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WELCOME TO MISSION SCHOLARS

 

Mission Scholars uses comprehensive college admissions guidance, mentorship, and career development training to help exceptional, low-income students reach their full potential and become a force for change in our communities.

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ABOUT MISSION SCHOLARS

Too many students in our community are getting left behind in their pursuit of higher education. More than half of the students in Santa Barbara’s public school district live below poverty level. In 2021, only 41% of socioeconomically disadvantaged high school seniors in Santa Barbara graduated with the minimum requirements needed to enroll in a UC or Cal State university. Mission Scholars seeks to level the playing field, providing high-performing, underrepresented students access to the same level of support that their wealthier peers receive. When our Scholars flourish, so does our community.

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OUR HISTORY

Founded in December 2018, Mission Scholars is committed to providing college admission and financial aid expertise, college mentorship, and career development training to underrepresented students in South Santa Barbara County.

Each Mission Scholar seven years of comprehensive, individualized, wrap-around support, from sophomore year of high school through college graduation. Only 11% of first-generation college students graduate by age 24. Our approach is what is needed not just to ensure college admissions success, but to help our Scholars thrive in college and graduate with a secured professional path.

Class of 2023 Success

93

of Mission Scholars' Class of 2023 are enrolled in 4-year universities

95

of their four-year cost of attendance is covered by scholarships

20

Every $7,500 contributed by our donors yields more than $150,000 in scholarship value
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OUR PROGRAM

Each Mission Scholar receives:

  • Academic and extracurricular advising in high school to strengthen their college admission candidacy
  • Individualized guidance on college entrance exams
  • An extensive list of college recommendations that are affordable and and diverse
  • Workshops and individual coaching sessions through every step of the college application and essay process
  • An individualized scholarship plan to ensure four-year college affordability
  • Thorough guidance on all required financial aid forms
  • Financial literacy workshops and budgeting advice to afford the college experience
  • College transition workshops, including academic study skills
  • Professional development workshops throughout college
  • Individualized summer internship matching opportunities with local and national corporations
  • A volunteer college coach to provide mentorship throughout college
  • Access to career advisors and panels

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