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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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

College Guidance

Logo with a blue graduation cap and an open book, accompanied by the text "The Erwin Rautenberg College Guidance Program," offering guidance similar to a Jewish mentorship program.
A young man wearing a navy Oregon Tech T-shirt smiles while standing in front of a wall with framed artwork, reflecting his recent experiences at a Jewish mentorship program.
A smiling person points to the "Cal Poly Mustangs" logo on their white hoodie, standing outdoors with a cloudy sky and greenery in the background, perhaps reminiscing about their experiences at a Jewish summer camp.

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.
  • 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

To request an application, email college@jbbbsla.org

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).
  • 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.
  • 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 email college@jbbbsla.org or call (323) 456-1166.

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 awarded more than $3.9 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 Teen Camp 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 two summer camp sessions AND 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 email college@jbbbsla.org or 323-456-1166.

Student Ambassador

Five people are standing inside a cafe, smiling at the camera. A wooden interior and shelves with various items are visible in the background. Drinks and phones are on the table in front of them, likely planning their next session for the Jewish mentorship program they all cherish.
Three people smile for a group selfie outside a building with glass doors, capturing a moment at their Jewish summer camp.
Three people stand in front of a wall of framed photos. They are smiling and making peace signs with their hands. Two are wearing sweatshirts with "USC" on them, proud members of a Jewish mentorship program.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

The application for the Student Ambassador Program is closed, but will open again in the Fall of 2026.

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 email college@jbbbsla.org.

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