ULV Partners With LA School District to Expand College Access

The University of La Verne and El Rancho Unified School District (ERUSD) are proud to announce a new partnership to expand college access and career advancement opportunities for district students and employees.

The collaboration, celebrated at an agreement signing event at El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, guarantees admission to the University of La Verne and a minimum scholarship of $19,000 per academic year for ERUSD students. The agreement also includes waived application fees, dedicated counseling, and college readiness programs to help students meet admission requirements.

“This partnership enables families within the El Rancho Unified School District academic service area to access a local, high-quality private education,” said Risa Dickson, president of the University of La Verne. “We are removing barriers through student scholarships and a streamlined admissions process, creating new opportunities for college success.”

Support for Students and Families

The initiative includes:

• Guaranteed Admission & Financial Support: ERUSD students meeting University of La Verne admission criteria will receive guaranteed acceptance and financial assistance.
• Streamlined Admissions & College Prep: Students will have access to waived application fees, counseling, and academic programs to support college readiness.
• On-the-Spot Admissions & Financial Aid Workshops: University of La Verne will offer admissions events and bilingual financial aid workshops for ERUSD families.
• Employee Tuition Discounts: ERUSD employees, including full-time and permanent part-time staff, along with their spouses and registered domestic partners, will receive tuition discounts for programs at the University of La Verne.

ERUSD Superintendent Marco Villegas said the district, which encompasses 14 schools and academies, is committed to preparing students for their next steps beyond high school.

“Our district is dedicated to equipping students for success,” Villegas said. “Collaborating with the University of La Verne broadens opportunities for our students to fulfill their educational and career goals.”

Among those celebrating the partnership was Stephanie Amaya, an El Rancho High School alumna and current University of La Verne junior majoring in public relations. She was excited to return to her alma mater and said she hopes the partnership will encourage more students to explore higher education opportunities.

“This collaboration between El Rancho and ULV will give students opportunities to experience the greatness in academia of both institutions,” said Amaya, who took advantage of dual enrollment programs in high school to get ahead in her university studies.

Villegas encouraged students to set high goals for themselves, saying, “Dream big, work hard, and know we’re here with you every step of the way.”

After the celebration, students eagerly participated in on-the-spot admissions, bringing their transcripts in hopes of securing a place at ULV. The energy and enthusiasm in the room reflected the impact of this new initiative.

“This is more than an agreement; it’s a commitment to students and families,” Dickson said. “By working together, we are opening doors and creating opportunities that will impact generations to come.”

In addition to student-focused initiatives, the agreement also provides professional development and educational opportunities for ERUSD employees through discounted tuition for certificate and degree programs.

For more information, visit laverne.edu/admission