College Access + Success

College Guidance

College Guidance

Providing high school students with grade-specific, individualized support and valuable information to apply to four-year colleges.

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MAIN Coach

MAIN Coach Program

Matching motivated high school students with a mentor who supports their goals and enhances their knowledge about college and careers

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Scholarships

Scholarships

Providing scholarships to help eligible students achieve their higher educational goals, whether at a four-year university or trade school.

Learn more

Student Ambassador

Student Ambassador

Building a strong sense of community among Scholars and creating a supportive network of like-minded peers.

Learn more

College Guidance

Providing high school students with grade-specific, individualized counseling and valuable information to apply to four-year colleges.

Learn more

Scholarships

Providing scholarships to help eligible students achieve their higher educational goals, whether at a four-year university or trade school.

Learn more

Student Ambassador

Building a strong sense of community among Scholars and creating a supportive network that fosters continued learning.

Learn more

MAIN Coach

Matching motivated high school students with a mentor who supports their goals and enhances their knowledge about college and careers.

Learn more

College Guidance

College Guidance Program

Students participating in our College Guidance Program receive college counseling and support tailored to their needs.

ABOUT

JBBBSLA’s Erwin Rautenberg College Guidance Program was launched in 2015 to address the acute needs for college counseling and support among students participating in our mentorship and camp programs, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.

The program provides high school students who do not have regular access to a college counselor at their school with grade-specific, individualized support to apply to four-year colleges.

HOW PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS BENEFIT

By participating in the program, students:

  • Receive free one-on-one college guidance from an experienced college admissions counselor through video calls and phone sessions.
  • Gain exclusive access to college and career workshops, SAT prep classes, educational excursions and college tours.
  • Have direct support from the College Guidance team.
  • Receive newsletters with relevant college and financial aid updates.
  • Receive an opportunity to be considered for the JBBBSLA Scholarships for college.
  • Have an opportunity to be matched one-on-one with a MAIN Coach who serves as a mentor for students as they pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals.
  • Become part of a strong community of like-minded peers.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Online Application
  • Current Unofficial Transcripts
  • Most Recent Standardized Test Scores for ACT or SAT (if available)
  • One (1) Reflective Essay

Qualified applicants will go through a phone interview with the College Support Committee.

The application for 2023-2024 is now open until March 19, 2023 at 12 am PT. Qualified participants were invited to apply via email. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

In order to be considered for the program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Participated in at least one of the following JBBBSLA programs:
    • Camp Bob Waldorf for two (2) summer sessions.
    • Be part of a mentorship match (as a Little) for a minimum of two (2) years, with participation extending at least beyond their 10th birthday.
    • Teen Talk advisor (must complete training hours and a minimum six months of active commitment).
  • Currently a 9th, 10th, or 11th grade high school student.
  • Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5.
  • Intend to apply to a four-year college or university after high school.
  • Highly motivated to receive individualized college guidance and support.
  • Committed to attend virtual college and career workshops, SAT test prep classes, and educational excursions during the summer and school year.

For more information, please contact Carina Garcia, Director of College Access + Success at college@jbbbsla.org or (323) 456-1164.

Scholarships

Scholarship Programs

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles provides three unique scholarships to high school graduates who have participated in one of our programs. Since 1999, we have provided more than $2 million in scholarships.

We provide these scholarships to help eligible students achieve their higher educational goals, whether at a four-year university or trade school. Anyone who participated in one of our programs may be eligible (criteria are below).

Scholarship funds can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, school supplies, rent, transportation, and/or program fees.

JBBBSLA SCHOLARSHIP

The JBBBSLA Scholarship provides college scholarships to eligible Littles who have been matched for a minimum of two years (current matches) OR whose match lasted at least two years and ended after the Little’s 12th birthday (closed matches).

RISING LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP

The Rising Leaders Scholarship provides college scholarships to eligible campers who successfully completed three (3) full summer sessions at Camp Bob Waldorf. This must include serving as a LIT/CIT for one year and a Teen Camp or Explorations camper for one session. The third year can include attending any other summer session (excluding Witherbee).

