An update for our AAP Community of Scholars,

In May, we made an announcement regarding potential changes or pauses to AAP programming as a result of campus-wide funding constraints. We are pleased to share that the VIPS program will continue this summer thanks to an outpouring of support from our community and crucial investment from several major supporters. Our community rallied together to spread the word, raise funds and share stories about the impact of the program, and it worked.

Sixty students began their stay at UCLA in June, enrolling in college-level courses in writing, education, molecular biology and sociology. The resources, mentorship and community these young scholars receive are preparing them to be highly competitive applicants to UCLA and other top schools. This would not be possible without our incredible community. Thank you.

While this news is certainly an occasion to celebrate, there is still work to be done. In the face of continuing threats to higher education and funding concerns across UCLA, the future of VIPS remains uncertain.

Additionally, the AAP computer lab remains closed with hopes of reopening in the fall as we continue to search for funding to support these essential resources. We recognize that an important part of AAP’s mission is also supporting students in their quest towards graduate and professional school, so we are exploring funding support to provide these critical services, even if in a more limited capacity. We will continue to keep our community informed as relevant updates are available.

We invite partners and supporters to continue to reach out at AAPinfo@college.ucla.edu and discuss how we can ensure AAP programming in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Jonli Tunstall, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Vice-Provost for Student Diversity
Interim Director, Academic Advancement Program (AAP)