BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified’s Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza solidified a partnership with the University of La Verne on July 20 that ensures students have access to a top-quality, affordable college education.

The Partnership for Access to College Education (PACE) promises qualified Baldwin Park students a pathway to the University of La Verne that includes guaranteed admission, financial aid, application fee waivers and a variety of programs to assist with college readiness.

“We are extremely proud to enter into this admissions agreement with the University of La Verne so that we can continue our commitment to our students in creating higher education opportunities,” Superintendent Mendoza said. “As a District, we believe in providing every pathway available to encourage academic and personal success. Through this partnership, we can build on our collective mission.”

Baldwin Park Unified joins 22 other Southern California school districts in partnering with the University of La Verne, with representatives from the university and the school districts pledging their efforts to make higher education obtainable for every student.

The District’s graduation rate reached 93 percent in 2015-16, and Baldwin Park Unified educators are working to increase the number of those graduates who attend four-year universities.

To qualify for the PACE initiative, students must graduate from high school without needing to complete remedial courses, and be continuously enrolled with their district for at least four years. They must also meet a minimum SAT score of 980 and a minimum ACT score of 19.

Those accepted will have access to college preparatory workshops and lectures to guide their way to academic success. Students will also be granted financial aid of at least $10,000 per year.

The PACE partnership also applies to district employees, with those admitted to the doctor of education in organizational leadership program receiving a $100 scholarship per unit.

University of La Verne President Devorah A. Lieberman said her team is focused on providing area students with an opportunity to attend college.

“We look forward to providing support to these students, guiding them on their paths to success,” Lieberman said.

PHOTOS

072017_BPUSD_PACE_1: Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza and University of La Verne President Devorah A. Lieberman formally pledged a partnership on July 20 that gives qualified graduates from the District access to a top-quality, private university education. Founded by the University of La Verne in January, the Partnership for Access to College Education offers application fee waivers, guaranteed admission, financial aid and workshops to promote college readiness.

072017_BPUSD_PACE_2: Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza and University of La Verne President Devorah A. Lieberman signed the Partnership for Access to College Education agreement, which guarantees qualified students a pathway to the private university. This assistance includes financial aid of at least $10,000 per year, application fee waivers and programs to assist with the application process and college readiness.