Our Mission
The Elite Community Scholars Program seeks to provide resources, information and mentoring to students of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds so they may be successful in their journey to college and beyond.
Our Vision
An inspired and thriving community of empowered, global citizens.
A Brief History
The Elite Community Scholars Program (ECSP) is a group of programs operating under the name Elite Community Scholars. Programs are generally offered free of charge, typically to low-income first-generation students who normally wouldn’t have access to Elite’s programs due to an inability to pay. The first projects launched in 2008 at Young Nak Church (Lincoln Heights) and Kidworks (Santa Ana), two organizations that invest in local children to help them become leaders in their communities.
Learn more about the Community Scholars Program in 1:40
Past Programs
Projects have varied widely, and some of the programs we have offered include:
6-week SAT program, in which students meet once per week
10-week SAT program, in which students meet twice per week
3-day Common App Retreats, in which students meet for three consecutive days to complete their Common Applications
8-week College Application Workshops, in which students meet once per week to complete their college essays
Core Values
Inclusion: we believe all students should have equal access to information and resources
Commitment to Excellence: we are committed to excellence in all areas of our life and work
Respect for Diversity: we respect each other and celebrate our diversity so that everyone can give their best
Commitment to Self: we respect each individual’s right to decide what is best for him/herself, even if we disagree on what is best
Transparency: we believe in clear communication of expectations, needs, and consequences
Accountability: we believe in keeping our word and holding others to their word
Integrity: we act with honesty, trust and openness; our intentions and actions will be transparent and above reproach
Forgiveness: we believe in second chances
Urgency: given the nature of our work (with SAT and college prep), we operate with a sense of urgency and challenge ourselves and others to also embrace a sense of urgency to accomplish our shared vision
Collaboration: we are all working toward the same goals and we know great things happen when we work together
Self-discovery: we believe in offering students the opportunity to learn more about themselves through our programs and hope to support students on a journey outward (out of high school, toward college) as well as inward (discovering more about core values, beliefs, and ethics).
Teaching Opportunities
If you're interested in getting involved in the Elite Community Scholars program as a paid instructor or site director, please complete this short online application:
Partner Opportunities
Schools, individuals, and community-based organizations that would like to learn more about partnering with Elite Community Scholars should fill out this contact form:
What Elite Community Scholars Are Saying
"Thank you so much! Never in my life have I met someone so interested in my success. I greatly appreciate everything you have done for us."
"Thank you for encouraging us and pushing us to reach our full potential. Without you, I’m sure a great number of us wouldn’t even have taken the SAT. Besides helping us academically, you also made us feel sure of ourselves. With the motivation that you kindled I’m sure that we will reach great places."
"Thank you for all that you have brought to our high school! In addition to great academic knowledge, you also provided us with a very friendly and approachable teacher, which isn’t found all that easily here. I can honestly give you credit for my score. Were it not for Elite, it would’ve been much lower."
Elite Community Scholars Partners
John Marshall High School
Elite Site Director: Aaron Pollock
John H. Francis Polytechnic
Elite Site Director: Jennifer Kim
