AZUSA, CA – Azusa Unified School District students have a new path to guaranteed college admittance thanks to a partnership with the University of La Verne. The Azusa Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at its Jan. 31 meeting that guarantees admission into the private university for all qualifying District students.

Through ULV’s Partnership for Access to College Education (PACE) program, students who meet specific requirements will have access to college preparatory courses, guaranteed financial aid of at least $10,000 per year, application fee waivers, and a range of programs to assist with college readiness and the application process.

“The extra support afforded through this partnership will open doors for our students as they plan for their collegiate futures,” Azusa Superintendent Dr. Linda Kaminski said. “We are excited for this partnership with the University of La Verne and the impact it will have on our students.”

As a Hispanic Serving Institution, the University of La Verne caters to first-generation college students and attracts approximately 75 percent of first-time freshmen from within 50 miles of its campus. Azusa Unified is just 9 miles away.

Effective Feb. 1, the partnership requires Azusa Unified to provide all incoming ninth grade students, beginning with the 2017-18 school year, with a rigorous program of studies and support over their entire four years of high school. In addition, ULV will provide on-going admission and enrollment training for teachers, counselors and parents.

Through the partnership, District staff will also have an opportunity to enroll in ULV’s Ed.D. program with a $100 per unit scholarship.