MONTEBELLO – Panda Cares donated nearly 300 lunches for an end-of-school-year celebration attended by College Bound Today juniors in the Montebello Unified School District, as well as their adult mentors and parents, on June 11.

The 200 students who attended the event are mentored by College Bound Today, a nonprofit organization that coaches students on how to pursue college.

Montebello Unified Board President Benjamin Cardenas thanked Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group, for investing its resources in local schools.

“Having partners like Panda Restaurant Group makes it possible to provide all students with a high-quality education,” Cardenas said. “It is very important that we recognize our students’ success and I appreciate Panda’s support for this celebration.”

College Bound Today was founded eight years ago in the Montebello Unified School District as a volunteer college access mentoring program that matches volunteer mentors who are college graduates from all over the Greater Los Angeles area with District high school students starting the 11th grade.

During each school year, 120 mentors work with students at their school sites on Saturday mornings on a monthly basis. Students visit area colleges, learn about financial aid, prepare for the SAT, become part of a college support group and learn how to prepare a strong college application.

Mentor Gia Pacheco nominated College Bound Today to receive these lunches through Panda Cares.

“College Bound Today helps the District in its mission to prepare all students for college and careers and it’s wonderful to have our local businesses supporting our mission,” MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said.

College Bound Today is currently recruiting 60 volunteer mentors. Please contact Stefania Nieto at nieto_stefania@montebello.k12.ca.us or call 323-887-7900 ext. 2435 for more information or to join.


PHOTO CAPTION

PANDACARES: Panda Cares donated nearly 300 lunches for an end-of-school-year celebration attended by 200 College Bound Today juniors in the Montebello Unified School District, as well as their adult mentors and parents, on June 11.