THE PATH TO COLLEGE
EMPOWERING LOW-INCOME STUDENTS
Minds Matter students are determined, focused, and fully understand how critical higher education is to their success. Beginning the sophomore year of high school, students work with their mentors and tutors every Saturday throughout the school year to develop academic performance and leadership skills necessary for college success. Throughout the program, students gain confidence and ambition, while strengthening their skills in writing, critical thinking, test-taking, and mathematics. They flourish into young adults who are ready and excited to succeed in college.
THE PROGRAM
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Beginning their sophomore year, students cultivate math, writing and critical thinking skills. They are empowered through leadership development and learn valuable life skills. Between their sophomore and junior years, students attend a summer program at a college or university across the country or abroad.
JUNIOR YEAR
In junior year, students work with their mentors on SAT test preparation while continuing to develop core math, writing, and critical thinking skills. During the summer after junior year, students continue their development at a summer enrichment program at a college or university across the country or around the world.
SENIOR YEAR
During senior year, mentors guide their students through the college selection process, helping them determine what college and area of study might be best for them. Students then work closely with our volunteers navigating the college application process and financial aid forms, and learning financial literacy.
THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS
%
of Minds Matter graduates have been accepted to a 4-year university
%
of our graduates attend top three tier colleges
%
of our students are first in their families to attend college
SAT points higher than national average for low-income students
%
of our alumni graduate from college within 5 years
HOW OUR STUDENTS SUCCEED
MENTORING GREATNESS
Mentoring is the strength of the Minds Matter experience. With most of our students being the first in their family to go to college, they are often unable to rely upon their parents for guidance. Each student works with two dedicated mentors who follow them through the three-year program, helping them through the process of choosing and applying for college.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Enabling our students to recognize and embrace their leadership potential is critical to their future success. We provide a focused leadership development curriculum, aimed to liberate the leader in every Minds Matter student. With the help of their mentors, they engage in various activities and assignments that build their confidence and develop leadership skills.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Low-income students often suffer from a lack of basic money management, leaving them unable to balance financial aid and the cost of education. We provide financial literacy training to help our students learn important skills like budgeting and financial planning. Our focus is to help our students develop a sound plan for managing the gap without incurring significant debt.
LIFE SKILLS
To ensure the success of our students once they get to college, we also provide them with vital life skills. We prepare the students to be able to survive and thrive in a competitive college environment with students from diverse backgrounds. Our mentors develop relationships with each of their mentees and tailor the life skills preparation for each individual student.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT
In the summer months, students further their learning at summer programs across the nation and around the world. Students learn in a college setting, meet other talented and highly motivated students, and gain new perspective on the world. Minds Matter of Los Angeles provides 100% of the funding, including travel, tuition, boarding expenses, and a stipend.
“One in five college students from the lowest income bracket completed a bachelor’s degree by age 24, whereas 99% of high-income students completed their degrees.”
Wall Street Journal, Feb. 2, 2015
CONTACT US
Minds Matter of Los Angeles, Inc.
Mailing Address
19360 Rinaldi St., #705
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
info@mindsmatterla.org