Los Angeles

A Better Chance – National *
Grades: 4-9
A Better Chance seeks to increase substantially the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society. This is done by facilitating their entry into independent college preparatory schools. Through its network of member schools, A Better Chance is able to leverage an estimated $20+ million per year in financial aid for talented, economically disadvantaged youth of color. More than 96% of A Better Chance's graduates go on to college directly after high school, a majority entering our country's most selective colleges.

Academically Interested Minds (AIM) – Kettering University – National
Grades: 11
AIM (Academically Interested Minds) is a five-week residential pre-college summer program which began in 1984 and has continued to thrive over the years. The program is designed to augment Kettering University's efforts to reach a greater number of multicultural students who have a strong interest in the areas of engineering, math, science and business.

ACE Mentor
Grades: 9-12
Since 2002, ACE Los Angeles has enabled hundreds of high school students to discover the exciting potential of careers in Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE). Starting with 45 students and three teams, we have grown to about 300 students on 15 teams. Students in Spring 2012 came from 20 different high schools. Working closely with the mentors, each team undertakes a design project. This may involve a new or remodeled structure that can be sited on the team’s own high school campus.

ACT-SO – National
Grades: 9-12
The NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.

Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center
Ages: 8-18
The Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center is a youth center and afterschool program named after our founder's son, killed in 1989 in a drive-by shooting. The Wooten Center provides a safe and nurturing environment where boys and girls ages 8 to 18 can participate in academic enrichment programs and recreational activities exploring a world of opportunities.

Arc
Grades: K-12
Arc is proud to offer a variety of programs ranging from after school enrichment programs to leadership development retreats featuring adventure sports to full-service, comprehensive after school education programs for K-12 youth, college-aged students, and working professionals. In each of our programs, we place an emphasis on experiential learning, life skills acquisition and team building, as well as engagement with the natural world and the local community.

Beyond the Bell Branch
Grades: K-12
The mission of Beyond the Bell Branch is to ensure that all children and youth in LAUSD have access to high quality, safe, and supervised academic, enrichment, and recreation programs that inspire learning and achievement beyond the regular school day (before and after school and Saturdays). The three components of the programs include: The Academic Tutorial Program where students study subjects such as Reading, Math, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Computers; The Recreational Program where students participate in physical activities including Intramural Sports, Structured Physical Activity, Dance, and Aerobics; and The Enrichment Program where students participate in classes such as Life Skills, Art, Cooking, and Music. In addition, high school ASSETS Programs focus on college preparation and job readiness.

C5 Youth Foundation of Los Angeles – National
Grades: 8-12
Our mission is to inspire high-potential youth from risk-filled environments in LA County to pursue personal success, to prepare them for leadership roles in college, work and community, and to motivate them to become role models for others. We do this by engaging middle and high school students from under resourced communities in five years of intensive leadership experiences including year-round leadership development & support programs and signature summer activities that include: High Adventure Leadership Camps, College Preparatory & Career, Community Advocacy, and Service Learning Experiences.

California State LA Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
Cal State L.A. is home to two Upward Bound grants and two Math and Science Upward Bound grants. The Upward Bound programs are designed to generate in participants the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond secondary school. The Upward Bound Math and Science programs are designed to prepare participants for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
Grades: 9-12
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a rigorous pre-professional training program in the visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film for talented artists of high school age. CSSSA provides a supportive environment in which students hone acquired skills and explore new techniques and ideas for an intense and exciting learning experience. Its purpose is to provide a training ground for future artists who wish to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries in California.

Carleton Liberal Arts Experience – National
Grades: 10
Carleton College is honored to host an inspiring summer program designed for the best and brightest college-bound students representing high schools across the country. The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) will select 50 high school students who have just completed their sophomore year and bring them to Carleton, all expenses paid, for a one-week summer program. The CLAE program introduces the strengths of a liberal arts education through an array of courses in science, art, social sciences, and technology.

College Match
Grades: 10-12
We identify low-income high school sophomores with strong academic records and provide each of them (on an individualized basis) an intensive array of services comparable to what affluent students receive at elite private schools. These students and their families are receiving the counseling and support to make them competitive in the college application process. Relationships are being established with a select number of institutions that value diversity and simply do not have the networks to reach out and find these qualified students. 

