Operation Jump Start

OJS has an established legacy of success in providing access to higher education for low-income students of color - a demographic group significantly underrepresented on four-year college campuses locally, throughout California, and across our nation. OJS serves hundreds of youth annually all LBUSD students. OJS is witness to the ongoing unmet need for college access programs and services for middle school, high school, and college students. Although the graduation rates have significantly improved in Long Beach, those who do graduate are not always prepared to pursue a college education. The students enrolled in OJS are among Long Beach's most vulnerable population and are representative of the educational crisis facing the state of California. All the students assisted by OJS come from low-income families that reside in our highest impoverished and criminalized communities. Each of these students is among the first generation in their families to pursue a college education and many are the first in their families to complete high school. The comprehensive interventions of OJS have proven successful over time. Every single graduate of the program has received an on-time high school diploma, 95% of those students immediately go on to college. Currently, 93% of our students have either achieved a bachelor's degree or are still enrolled in college. We are proud to report our 6-year bachelor's degree attainment rate is 75%, which is 25% higher than the national average.

Testimonials

"My mentor has encouraged me to seek the best higher education and do my best in school to reach my goals. I am certain I couldn't have made it this far without her support. She has been a true mentor and true friend." - Stephanie A., College Student and OJS Alumni