Academic Programs

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. (ed.gov)

“The Higher Opportunity Program for Education (HOPE), a student-initiated outreach project established and supported by the Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA, promotes access to achieve higher education for high school students, particularly those who are underserved and underrepresented. The creation of HOPE marks a proactive effort by the VSU to empower the Vietnamese community, which has historically been overlooked by the educational system. HOPE targets at-risk students in Westminster High School in Orange County as well as San Gabriel High School in Los Angeles County. HOPE exists to raise consciousness of higher education, and promote academic, leadership, and holistic empowerment, as well as self-sufficiency through counseling, mentoring, tutoring, workshops, fieldtrips, and high school conferences.” -VSU Bruins

Coming from a low income background and being the first generation student to attend college created a big puzzle towards my future on how to get there. However, with the major assistance form each academic program I was involved in - I can finally say I will be able to attend college this fall.

AVID'S mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

MERITS is a specialized honors program for high school students which integrates math, science, and technology. Students experience a rigorous and focused curriculum which prepares them for highly technical fields of employment and encourages them to pursue higher education.