College Track
Grades: 9-College
College Track is an afterschool, college preparatory program that works to increase high school graduation, college eligibility and enrollment, and college graduation rates in under-resourced communities. We actively engage students over the course of eight years, from the summer before high school through college graduation. 

 

Constitutional Rights Foundation's Expanding Horizons Internships
Grades: 9-12
Since 1995, more than 1,560 high school students have interned in many of Los Angeles' most prestigious law firms, corporations, and non-profit organizations through Constitutional Rights Foundation's Expanding Horizons Internships.

Fulfillment Fund
Grades: 9-12
Through classroom instruction, mentoring, one-on-one college counseling and experiential learning opportunities, we open young people’s eyes to the possibility of higher education, and change their beliefs about what they are capable of achieving.

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)
Ages: 18 and under
Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) is a non-profit organization that provides after-school academic, art and athletic programs for youth living in the Rampart District of Los Angeles, California.

Helping Young People Excel (HYPE) *
Grades: 11-12
Helping Young People Excel — Los Angeles (HYPE) provides talented low-income students in Los Angeles with the guidance and resources to qualify for admission at elite college-prep independent high schools. HYPE provides a blend of intensive programming and services to help students gain admission, finance their education, and succeed in high school and beyond.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund – National
Grades: 9-12
The HSF's mission is to increase the number of Hispanic college graduates by awarding scholarships and assisting students and their families in navigating the barriers to college access and completion.

"I Have A Dream" Foundation – National
Grades: 1-12
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation is working to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education. We make a long-term commitment to provide free year-round programs, services, and individualized case management for 10 consecutive years through high school graduation and into college. The Foundation provides a comprehensive program that prepares students for higher education through academic support, social-emotional development, college and career prep, campus visits, tutoring, cultural enrichment, drug, crime, and pregnancy prevention programs, and one-on-one mentoring.

The Independent School Alliance *
Grades: 1-10
Established in 1985 by a group of Southern California school heads, The Independent School Alliance is an organization of 50+ private independent elementary and secondary schools that want to increase their diversity. The Independent School Alliance provides assistance to families of color with the application process to its member schools. The Independent School Alliance counsels families on appropriate school choice, entrance testing information and (if necessary) how to apply for financial aid. Additionally, The Independent School Alliance provides a variety of support programs and acts as a resource to member schools on issues of equity and justice.

Inner-City Arts
Grades: K-12
Our approach to arts education brings elementary, middle and high school students, educators, families and the community to Inner-City Arts' award-winning campus to work with professional teaching artists in well-equipped studios and performance spaces. Our growing after school program for elementary and middle school students provides intervention and prevention during the critical afternoon hours. On weekends, opportunities for focused, long-term study devoted to a particular art form encourage middle and high school students to pursue higher education.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation – National
Grades: 7-12
The Young Scholars Program provides the most personalized, generous scholarship experience in the nation. The Foundation works closely with Scholars and their families to construct a tailored educational program that includes, but is not limited to, support for summer programs, distance learning courses, and music and art instruction. Some Young Scholars attend a private school if none of their public school options adequately serve their academic potential; however, many stay in their public schools.

Latino & African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP)
Grades: 12
LA-HIP is a biomedical summer research and college preparatory program for Latino and African American senior high school students who live or attend school in South or East Los Angeles. The goal of the program is to train students in the art of biomedical research and promote their careers to become future scientists or academic physicians.

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) – National
Grades: 11-12
LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to developing leaders for our nation by helping exceptional public high school students who come from underserved backgrounds gain admission to the country's leading colleges and universities.

Literacy, Arts, Culture, Education & Recreation (LACER)
Grades: 6-12
The L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Program's Mission is to provide underserved middle and high school youth with an arts and literacy based after-school program which includes visual art, music, dance, film, academic support, enrichment activities and a variety of sports in a safe and caring environment.

Los Angeles City College TRIO Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
The Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from under-represented backgrounds. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparations for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits.

