On Sunday, June 13, 2021 students, families, mentors, and supporters of Partnership Scholars came together virtually to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of the graduating PSP Class of 2021.

PSP Grads from 7th Grade to Today (Slideshow):

The celebration included opening remarks by Lisa Ruben, PSP’s Executive Director, and Meg Sanchez, PSP’s Board Chair. They congratulated the graduating scholars and their families. Meg told scholars that it is because of their parents’ and caregivers’ encouragement and support that they as 7^th graders were in a position to be eligible for PSP. “And it’s because of them that you now have a foundation to jump to the next chapter of your life,” shared Meg.

Click here to read what scholars from all four PSP regions shared about their time in PSP. 

One of the highlights of the virtual celebration was the mentor and scholar videos. Mentors gave a few words of wisdom to their scholars they’ve mentored for nearly six years. One mentor, Cathy Rodriguez, shared to her two scholars Anthony and Eduardo, “Over the last few years, it has been a pleasure watching you both take on the many challenges and adventures and at the same time keeping an open heart and mind. Remember to never quit before you try, continue to keep your dreams big, continue to climb, and continue to aspire to excellence.”

Mentor Reflections on the Class of 2021:

Another special moment during the celebration was when students themselves spoke on their PSP experiences and shared their future endeavors.  Three scholars were selected to represent their regions and shared their own experiences and hopes for the future during the graduation:

• Karla from El Monte, interviewed by PSP Program Assistant Alma Sanchez
• Anthony from Lennox, interviewed by PSP Program & Operations Manager Maria Hernandez
• Daniela from the North Coast, interviewed by Regional Coordinator Rachel Binah

Karla from El Monte, “It is a rewarding feeling knowing that whether we know what we want to do or not, we’re all rooting for each other and proud of each other. It’s been honor to have been surrounded by really great friends and students like them.”

Class of 2021 Reflections on their PSP Experience: 

This year, across all the regions PSP serves, 25 students graduated from the program, with scholars attending a variety of colleges, including as Colgate University, our founder’s Glenn Langer’s alma mater, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, and many more!

You can watch the full graduation ceremony here. 

Congratulations to the class of 2021, their families and their mentors!!