JOYA Scholars

Story Slam Fall Fundraising Campaign

Between October 13th and November 13th, make a one-time contribution as low as $10 and receive an exclusive invitation to JOYA Scholars’ first ever STORY SLAM Virtual Event! Hosted by Zoot Velasco, the Story Slam Champion of Long Beach, our featured storytellers will address our theme Pivotal Moments: Stories of college access equity in action. Learn more!

Watch Alison & Genesis Uncut

Alison & Genesis share their experiences as high schoolers in JOYA Scholars’ College Readiness Programs—their favorite memories, hopes for college, and what they’ve gained from their time in JOYA. Watch here.

Meet Student-Mentor Duo Maggie & Sadia

Mentoring relationships are the heart of JOYA Scholars. Maggie (a high school senior) and Sadia (her mentor) look back at their mentoring journey and share their experiences together in JOYA—Sadia’s hopes for Maggie, Maggie’s plans for her future, and what the JOYA family means to them. Watch here!

One JOYA Family: JOYA Scholars VIRTUAL Celebration & Fundraising Gala

Missed our virtual event? Watch the replay on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/joyascholars

Make a donation at donorbox.org/joyacelebration

Thank you to our community for helping us reach our $10,000 goal!

JOYA Scholars COVID-19 Response

For updates on our response to the coronavirus crisis, click here.

For updates on our transition to virtual programs, click here.

Rewriting the Narrative: The Aguilar Family

The story of how one JOYA family, the Aguilars, is rewriting the narrative in Fullerton’s Garnet community.Carmen and Francisco Aguilar attend El Dorado High School and are enrolled in JOYA’s College Readiness Program.Older siblings Paula and Rene Aguilar attend Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly Pomona, and mentor two JOYA middle school students.Maria Guadalupe Aguilar is a graduate of JOYA’s Parent Academy.Together, the Aguilars have played a key role in elevating the college readiness culture of Fullerton’s low-income Gem District, and carry forward our mission to transform the lives of our students and families.