20 Years of Changing Lives

Join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of UCLA’s AAP Vice-Provost’s Initiative for Pre-College Scholars (VIPS)! 

For almost two decades, VIPS, a key program within UCLA’s Academic Advancement Program (AAP), has prepared high school students from underrepresented communities to be competitive applicants to UCLA and other flagship universities. To honor this upcoming 2025 milestone, the AAP community is launching a campaign to raise $35,000 to enhance opportunities for our students — in high school, UCLA, and beyond.  

Since 2005, UCLA has partnered with the Los Angeles and Pasadena school districts to prepare historically underrepresented students for higher education. Of almost 600 VIPS scholars, 100% have graduated high school and over 95% matriculate to a four-year college or university. More than 50% attend UCLA and join the Academic Advancement Program, UCLA's flagship student retention service. VIPS cohorts receive counseling, mentorship, academic advising, and even the opportunity to stay at UCLA and attend courses and workshops, all for absolutely no cost to the students. All of these resources create a network of support for students that starts in high school, continues through UCLA through AAP, and continues on past graduation through the AAP Alumni Network (AAPAN). Your gift can help VIPS expand its yearly cohorts, ensuring more students can join our academic pipeline. You can learn more about VIPS' work on its website.

VIPS students that attend UCLA are automatically enrolled in AAP, joining a community of almost 5,000 UCLA student members from multi-ethnic, low-income, first-generation and multi-racial backgrounds. AAP's many programs ensure these students get the support and resources they need to succeed at UCLA -- and beyond. After graduation, our students continue to be part of the AAP community by joining the AAP Alumni Network, which offers professional development, mentorship, and events for AAP students and alumni. That's why we're proud to share that $7,500 of proceeds from this fundraiser will support AAPAN's 2025 programming. In high school, UCLA and beyond, AAP is here for you!

"My overall experience in the VIPS Summer Program was very educational and eye-opening. Although the college environment was much different from what I am accustomed to, it allowed [me] to grow both socially and intellectually. I consider this program as a highly valuable experience/opportunity." - Cohort 19 Student (High School Junior)

"VIPS has encouraged me beyond words to do well in school and really reach for the stars. I met many great people and made strong connections with my cohort mates and I feel passionate about [attending] UCLA or at the very least getting into any UC." -Cohort 18 Student (High School Senior)

"I had an amazing experience learning the campus, meeting new people, and gaining information that can help me get to college and go further in life." - Day 1 Student (High School Sophomore)

In addition to funding VIPS, your donation will support some exciting AAPAN programs and events! Here is a sneak peak into AAPAN's upcoming programming for AAP students and alumni:

CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS

Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.