College Access & Success
From application to graduation, we're with them.
Getting into college is hard. So is paying for it. JBBBSLA’s College Access and Success program walks with your teen through every step—from application coaching to scholarship funding to a mentor who checks in freshman year. We awarded 79 scholarships in 2025, and our scholars are finishing college at a rate of 95%.
How it works
3 Programs. One Promise.
Many of the youth we serve will be the first in their family to attend college. JBBBSLA’s College Access & Success program gives them what they don’t have access to anywhere else: free, one-on-one college guidance from an experienced admissions counselor, scholarships that make college possible, and a community of peers and mentors who stay with them all the way through.
Since 1999, we’ve awarded more than $3.9 million in scholarships to students from our programs.
Students participating in our College Guidance Program receive college counseling and support tailored to their needs.
JBBBSLA’s Erwin Rautenberg College Guidance Program was launched in 2015 to address the acute need for college counseling among students 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 don’t have regular access to a college counselor at their school with grade-specific, individualized support to apply to four-year colleges.
How participants benefit
- Free one-on-one college guidance from an experienced college admissions counselor through video calls and phone sessions.
- Exclusive access to college and career workshops, SAT prep classes, educational excursions, and college tours.
- Direct support from the College Guidance team.
- Newsletters with relevant college and financial aid updates.
- An opportunity to be considered for the JBBBSLA Scholarships for college.
- Membership in a strong community of like-minded peers.
JBBBSLA provides three unique scholarships to high school graduates who have participated in one of our programs. Since 1999, we have awarded more than $3.9 million in scholarships.
Scholarship award amounts range from $500 – $8,000 per school year, and funds can be used to cover tuition, books, school supplies, rent, transportation, and/or program fees.
Students complete an application and interview with the appropriate Scholarship Committee. Our scholarships prioritize financial need, academic performance, and community service.
JBBBSLA Scholarship — For eligible Littles 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 — For eligible campers who completed three full summer sessions at Camp Bob Waldorf, including serving as a LIT/CIT for one year and Teen Camp for one session. The third year can include any other summer session (excluding Witherbee).
Arnold S. Nelson Scholarship — For campers who completed at least two summer camp sessions and one Witherbee Wilderness Backpacking trip.
Established in 2017 to connect current Scholars across JBBBSLA’s scholarship offerings, create a supportive network that fosters continued learning, and build a strong sense of community. Across campuses nationwide, select Scholars are appointed as Lead Student Ambassadors who help facilitate Scholar Community events, workshops, and hangouts, and serve as representatives for JBBBSLA.
How Lead Student Ambassadors benefit
- Serve as a positive role model and peer support for other Scholars.
- Apply leadership and communication skills by engaging with like-minded students.
- Boost your professional resume and receive a small stipend to help with college expenses.
- Receive a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation upon successful completion.
How to apply — The application is currently closed and will open again in Fall 2026.
Eligibility
See if your teen qualifies
College Guidance & Scholarship Requirements
- Have participated in at least one of the following JBBBSLA programs:
- Camp Bob Waldorf for two summer sessions, or
- A mentorship match (as a Little) for a minimum of two years, extending at least beyond their 10th birthday, or
- Here App advisor (completed training hours and a minimum six months of active commitment).
- Be an incoming 11th- or 12th-grade high school student.
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Intend to apply to a four-year college or university after high school.
- Be highly motivated to receive individualized college guidance and support.
- Be committed to attend virtual workshops, SAT prep classes, and educational excursions during the summer and school year.
Student Ambassador 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.
Apply
HOW TO APPLY
Application timeline
College Guidance Program applications open in May. Applications close in July, or when the program reaches capacity.
College Scholarship applications open in December, and close in March. Interviews take place in April, followed by award notices in May.
What You'll Need
Online application
Current unofficial transcripts
Most recent SAT or ACT scores (if available — not required)
One reflective essay
Real students. Real outcomes.
FAQ
Who is the College Guidance Program for?
Does my child have to already be part of a JBBBSLA program to apply?
- Camp Bob Waldorf for at least two full summer sessions
- A mentorship match (as a Little) for a minimum of two years, extending at least beyond their 10th birthday
- Here App, with completed training hours and a minimum six months of active commitment
What grade does my child need to be in?
The program is open to incoming 11th and 12th graders. If your child is entering their junior or senior year of high school, now is the right time to apply.
Is there a GPA requirement?
Yes — students need a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They also need to be planning to apply to a four-year college or university after high school.
What does the program actually include?
Students in the program get:
- Free one-on-one college guidance from an experienced admissions counselor, through video and phone sessions
- Access to college and career workshops, SAT prep classes, and college tours
- Newsletters with financial aid updates and college planning resources
- Direct support from the JBBBSLA College Guidance team
- The opportunity to be considered for JBBBSLA scholarships
Is there a cost?
No. The College Guidance Program is free for all participants.
What does the application require?
You’ll need to submit:
- A completed online application
- Current unofficial transcripts
- Most recent SAT or ACT scores, if available (not required if your child hasn’t tested yet)
- One reflective essay
How does my child apply?
Email college@jbbbsla.org to request an application. You can also call us at (323) 456-1166.
What if my child doesn't have SAT or ACT scores yet?
That’s okay. Standardized test scores are requested if available, but they’re not required to apply. Submit what you have.
Ready to change the game?
College is within reach. Whether you’re a student ready to apply or a donor ready to invest in the next generation of LA’s college-bound youth, we’re here to help you take the next step.