Los Angeles Institute – Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project
Grades: 10-11
The mission of the CLYLP is to enhance and further develop the leadership potential of California’s youth as they prepare to become the future leaders of our state and nation. Open to 50 students from Los Angeles County, the three-day institute offers an impactful program designed to develop students’ leadership potential and increase their knowledge of the region’s cultural and political landscape. Institute participants connect with education, business, political and community leaders and receive encouragement in their pursuit of post-secondary educational opportunities.

Los Angeles Southwest College Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
The mission of the Upward Bound Program at Los Angeles Southwest College is to select and prepare low-income and first-generation high school students in the college's target area for success through secondary education and matriculation onto institutions of higher education. Instruction in core curricular areas, cultural field trips, tutoring, and mentoring are among some of the approaches the Upward Bound Program uses to accomplish its goals.

Loyola Marymount University Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families in which neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. Services include: academic advising and workshops, tutoring, college visits, assistance with the college and financial aid application process, social activities, and a residential summer school experience on the LMU campus.

Mentorship Program at UCLA
Ages: 7-17
Mentorship Program at UCLA is a unique year-long, one-on-one mentoring program that pairs UCLA students with youth from North Hollywood aged 7-17. Mentorship aims to support the personal development of both the mentors and mentees through engaging and creative programs. Mentors act to support and empower their mentees to further discover and follow their passions, gain a greater understanding of the world around them, and pursue higher education.

Minds Matter LA – National
Grades: 10-12
We forge relationships with guidance counselors, who then recommend their top sophomores to attend our program. Each accepted student is paired with two mentors who work together for the next three years. Our program consists of SAT/ACT training; Vocabulary and Writing & Critical Thinking workshops; application, scholarship and financial aid navigation techniques; career panels; college life assimilation tools; and various guest speakers and field trips. Every summer, we send each sophomore and junior mentee to a college summer program, and seniors to a leading four-year college of his or her choice.

Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science (MITES) – MIT – National
Grades: 11
Through the MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) program, The Office of Engineering Outreach Programs offers three rigorous residential and online academic enrichment programs for promising high school juniors who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. By submitting a MITES application, students are automatically considered for one of three academic enrichment opportunities: a one-week residential program, a six-week residential program, and a six-month online enrichment program.

Motivating Our Students Through Experience (MOSTE)
Grades: 7-12
MOSTE recognizes the importance of offsetting the negative pressures that begin early in the lives of young girls. From 7th grade through high school, MOSTE utilizes programs that combine personal growth with academic skill-building to create a “smart girl” culture, while firmly believing change happens at the individual level with one girl at a time.

National Hispanic Institute – National
Grades: 9-College
We are both a national and international organization that provides Latino young people with the structures and settings to envision themselves as future community leaders, practice their skills in leading and working with others, and engage in critical discussions to define their calling while preparing themselves for the mission of changing lives. Dedication to personal excellence, a strong belief in family and culture, and service to others are the core values and beliefs that drive the work of the Institute and embrace its vision.

National Space Club Scholars – National
Grades: 10
The National Space Club Scholars Project is a summer intern experience for up to 30 high school students to work with space scientists and engineers. The purpose of this project is to provide students with an opportunity to experience how research and development organizations operate on a day-to-day basis in direct support of NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of explorers. Participants are assigned to work with a technical professional in a field related to the student's stated interests and expertise. The available areas of interest include Earth and space systems science, computer science, and engineering.

Occidental College Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
The central idea behind Upward Bound is that students from low income first generation backgrounds can be prepared to successfully compete in postsecondary institutions by providing them with a simulated college experience rich in academic and motivational support.

Para Los Ninõs
Grades: K-12
Para Los Niños is a nonprofit organization that has worked for more than thirty years to create academic success and social well-being for children. Through early education centers, charter schools, and wellness centers, we offer high-quality education integrated with family supports, mental health services, and community engagement opportunities to thousands of children living in at-risk neighborhoods in Los Angeles county. Para Los Niños operates programs that directly educate children and youth.

Posse LA – National
Grades: 12
Founded in 1989, Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students. Posse partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.

Princeton University Summer Journalism Program – National
Grades: 11
We welcome about 20 high school students from low-income backgrounds every summer to Princeton's campus for an intensive, 10-day seminar on journalism. The program's goal is to diversify college and professional newsrooms by encouraging outstanding students from low-income backgrounds to pursue careers in journalism. All expenses, including students' travel costs to and from Princeton, are paid for by the program.

