What does the Onward Scholars Program offer?

The Onward Scholars Program is a unique four-year scholarship and academic enrichment program offered at six excellent Catholic high schools in Los Angeles. OSP provides students a solid bridge to a college education by providing extensive individual support and exposing them to opportunities that inspire confidence, grit, and leadership. In addition to financial assistance, mentorship, and college access, Scholars are welcomed into a cohort of other highly motivated, academically successful students who support one another for four years.

Onward Scholar student

  • Scholarship

    Four-year scholarship for 75% of Onward Scholars’ tuition costs.

    Students get to explore academic and career interests using a $2,000 stipend over four years.

  • Mentorship

    OSP provides one-on-one mentoring support from an onsite Program Director at each OSP school.

    Access to programs that prepare students for the college application and matriculation process.

    Service and cultural immersion opportunities

  • College Access

    Direct access to top colleges in the country through workshops led by university admissions counselors.

    Sponsored out-of-state college tours.

    SAT and ACT prep courses.

    Assistance in applying for a variety of college scholarship programs and awards.

Grade-Level Focus Areas

Scholars are given the opportunity to take part in OSP-sponsored workshops that focus on life skill development and topics of significance in the advancement of young people in today's world.

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Study skills, time management and organization, communication, and impactful school involvement

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College major and career exploration, California college visits

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Cuild college list, college essay workshops, out of state college trip

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College application process, prepare scholarship applications, academic and social transition to college

ALL GRADES will focus on ACT/SAT prep, social and emotional learning (SEL) inclusive of self-awareness, self-management, social justice and advocacy, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, financial literacy, health and wellness, leadership skills, community service, and connections to summer programs.


 “An Onward Scholar is not only somebody who is intelligent, but somebody that is committed to using that intelligence to make other people’s lives better.”

— Michele Rice • St. Mary’s Academy •  Program Director

Onward Scholars are very involved in their communities. Learn about two scholars below and take a look at our Scholar Spotlight page to see the impacts and accompaniments our scholars have achieved.

Jose

Our Class of 2025 Scholar was featured on Telemundo as he discussed the influence mariachi music had on his life. Jose’s love for music began at an early age when he joined his local church choir. Keep up the great work, Jose!

Genesis

Over the summer, our Class of 2024 Scholar, Genesis, attended EPIC (Engineering Possibilities in College) at Cal Poly SLO. At EPIC, participants explore the engineering world through live virtual and in-person engineering labs. Participants learn about engineering fields through hands-on labs from university professors and industry professionals. They can design, build, and test their engineering project!