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Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) is celebrating the milestone of over $1 million in scholarships awarded to Orange County youth participating in its College Bound program. The transformative career readiness initiative, marking its 10th anniversary, operates year-round to ensure that high school students graduate on time with a plan for their future.
Since its launch in 2014, College Bound has supported 16,224 students in pursuing higher education and overcoming financial barriers. The program primarily targets first-generation students, who often lack equitable access to resources, opportunities, and mentors. Participants receive individualized guidance, including access to tailored academic support and college pathway activities, financial aid assistance, and career exploration.
In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, BGC of Central OC’s College Bound program served 2,690 students and provided $277,500 in scholarships, furthering its commitment to making higher education accessible to all.
“We are thrilled to announce that in just a decade since the official launch of our College Bound program, we have awarded over $1 million to teens, many of whom are first-generation students who lack equitable access to educational resources,” said Robert Santana, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. “By supporting these youth through mentorship opportunities and scholarships, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder their passions and educational aspirations.”
The program supports students and also their parents, recognizing that many graduates are the first in their families to pursue education beyond high school. Through various workshops and resources, College Bound equips families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complexities of higher education. By preparing students and their families for the transition of life after graduation, College Bound removes significant barriers facing Orange County youth who might otherwise see college as unattainable or prohibitively expensive.
BGC of Central OC’s College Bound program serves schools within the Newport Mesa, Orange, and Santa Ana Unified School Districts. These schools include Back Bay High School, Century High School, El Modena High School, Godinez Fundamental High School, Legacy College Prep: Ednovate, Middle College High School, NOVA Academy, Orange High School, Saddleback High School, Samueli Academy, Santa Ana High School, Segerstrom High School, Unity Middle College High School and Valley High School.
College Bound paves a pathway to success for many aspiring community leaders and extends its support beyond high school. The program guides participants through their college journey and into their careers by providing its alumni with ongoing mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and resources to ensure their continued success. Graduates of the program have attended and graduated from prestigious universities, including Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, California State University Fullerton, and San Diego State University.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast and the College Bound program, please visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com.
Since its founding, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast has been a cornerstone of the Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange, and Santa Ana communities. The organization has provided strategic programming, safe space, and quality mentoring to more than 100,000 youth since the first Club in Costa Mesa opened in 1941. The Club works to build a foundation for members to live meaningful, productive lives by equipping them with the skills needed to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and join the workforce. It has been recognized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the most innovative in the nation, particularly with its IMPACT Model.
The Clubs are proactive in fostering relationships with similarly-minded nonprofits to serve youth and their families best. All its activities, whether at the Club, a school, or out in the community, are designed to empower youth and build up the protective family and community factors that reduce risks and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. For more information, visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com