QuestBridge – National
Grades: 11-12
QuestBridge is a powerful platform bridging the nation's brightest, under-served youth and leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. We are an aggregator of excellence. QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment programs employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.

Research Science Institute – MIT – National
Grades: 9-11
Each summer, 80 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the first cost-free to students, summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. RSI scholars first participate in a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors. The heart of RSI is the five week research internship where students conduct individual projects under the tutelage of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week of RSI, students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects.

Riordan Scholars Program – UCLA
Grades: 10-12
The Riordan Scholars Program targets incoming 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are college-bound and interested in developing the necessary leadership skills to succeed in business. The comprehensive program includes: Saturday sessions, business plan competition, SAT prep, mentors, professional development, and more.

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – National
Grades: 9-12
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. The goals of SEAP are to encourage participating students to pursue science and engineering careers, to further their education via mentoring by laboratory personnel and their participation in research, and to make them aware of DoN research and technology efforts, which can lead to employment within the DoN.

Science Mathematics Achievement and Research Technology for Students Program (SMARTS) – UCLA
Grades: 10-11
This program is a six-week summer college preparation program at UCLA designed to engage traditionally underrepresented students in rigorous science, technology, engineering and math instruction and training. SMARTS participants engage in a number of activities, including math courses (Introduction to Statistics and AP Calculus Readiness), SAT preparation, research, and college and career planning workshops. A hallmark of SMARTS is the Research Apprentice Program (RAP). Through this unique opportunity, approximately 10–15 students are able to add research assistant to their portfolio, as they successfully complete six weeks of research in UCLA labs.

The Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) – National
Grades: 11-12
The High School STEP-UP provides hands-on summer research experience for high school students interested in exploring research careers in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences. The program provides exposure to the core NIDDK mission areas of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases.

Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) – National
Grades: 9-12
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is a four-week residential program for exceptional young women with strong interests in science, engineering and medicine. Each July, select high school students from across the country and abroad come to Smith College to do hands-on research with Smith faculty in the life and physical sciences and in engineering.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) – National
Grades: 11-12
This is an eight-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program – National
Grades: 9-12
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program works to increase knowledge about the sciences and health professions, and offer guidance about the college admissions process to low-income and/or underrepresented minority students. To meet this goal, SMYSP offers a university-based five-week Summer Residential Program and school-based academic year health disparities curriculum.

STAR Education
Grades: K-12
STAR provides exceptional educational and cultural enrichment opportunities. Academic programs feature daily tutoring in math and literacy as well as cutting-edge school assemblies and innovative outreach programs. STAR offers its programs and events after school and in school, on nights and on weekends, at schools, community centers, restaurant/entertainment locations, museums and more. Among our most successful cultural enrichment endeavors is the RockSTAR Music Education program, which teaches kindergarten through sixth-grade students how to play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, how to compose their own songs and how to perform rock 'n roll hits.

Summer Humanities Institute – Stanford – National
Grades: 11-12
Students will spend three weeks on the beautiful Stanford campus, living in residence. They will spend the first two weeks intensively studying and researching a topic in history or philosophy, attending daily lectures by the faculty members, and participating in group discussions and activities in the afternoon. During their third week, students will work closely with their professors, graduate students, and writing mentors to produce original research projects. These papers present an opportunity for students to use what they have learned at Stanford to develop their own answers to the central questions that are addressed by the humanities.

Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP) – National
Ages: 16 and over
Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Internships cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.

Summer Math and Science Honors Academy (SMASH) – Level Playing Field Institute
Grades: 9
SMASH scholars spend five weeks each summer at a SMASH site on a college campus (currently located at UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA and USC) immersed in rigorous STEM classes. SMASH Scholars live on campus for five weeks each summer (after their 9th, 10th and 11th grade years) with other high potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students. SMASH scholars also receive year-round academic support including access to SAT prep online materials, college counseling, financial aid workshops and other activities to ensure continued academic success.

