2026
Annual Report
Impact At a Glance
- 300+ Students served in 2025, now over 2,400 students served since inception
- Over 60% of students are receiving individualized socio-emotional support
- $60,000+ awarded in direct student scholarships
- 84% of OJS students meet A–G requirements, well above the ~50% LBUSD average
- 83% Six-Year College Attainment Rate
- 98% of the class of 2024 students successfully completed their first year of college and returned for a second year.
- Despite national summer melt trends affecting 10–40% of college-intending students, 97% of the OJS class of 2025 high school graduates enrolled in college the fall after graduation
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 many first-generation students in Long Beach, the dream of attending and graduating from college remains out of reach. Every student served by Operation Jump Start (OJS) comes from a low-income household in one of our community’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. 100% qualify as low-income under federal guidelines, and more than 80% are considered “very low income.”
At Operation Jump Start, we are working to change that narrative. Through comprehensive programming, individualized mentoring, and long-term support, we empower students to access and succeed in higher education — often achieving milestones they once believed were beyond their reach.
2025 was an extraordinary year for OJS. Thanks to the support of our community, more students are turning their college aspirations into college degrees. Together, we’re making life-changing opportunities possible.
Student Spotlight
Alex Suarez
OJS Scholar, Class of 2027, and current Freshman at The University of California, Riverside
"Operation Jump Start gave me mentors who guided me through college and helped me stay focused. It built a community that pushed me to grow and stay accountable."
For Alex Suarez, Operation Jump Start has been more than a college access program — it has been a community that shaped his confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. As a first-generation college student at UC Riverside, Alex credits OJS mentors with helping him navigate the complexities of higher education, step outside his comfort zone, and see new possibilities for his future. From transformative travel experiences to becoming a monthly donor through OJS’s Giving Circle, Alex embodies the full-circle impact of mentorship and opportunity.
Program Highlights
Career Week with DemoChicks
During Career Week, OJS partnered with DemoChicks to introduce more than 80 students to STEM careers in construction, engineering, and architecture. Through hands-on learning and real-world exposure, students expanded their awareness of high-demand career pathways and future possibilities.
College Extravaganza at Long Beach City College
Nearly 100 students gathered at Long Beach City College for a full day of college exploration and empowerment. The event featured an inspiring keynote, interactive breakout sessions, an OJS student panel, and a resource fair connecting students with colleges and community organizations — equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and critical tools for their postsecondary journeys.
Holiday Resource Giveaway
In response to increasing economic uncertainty and disruptions to public benefits that many experienced in 2025, OJS pivoted from our traditional end-of-year celebration to host a Holiday Resource Giveaway. By shifting away from a large gathering, we ensured families could safely and comfortably access essential resources. This thoughtful pivot reflects our deep commitment to meeting families where they are and responding proactively in times of need.
Student Colleges Attended in 2025
Scholarship Highlights
- In 2025, Operation Jump Start students were awarded more than $60,000 in direct scholarships, helping to remove financial barriers and bring college within reach.
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New Scholarship Partnerships in 2025:
• California Masonic Foundation – Launched a new partnership providing renewable scholarships of up to $7,000 per student, offering sustained financial support throughout their college journey.
• Long Beach Lions Club – Awarded eight OJS students with one-time scholarships of $1,000 each, directly investing in their first year of college success. - This year also marked significant national scholarship achievements for our students. Highlights include a prestigious Gates Scholarship award, multiple QuestBridge Finalist recognitions, and a QuestBridge Match with Pomona College — an extraordinary accomplishment and a proud milestone for our program and students.
By the Numbers:
Fiscal Year 2025
Revenue
Expenses
Total Income: $1,075,681, Total Expenses: $1,070,411, Net Income: $5,270
Fundraising Spotlight: Scholars' Day Celebration
OJS’s annual Scholars’ Day Celebration continues to increase its impact on fundraising. The event not only highlights the tremendous accomplishments of our students, but it also allows donors to see firsthand the power and effects of their contributions. Donors like you make this impact possible. Donors like you make this growth possible.
2025 Was a Year of Impact.
Today, 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.