33 high school seniors graduate from Pomona College’s college-preparedness program

Claremont, CA – The latest graduating class from the college-prep program known as Pomona College’s Academy for Youth Success(PAYS) included 33 local students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education, including first generation college students. Coming from cities such as Ontario, Fontana, Upland, San Bernardino and Bloomington; the graduates are now headed to colleges and universities including Johns Hopkins University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford and Pomona College.

This past Friday, July 13, the students celebrated the completion of the PAYS program at a ceremony in Bridges Hall of Music on Pomona College’s campus with their family and friends.

These local seniors spent the last three summers engaging in a competitive four-week curriculum of quantitative, analytical and writing skills seminars. Living on Pomona College’s campus each summer, the students were pushed to think critically, exercise problem-solving skills and become socially accustomed to a college campus.

The cohort of seniors was part of a total of 92 local high school students who are seeking support in preparing for admission to selective and highly selective colleges and universities.

Started in 2002 and run by the Pomona’s Draper Center for Community Partnerships, the PAYS program is committed to supporting each scholar in matriculation to competitive institutions and prepares rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors for college. The program is free of charge for students but it does require a three-year commitment. Ninth graders from San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit pomona.edu/pays

About Pomona College

Located in Claremont, Calif., Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions. Established in 1887, Pomona is known for its quality academic programs, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty and a range of student research and leadership opportunities.