership in SoCal CAN, Partnership Scholars Program has benefited from collaboration with other like-minded organizations working towards equity amongst low-income population, creating new tools for working with students, volunteers, and parents to strengthen college-access services. Recently, PSP has become an active participant in the SoCal CAN program, Level Up!, a peer-mentorship program that pairs current college students (ambassadors) with incoming low-income, first generation freshman. PSP Program & Operations Manage, Maria Hernandez, has also been connected with the organization Families in Schools through SoCal CAN, offering trainings and tools to engage parents in the college application process.
Membership in SoCal CAN has provided a wealth of support to PSP, from helping us stay up to date on important college access policy issues, learning about the work of like-minded organizations around LA County and providing tangible tools to share with our scholars and mentors,” says PSP Executive Director, Lisa Ruben.

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