ARNOLD S. NELSON SCHOLARSHIP

The Arnold S. Nelson Scholarship Program provides college scholarships to campers who have completed at least one Witherbee Wilderness Backpacking trip.

Applying for a Scholarship

Students applying for a scholarship must complete an application and interview with the appropriate Scholarship Committee. Our scholarships prioritize financial need, academic performance and community service.

For more information on these scholarships or to begin the application process, please contact Carina Garcia, Director of College Access + Success at (323) 456-1164 or college@jbbbsla.org.

Student Ambassador

Student Ambassador Program

ABOUT

JBBBSLA’s Student Ambassador Program was established in 2017 to connect current Scholars across JBBBSLA’s scholarship offerings, to create a supportive network that fosters continued learning, and to build a strong sense of community among Scholars.

Across college campuses nationwide, select Scholars are appointed as Lead Student Ambassadors who help facilitate Scholar Community events, workshops, and hangouts, as well as serve as representative for JBBBSLA.

HOW LEAD STUDENT AMBASSADORS BENEFIT

  • Serve as a positive role model and peer support for other Scholars.
  • Apply your leadership and communication skills by engaging with like-minded students.
  • Boost your professional resume and receive a small stipend to help with college expenses.
  • Obtain a certificate of completion and letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the program.

Meet our 2022-23 Lead Student Ambassadors

HOW TO APPLY

The application for the Student Ambassador Program will open in Summer 2023.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Be a current recipient of any of the following scholarships: Rising Leaders, JBBBSLA, Plost, or Arnold S. Nelson Scholarship.
  • Have a strong willingness to organize and facilitate in-person and virtual Scholar Community events, workshops, and hangouts to connect with other Scholars.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

For more information, please contact Carina Garcia, Director of College Access + Success at (323) 456-1164 or college@jbbbsla.org.

MAIN Coach Program

“My MAIN Coach has become not only a friend but a support system who I know I can rely on. She has opened up doors I never even knew existed, to help me achieve my goals.” – Junior at Redondo Union High

ABOUT

The Make An Impact Now (MAIN) Coach Program matches motivated high school juniors and seniors for one year with a mentor who supports their goals and enhances their knowledge about college and careers.

For more information, please contact Zoe Gerowitz, College Access and Success Coordinator, at (323) 456-1169.

THE NEXT COHORT WILL START IN AUGUST 2023.

APPLICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE WILL OPEN IN APRIL 2023 FOR STUDENTS AND MAY 2023 FOR COACHES. 

WHY APPLY FOR A MAIN COACH

  • Receive one-on-one mentorship from a caring and experienced professional (MAIN Coach).
  • Gain valuable college and industry insights to achieve your goals towards higher education and a future career.
  • Strengthen your professional skills writing a resume, interviewing, networking, and more!
  • Expand your network of professionals who work in a field you may hope to pursue.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Complete our Student Application

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDENTS

  • Current or incoming 11th or 12th grade high school student.
  • Participated in one of JBBBSLA’s youth programs (College Guidance, Camp Bob Waldorf, Youth Mentorship, or Teen Talk).
  • Can commit to working with your MAIN Coach for one year.
  • Be willing to check in with your MAIN coach for one hour once a month.

WHY VOLUNTEER AS A MAIN COACH

  • Share your time, knowledge, and experience about your educational and professional journey.
  • Nurture a student’s educational, professional, and personal goals by providing a supportive and safe forum for shared conversation and collaboration.
  • Challenge students to create direction for their goals and find purpose for their talents and aspirations that will benefit their communities and beyond.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Submit our MAIN Coach Volunteer Application

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VOLUNTEERS

  • Be interested in working with high school students with diverse backgrounds and interests.
  • Can commit to mentoring a student for one year with one hour check in meetings once a month.
  • Be willing to complete monthly interaction logs and discuss curriculum milestones with student.

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