UCLA’s VIP Scholars Program is a partnership between UCLA, Los Angeles County schools and community organizations, that prepares educationally disadvantaged and underserved students to become academically competitive and to encourage their pursuit of graduate and professional education, using a comprehensive community empowerment approach.
Dear VIPS Students and Families,
As our community comes to terms with the devastating wildfires that have impacted so many across Los Angeles, we are reminded of the importance of standing together in solidarity during times of crisis. We are deeply saddened to hear that some members of our VIPS family have lost their homes and belongings. To those directly affected, please know that you are not alone—our community grieves with you, and we are here to support you.
We are committed to helping our students and family receive the care and support they need to navigate these challenging times. In the coming days, we will be gathering supplies and other resources. If your family has been impacted by the wildfires or if you are aware of others in our community who are struggling, please reach out to us.
For those who are able to give, whether it’s of your time or resources, we encourage you to join us in taking collective action to support families within our community who are most in need. We have shared a list of families we are aware of who have been impacted by the fires on our social media pages and via email.
Together, we can demonstrate the power of mutual aid and remind one another of the strength that comes from shared responsibility and compassion. We are strongest when we stand together, and together, we will work toward healing and rebuilding.
With Love,
Jonli, Ashley, Jerzy, Aurelia
TikTok
1218 Campbell Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095
vips@college.ucla.edu
VIPS Academy
VIPS Academy students participate in two years of comprehensive college prep programming beginning in 10th grade.
- Residential summer programs
- Academic mentoring
- College prep and community-affirming workshops for students and families
- UCLA course credit
- College application support
Day One
The VIPS Day One program is designed to serve and support early college and career exploration for educationally disadvantaged students beginning in 9th grade.
- 1-week summer residential program
- Writing and math skills workshops
- Academic mentoring
- Networking opportunities
- Youth empowerment 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.
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 campus, sustaining active engagement with the VIPS community, 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
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
Leadership Team
|
Director Dr. Jonli Tunstall 310-206-5245 |
Assistant Director Ashley V. Williams, M.Ed. 310-267-4676 |
Program Coordinators
|
Retention Coordinator Jerzy Messan 310-825-2366
|
Site Coordinator Aurelia Rhymer 310-825-2366 |
Graduate Student Researchers
|
Seth Duncan |
Jaylen Lowe |
Main Office
|
Wynter Hale & Lauren Gray 310-825-2366 Fax: 310-206-2595 |
The Day One KINGS Summer Application for current 9th graders is now open!
The application for current 10th graders is now closed. However, recommenders can still submit recommendation forms using the link below until Friday, March 14th.
Application Deadline: April 4, 2025