You’re Working Toward Something Bigger
We Help You Get There
You have goals, drive, and a vision for your future. Minds Matter Southern California gives you the structure, support, and community to turn that ambition into real opportunities.
We partner with motivated students from low‑income backgrounds who want to challenge themselves, build confidence, and create a strong path to college.
A Selective Program for Ambitious Students
Minds Matter Southern California is a free, seven‑year college-success program for driven, determined students from low-income backgrounds who are ready to work hard and take charge of their futures.
Your path with Minds Matter begins in your sophomore year of high school and continues through college graduation. Each stage builds your confidence, strengthens your skills, and expands your sense of what’s possible.
If you’re a rising sophomore with a 3.0 GPA or higher, you’re eligible to apply — and your immigration status does not affect your admission. There is no cost to students or families.
The Seven-Year Student Journey
IDENTIFY
We identify students from low-income backgrounds who show motivation, determination, and a strong academic record — and we help them navigate the barriers that can stand between them and college success. Your path to college success starts here.
UNITE
You join a community of peers and mentors who share your drive for college. Students are matched with mentors and a classmate to form a “quad” that works together for three years. Mentors attend Saturday sessions and check in weekly to help you stay on track. You also build communication, leadership, and social‑emotional skills through weekly SEL activities that strengthen your confidence and sense of belonging.
PREPARE
You develop the academic and life skills needed for college success, including math tutoring, SAT preparation, writing coaching, and support in building strong critical‑thinking skills. Every student attends two college summer programs at top universities across the country — fully funded by Minds Matter. You take real college courses, live in a dorm, and experience independence. With the guidance of your mentors, you will learn the college application process, apply to best-fit colleges, find scholarship opportunities, write application and scholarship essays, and select your college.
SUPPORT
Once you’re in college, we continue to support you so you can thrive on campus and graduate on time. You receive guidance from our College Success Team, learning skills for self-reliance, financial literacy, community building, and academic success. We provide access to internships and job resources, as well as opportunities to connect with other Minds Matter alumni.
PROPEL
Our students are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for diverse talent. Through support, exposure, and transformational relationships, you gain access to a growing network of alumni and professionals who share their experiences and open doors to meaningful careers. This community helps prepare you for success in your job search, so you can launch confidently into your career and life after college.