College Success Program

The College Success Program offers a comprehensive, structured approach to increasing college enrollment and retention for first-generation students of color. We are committed to providing essential resources and support to Latinx students in East San José pursuing community college, 4-year institutions, or trade and vocational programs. Our mission is to mentor, guide, and empower students and their families to:

Build a college-going culture

Confidently navigate the college enrollment process

Persist through college

Graduate with a clear career pathway

Apply To Be A LEAF Scholar

Application Timeline

We are currently accepting applications for the LEAF College Success Program. If you are a senior in East San José and meet the eligibility requirements, apply today to access mentorship, scholarships, and ongoing support through your college journey.

Priority Application Deadline : February 1, 2025

Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

Questions or need assistance applying? Please contact:

Emily Ramos | Email: emily@leafca.org

She/Her or They/Them pronouns | Student Success Director

Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

Be a current Senior in high school in East San José
Identify as low-income, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or a first-generation college student
Plan to enroll in community college, university, or trade school/certificate program for the 2025-26 school year

What You’ll Receive as a LEAF Scholar

College Support Services

Ongoing College Support: Financial, academic, social-emotional, and career/transfer planning support through workshops, webinars, and individual meetings
Our hands-on guidance includes help with college applications, enrollment, transfer advising, and workshops tailored to financial aid, career pathways, and college success.

Mentorship

A peer mentor to guide you through your first two years of collegeAlumni of East San José High Schools currently in college or graduate school will support, guide, and encourage the cohorts of LEAF Scholars as they navigate college.
Mentors are given a scholarship to support their educational pursuits.

Family Engagement

Parents receive tools and resources to advocate for their students

Parents receive a $250 stipend each semester their student remains enrolled, alleviating food insecurity concerns.

Financial Support

$2,000 Scholarship: To help cover college expenses during your first two years
Emergency Funding: Access to emergency funding for unexpected expenses that may derail student success

Become a LEAF Mentor

Our mentors are former East San José high school students who were the first in their families to go to college. They are now in college or graduate school, and they are here to help other students succeed. As mentors, they receive $500 scholarships each semester to support their own education while guiding new LEAF Scholars through the ups and downs of college life.

Meet The Team

Emily Ramos

Director of Student Success

Jorge Bañuelos

Senior Program Coordinator

Evelyn Vazquez Urzua