Minds Matter Southern California

Meet the New Minds Matter SoCal Class

They're sophomores. They're first-generation, low-income, and from every corner of Los Angeles. And this fall, they became the first class in Minds Matter Southern California's new seven-year program.

Most college programs celebrate the acceptance letter and say goodbye. We're staying for the diploma, the internship, and the career launch. Getting in was never the finish line. Thriving takes relationships, experiences and a network that opens doors.

The program runs seven years. The community they build here lasts a lifetime. Want a front-row seat? Take your seat: volunteer, give, or join our community at mindsmattersocal.org.

And just like that, a new chapter begins. 🎓

Members of our Class of 2026 have officially traded college applications for college campuses!

From Saturday sessions and application season to move-in day, we’ve had the privilege of watching these students work toward moments like this. Now, they’re settling in, finding their way around campus, and beginning what comes next.

Here’s to new places, new experiences, and everything ahead. ✨

Curious about the community that helps make journeys like these possible? Join us at our Open House next weekend to learn more about Minds Matter SoCal and the many ways to get involved.

📅 Saturday, September 26
🔗 RSVP through the link: https://mindsmattersocal.org/volunteers/

Our community is shaped by the cultures, stories, and people within it. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the Hispanic and Latino members of our MM SoCal community and creating space for them to share the traditions, experiences, and everyday moments that connect them to their culture.

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! 🌺

Looking for a way to get involved in your community?
Join us Saturday, September 26 for our next Minds Matter SoCal Open House!

Come learn about the many ways you can support LA students through mentoring, tutoring, writing, events, and more. Whether you already know how you'd like to get involved or you're simply curious, come meet our community and find the role that fits you.

📆 RSVP here: https://mindsmattersocal.org/volunteers/

A night at the ballpark with some of our students yesterday. ⚾️🧢

Thank you, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, for creating opportunities for our students to connect, have fun, and make memories together!

Our juniors and seniors are back for another year of Saturday sessions at Minds Matter SoCal.

Before the college acceptances, summer experiences, internships, and graduation celebrations, there are Saturdays like these. Students and volunteers sitting together, asking questions, setting goals, working through challenges, and continuing to build the relationships that carry them through the journey.

Our first two Saturdays are officially in the books. This weekend we’ll welcome our newest sophomore class as they begin their Minds Matter journey. Big milestones are worth celebrating, but so are the Saturdays that help make them possible. Welcome back, MM SoCal community. 💙

From Los Angeles to Miami. ✈️🌴

This summer, Daniel headed to the University of Miami for a pre-college program, where he experienced campus life, explored his interests, and built community with students from beyond Los Angeles. Pre-college experiences offer more than a glimpse of university life. They give students space to learn in a new environment, meet new people, and begin discovering what they want their own college experience to look and feel like.

For our students, summer is another opportunity to explore, grow, and expand their sense of what's possible. Another summer journey in the books. Stay tuned for more summer experience highlights. 💙🌎

The beautiful thing about mentorship? The relationship grows with you.

You might begin by helping a student navigate high school, college applications, or a difficult decision. Over time, you get to witness something much bigger: their confidence growing, their voice getting stronger, and the person they're becoming.

Today we're celebrating more members of the Class of 2026 and the journeys that brought them here.
Every college pennant represents years of Saturday sessions, mentorship, goal-setting, and growth. College success isn't defined by a name on a pennant. It's about making informed choices, pursuing your goals, and having the support to navigate the path that's right for you.

Behind every pennant is a student who kept showing up, and a community that showed up alongside them.

🎤 Want to help shape stories like these? Message us to learn how you can join our volunteer community.