Operation Jump Start Mission Statement:
“We help 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.“
Since 1994, OJS has provided the comprehensive resources and mentoring needed to enable youth in underserved communities to reach their full potential through a college education. Our organization has an established and successful track record of success in providing access to higher education for low-income students – a demographic group significantly underrepresented on four-year college campuses locally, throughout California, and across our nation. OJS serves between 250-350 youth annually – all Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) students, ranging from 13 to 23 years old.
What we do: Not every community has the same resources, the same opportunities, the same support. OJS reaches out to Long Beach’s underserved communities to create awareness of higher education opportunities and help interested youth achieve their educational goals. We work with first-generation, college-bound youth from low-income households in Long Beach.
How we do it: Our mentoring program offers each OJS student an incredible five years of extensive and involved support. Beginning in 8th grade, OJS students get a super‐charged team of mentors, tutors, and counselors to provide them with the resources they need to graduate from high school, get into and graduate from a four-year college, and get a ‘jumpstart’ on a productive and rewarding path forward.
Who we are: Our staff, board and volunteers are a diverse group of individuals who come together to mentor, provide financial support, teach, and volunteer to help Long Beach’s underserved youth. We believe everyone – regardless of their circumstances – deserves the resources and support needed to succeed in college.
…and more importantly,
Why: At OJS, we share a collective vision that all students in our community have equal access to college success.
Yes, any! All students deserve access to a college education regardless of socioeconomic status. We strive for a day where any Long Beach student will have equal access to a college education.