Summer Research with the National Institute on Drug Abuse – National
Ages: 15 and over
This program is designed to provide high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented groups with meaningful research experiences and mentorship in the field of drug abuse and addiction. Each year up to 50 NIDA research investigators offer their labs and their time for eight to ten weeks to mentor up to 60 students interested in drug abuse research.

Telluride Association Sophomore Summer – National
Grades: 10
Telluride works with university faculty to create exciting courses designed to inspire young people to explore the histories, politics and cultural experiences of people of African descent and a variety of other topics.

Telluride Association Summer Program – National
Grades: 11
A Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) is a six-week educational experience for high school juniors that offers challenges and rewards rarely encountered in secondary school or even college. Each program is designed to bring together young people from around the world who share a passion for learning. Telluride students, or TASPers, attend a seminar led by college and university scholars and participate in many other educational and social activities outside the classroom.

UCLA K-12 Outreach
Grades: K-12
UCLA offers a variety of programs and resources for K-12 students, parents and educators including after-school, summer, academic, and enrichment programming. Please view our website for details about each program.

Ventures Scholars – National
Grades: 9-College
The Ventures Scholars Program is a national nonprofit membership program designed to promote access to higher education for young adults interested in pursuing math- and science-based careers.

The Village Youth Program
Grades: K-12
Our Summer Enrichment Program is designed to augment classroom learning with life skills education in order to provide the youth of underserved communities with the best chance for overall success in life. The program provides: a constructive, educational summer break activity for children, education on the life skills required to live successful, healthy, well-balanced lives, and an avenue for community involvement, volunteerism and mentorship.

Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (VIDA)
Ages: 11-17
Conceived and operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with community-based organizations, volunteers, schools and families, VIDA serves kids between the ages of 11 and 17 1/2 at eight locations across the county. Over the course of the 16-week program, VIDA participants focus on increasing academic achievement, improving family relationships, developing positive social behaviors and realizing the possibilities for a better future. The program includes regular visits with VIDA staff members, a Saturday component and weekly sessions with the child and parent to facilitate communication and understanding. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion and are referred to other programs to continue their growth.

W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Institute – National
Grades: 10-11
The W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute provides leadership, scholarship, community service, and entrepreneur training along with exposure to science and technology for high-achieving youth attending secondary schools. It was founded with an aim to develop a cadre of brilliant leaders/activist scholars with a commitment to contributing their talents for the betterment of others by solving major problems facing our society.

Women's Technology Program (WTP) – MIT – National
Grades: 11
The MIT Women's Technology Program (WTP) is a rigorous four-week summer academic and residential experience where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects in the summer after 11th grade.

Youth Arts and Media LA (YAM)
Grades: K-12
YAM is a partnership of community-based organizations that are committed to providing teens and young adults in Los Angeles County with free access to high quality, technology-intensive media arts, visual and music education. The organizations share in common a desire to encourage youth to use and understand digital technologies as vehicles for communication.

Youth Leadership Conference on Asian and Pacific Islander Health – Stanford – National
Grades: 9-12
The Youth Leadership Conference on Asian and Pacific Islander Health is a four day conference at Stanford University. High school students from across the country are invited to attend to gain leadership skills for effecting change in local communities. Conference participants will meet other students interested in making a difference in public health. Leading medical experts, professors, and policymakers will speak on issues of Asian and Pacific Islander health. Students will also have a chance to apply the skills they gain in an outreach planning simulation.

Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) – LA Philharmonic
Ages: 6-17
Through Gustavo Dudamel's Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) program – inspired by Venezuela's revolutionary El Sistema – the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, enabling every child to contribute using their full potential.

Youth Policy Institute Youth Services
Grades: K-12
Youth Services is YPI’s largest department with more than 450 staff members that are dedicated to keeping kids academically enriched. The department oversees three core service areas that include YPI’s Afterschool Program, Family Literacy and Los Angeles CollegeReady. Collectively, the services provide underserved families with a myriad of resources that empower young people, engage parents and enrich school culture. The afterschool program provides students and their families with credentialed teachers and college-age tutors every school day until 6 pm.

Youth to Leaders
Ages: 13-18
The Foundation exists to enlighten, encourage and empower youth and expand their horizons by helping them learn goal setting, team building, project planning and decision-making.