Eligibility

Academic Component

Saturday Academy: Part of the student commitment to the program is the mandatory Saturday Academy participation. These sessions take place 1-2 times per month, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. During the fall semester, we have the sessions more frequently to fit in our number of required sessions while still accommodating for the holidays. During these sessions, Seniors work on college applications, FAFSA, and receive workshops on how to successfully transfer into higher education. Juniors are enrolled in a SBAC preparation course paid for by the program. Freshman and Sophomores engage in Non-Cognitive skills workshops. Some Saturday Academy dates, we also hold community service events and college visits.
Academic Advising: Project Coordinators and program participants will constantly review their annual academic progress plan to ensure that course grades/test results are monitored. UB program participants meet with their Program Coordinators on a weekly basis at the target school’s College and Career Center.

Academic Year Calendar

Academic Advising Dates at the School's College Center

Saturday Academy - Fall 2023 Semester

- September 16th: All Grades
  - 9th/10th: Parent Meeting - Road Map to Higher Education Presentation
  - 11th/12th: College Applications and Financial Aid Presentation
  - via Zoom: Link Provided by Program Coordinator
- October 7th: Seniors
  - Virtual CSU Application Accounts
- October 21st: All Grades
  - 9th/ 10th: Non-Cognitive Workshop #1
  - 11th: SBAC Course #1
  - 12th: Finalize CSU/ UC Applications
- November 4th: All Grades
  - 9th/ 10th: Non-Cognitive Workshop #2
  - 11th: SBAC Course #2
  - 12th: Finalize CSU/ UC Applications
- November 18th: Seniors
  - Virtual Office Hours
- November 20th - 21st: 12th Graders
  - 12th: Finalize CSU/ UC Applications
  - OFFICE HOURS - By Appointment
- December 2nd: All Grades
  - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital eCards - Service Date

Saturday Academy - Spring 2024 Semester

- January 20th: All Grades
  - 9th/ 10th: Non-Cognitive Workshop #3
  - 11th: SBAC Course #3
  - 12th: CSU/ UC Portals and FAFSA/ CADAA
- February 24th: All Grades
  - 9th/ 10th: Non-Cognitive Workshop #4
  - 11th: SBAC Course #4
  - 12th: Admissions Information and FAFSA/ CADAA
- April 13th: Seniors
  - Award Letter Review and SIR

Summer Component

During the summer, students that meet qualifications are invited to participate in the Toro Summer Academy (TSA) 6-week summer program held at CSUDH. Students are enrolled in enrichment courses like English, math, science, and a foreign language. These courses are not for credit, but are meant to help the students fight the "summer slide." Students may qualify to enroll in the summer as soon as they complete middle school. Usually, the summer program is held from the last week of June to the first week of August.

Program Services