VIP Scholars

Welcome High School Programs College Retention Meet the Team

Welcome!

UCLA’s VIP Scholars Program is a partnership between UCLA, Los Angeles County schools and community organizations, that uses a social justice framework and holistic approach to prepare historically underrepresented students, particularly African American students, to become competitively eligible for admission to UCLA and other flagship universities, and to encourage their pursuit of graduate and professional education.

In honor of VIPS’ 20th anniversary, we are holding a fundraising campaign to fund the future of VIPS!
Please join us in supporting our talented students.

Give Now

VIP Scholars

VIPS Retention

TikTok

Linktree

1218 Campbell Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095
vips@college.ucla.edu

VIPS Academy

VIPS Academy students participate in two years of social justice college prep programming beginning in 10th grade.

Residential summer programs
Academic mentoring
College prep and social justice-oriented workshops for students and families
UCLA course credit
College application support

Day One

The VIPS Day One program is designed to serve and support the early college and career exploration for young men of color beginning in 9th grade.

1-week summer residential program
Writing and math skills workshops
Academic mentoring
Networking opportunities
Culturally relevant activities and field trips

Buddy Day

During Buddy Day, VIPS pairs high school students with current UCLA undergraduate students to give them a true day-in-the life experience of a Bruin. High school students attend classes, activities, tour campus and may even get the opportunity to eat in UCLA dining halls. Students also learn about the college application process and what they can do to become competitive college applicants.

College Retention Program

Since the inaugural VIPS cohort, 100% of VIPS students graduate from high school and go on to enroll at an institution of higher education. 79% of students attend 4-year public institutions–with 53% attending UCLA–while 18% attend 4-year private institutions and the remaining 3% attend community colleges. Our goal is to ensure all of our students feel supported no matter what college they choose to attend and are immediately connected with resources and stakeholders on their chosen campus.

The VIPS Retention Program supports VIP Scholars’ retention through college by partnering with campus leaders committed to supporting students of color and providing opportunities for students to consistently engage with the VIP Scholars Program. The VIPS Retention Program is committed to providing guidance in navigating institutional structures, creating a sustainable culture of active engagement of students, and encouraging a culture that is student-centered and facilitates and celebrates VIP Scholars’ success.

The Retention Program has hosted events to engage our students throughout the school year and during school breaks. Our retention coordinator has also worked to create relationships with stakeholders at every campus one of our students attends.

If you are a former VIPS high school student or a college campus leader, please feel free to connect with our Retention Coordinator, Jerzy Messan, at jmessan@college.ucla.edu

Retention Resources

Log your VIPS Events here!

In order to remain eligible for the VIPS UCLA scholarship, all VIP Scholars must:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Meet with VIPS AAP counselor, Tim Mahlanza (tim@college.ucla.edu), once per quarter
Meet with someone from the VIPS leadership team at least once per quarter
Attend each quarterly VIPS Orientation, every academic year.
Attend at least 2 AAP Graduate Mentoring workshops per quarter or meet once a year with an AAP Graduate Mentor
Volunteer 3 hours per quarter at VIPS events

Administrative Team

Leadership Team

Director

Dr. Jonli Tunstall

jtunstall@college.ucla.edu

310-206-5245

Assistant Director

Ashley V. Williams, M.Ed.

avwilliams@college.ucla.edu

310-267-4676

Program Coordinators

Retention Coordinator