Individual and corporate gifts have increased over the last few years. OJS continues to attract new sources of support in its mission to serve Long Beach youth. Donors like you make this growth possible.
Impact At A Glance
900+ Students served in 2024, 2,100+ Students served since inception
89% 6-year college graduation rate (national average: 62%)
60% of students are receiving socio-emotional support
40% increase in university partnerships
$64,000+ in Direct Student scholarships awarded
Why We Exist
Vision
All students in our community have equal access to college success.
Mission
Operation Jump Start (OJS) helps low-resourced, high-potential, first-generation students get in, stay in, and graduate from a four-year college. We do this by providing academic support, mentoring, and exposure to a broader world.
Values
Gratitude | Education | Mentoring | Transparency
For most first-generation students in Long Beach, the dream to attend and successfully graduate from college remains unfulfilled.
All students supported by OJS hail from low-income households residing in our most impoverished communities; 100% fall under the low-income category according to federal guidelines, with over 80% classified as “very low income.” Nationally, a mere 9% of low-income students obtain a bachelor’s degree by their mid-20s, in stark contrast to the 77% achievement rate among their high-income counterparts.
At Operation Jump Start we are closing the achievement gap through programs and mentoring that empower these students to achieve educational opportunities they never thought possible.
Student Spotlight
Synaia Bolen-Holt
OJS Scholar, Class of 2024 and current Freshman at Georgetown University
"Knowing that OJS continues to support us even after we leave for college is incredible. The counseling services have been especially helpful..."
At Operation Jump Start, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of our students, and this year, we are honored to highlight Synaia Bolen-Holt, a trailblazer who has made history as the first OJS scholar to attend Georgetown University. Her journey is one of persistence, confidence, and the unwavering power of community support.
December 14, 2023, is a day Synaia will never forget. Sitting with her teacher, Miss Harrison, and her sister on FaceTime, she anxiously opened an email from Georgetown. As the words “Congratulations!” appeared on the screen, she felt an overwhelming rush of joy. She jumped from her seat, screamed, and cried tears of happiness, embracing her teacher and sharing the moment with her sister. That instant marked the realization of a dream years in the making.
Synaia’s connection to Georgetown began in 2022 during an OJS East Coast college tour, where she fell in love with the university’s architecture and its renowned nursing program. That admiration only deepened when she participated in a Georgetown research program, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship from a faculty member who helped shape her aspirations.
But the road to Georgetown wasn’t always easy. During her senior year at Wilson High School, she faced challenges in a statistics class that put both her graduation and college acceptance at risk. After advocating for herself and pushing through setbacks, she successfully secured the credits she needed—proving once again that resilience and determination could carry her through any obstacle.
Synaia credits much of her success to OJS as an organization that provided invaluable support throughout high school and beyond.
What began as college application guidance soon evolved into a lifelong support system, offering resources in self-care, career preparation, and personal growth—all of which became essential as she transitioned to college.
Like many first-generation students, Synaia initially struggled with loneliness and adjusting to a much larger academic environment. However, through OJS counseling services, time management strategies, and active engagement in her academic community, she found her footing and embraced the journey ahead.
“Knowing that OJS continues to support us even after we leave for college is incredible. The counseling services have been especially helpful—not necessarily because of homesickness, but because the transition from high school to college was a big adjustment for me.”
As the first OJS student to attend Georgetown, Synaia hopes to pave the way for others to follow in her footsteps. She encourages current OJS students to take full advantage of the program, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged and utilizing every opportunity available.
“My advice to OJS students—don’t take it for granted. Be involved. There were times I was consistently engaged and times I wasn’t, but OJS is genuinely here to help. The resources and support they provide make a difference, so take advantage of them—whether it’s tutoring, game nights, or college prep. Build a community for yourself.”
Synaia’s journey is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and community support. She is not only achieving her own dreams but also breaking barriers for future OJS students. As she continues her studies at Georgetown, we know she will make an incredible impact in the world of healthcare and beyond. We couldn’t be prouder of her and can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the years ahead.
Program Highlights
A new FAFSA support program was launch and reached over 500 students
Significantly expanded our MSW internship program, increasing our cohort of interns from nine (2023) to fourteen (2024) (a 56% increase)
Increased our higher education partnerships to 12 universities
91% of the Class of 2023 successfully transitioned into their second year of college
College Access Program students achieved an average GPA of 3.3 for the 2023-2024 School year
College Success Program Students achieved an average GPA of 3.7 for the 2023-2024 School year
Student colleges attended in 2024
By the Numbers:
Fiscal Year 2024
Revenue
Expenses
Total Income: $1,024,917; Total Expenses: $998,076; Net Income: $26,841
Fundraising Spotlight: Individual and Corporate Gifts Continue to Increase
2024 was an incredible year for Operation Jump Start.
Now, we invite you to deepen your impact.
Behind every number is a story of resilience, ambition, and hope. Every student we serve carries a dream: to earn a degree, break generational cycles, and prove that they can achieve anything. At OJS, we stand beside them, ensuring that no barrier—financial, academic, or personal—stands in their way.
In uncertain times, we remain a steadfast pillar of support. But this movement is only possible because of our community—you. Together, we have built a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Fuel a student’s journey to and through college.
Change a student’s life.
Celebrate the achievements of our future leaders.
Operation Jump Start is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the federal nonprofit ID#33-0629895.