Vincent is like my little brother. I know I’ve influenced him academically as he keeps up his grades and is reading daily. He has a plan for high school and is excited about college. The one-to-one match has been very beneficial to Vincent as a mentee and me as a mentor.
-Charlie S., mentor
Designed to Inspire Success
The Connect to College Program inspires low-income students to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. Serving 4th-12th grade students in the Pomona Valley of Southern California, the program aims to enhance academic achievement and widen college access for disadvantaged youths. This is achieved through a comprehensive support system of role models, supportive services, and diverse education and enrichment opportunities.
Our vision is to create a community where every child, irrespective of ethnicity or socio-economic status, has equal access to a meaningful college education. To bring that vision into reality, we provide students with mentors who help them envision themselves in college, tutors to keep help keep them on track, college access through our scholars program, and real-world learning experiences through enrichment and agriculture initiatives.
Connect to College has a 100% success rate getting our participants into college, through the provision of the following services:
Mentoring
Research shows that mentorship is the single most powerful intervention in the life of a child from a disadvantaged background. In addition to being a supportive role model, mentors help their students envision what their opportunities can be if they succeed in school. Mentoring is an easy and fun way to make a difference in a child’s life. Learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor.
Tutoring
Our students are tasked with maintaining high academic standards so that they have the best chance of entering into higher education. If a student needs additional academic support and guidance, we provide them with a volunteer tutor who can provide guidance on homework and good study habits. Learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor] *Link to mentoring and tutoring page
College Preparation
We provide an extensive college preparatory program for students at every grade level. Once students reach 8th grade, they submit an application to continue in our High School Scholars program. Throughout high school, they will receive individualized college counseling and preparation services through this program, in addition to the guidance provided to them by their volunteer mentors and tutors.
Educational Enrichment and Real World Education
Our students have access to enriching educational experiences through our Youth Enrichment for Success (YES) program. Opportunities include summer scholarships to programs at prestigious private schools and colleges, camp programs, health and safety programs, arts and culture immersion, and educational field trips.
Social Services and Parent Education
We provide supportive social services and educational workshops to the families of our students, so they can better participate in their children’s academic journies.
