October Onward Newsletter

Onward Newsletter

October 6, 2026

For us, "Onward” is more than a word. It’s a challenge: to be your best, to dream big, to attempt what feels difficult—and to do it with courage and hope.

- Cindy & John Smet

A Message from Nancy Portillo,

O2HS and OSP Executive Director

One of the greatest privileges of this work is watching our students grow. From middle school students building strong academic foundations through Onward 2 High School, to scholars exploring college pathways through the Onward Scholars Program, to alumni pursuing their dreams, each step matters.

In this issue, we celebrate students at different stages of that journey and the bright futures they are creating. We invite you to read on to see the impact of these opportunities. You will also find details on upcoming information sessions for our OSP 2027 cohort.

Onward!

Nancy Portillo

Scholar Highlight: Meet Ivy Burnham

OSP Partner School

St. Anthony High School

Class of 2027

8th Grade Graduate

The Pegasus School

Future Stanford Graduate

Class of 2031

How would you describe your high school experience as an Onward Scholar? How has Onward Scholars helped you grow?

Onward Scholars has helped me grow socially by pushing me outside of my comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. I’ve learned to be more proactive about introducing myself and starting conversations. At our large, multischool meetings, I regularly meet students from different schools. In the past, I would have been nervous in those situations, but being an Onward Scholar has given me so many opportunities to practice talking to new people that I’m now much more comfortable and confidant in doing so.

What do you value most about being Onward Scholar?

I really value the friendships I’ve made through the program, as well as the support of our OSP program director, Mr. Boulahoud. Going through high school with a close-knit group of people who are facing many of the same challenges has made the experience much smoother.

Is there a specific onward experience, trip, or opportunity that had a lasting impact on you?

One experience that has especially stood out to me was our sophomore college tour in Northern California. We visited seven universities, including Stanford where I will be attending in the fall, and got to experience what life as a college student might be like. We ate in dining halls, toured campuses, and learned about the different programs each school offered. Being surrounded by the energy and excitement of college life helped me picture myself as a college student and think more seriously about what my own future might look like. Getting to experience it alongside some of my closest friends made the trip even better and it’s an experience I’ll always remember.

"Onward Scholars has helped me grow socially by pushing me outside of my comfort zone..."

-Ivy Burnham, OSP Class of 2027, Stanford Class of 2031

What are you looking forward as a future OSP alumna headed off to Stanford?

As a future OSP alumna, I’m incredibly excited to be part of Stanford’s community and learn alongside some of the best students in the world. I’ve always been interested in engineering, math, and science, so I’m looking forward to learning from professors and students who are pushing the boundaries in STEM. Being able to continue playing softball at Stanford makes all of the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made over the years feel worthwhile. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to make the USA National Softball Team. I’ll be traveling to El Salvador in November to compete in the Pan American Games, which is an experience I’m extremely excited about.

Ivy Burnham's Parents Reflection

What initially drew your family to Onward Scholars?

We were attracted to the Onward Scholars Program because we wanted to give our daughter, Ivy, the opportunity to attend the best college for her. What stood out to us was that Onward provides a comprehensive approach including: mentorship, leadership opportunities, and academic support. We also loved the idea of Ivy being part of a cohort of motivated students who are interested in an academically-rigorous high school and college experience.

What do you value most about Onward Scholars?

What we value most are the people. Our amazing program director, Mr. Boulahoud, has become one of Ivy’s closest and most trusted mentors. He is the biggest advocate for all the scholars. Mr. Boulahoud is always there to help. He is Ivy’s point person for all things high school. As a parent, that is incredibly valuable! The other scholars are also a wonderful aspect of the program. Being surrounded by like-minded students who have similar goals of working hard and going to college is very comforting to us as parents. Participating in Onward Scholar activities right from the start helped Ivy transition to high school and the scholars in her class are going to be lifelong friends.

If another parent asked you, “Why should my child apply to Onward Scholars?” what would you say?

If another parent asked me why their child should apply, we would tell them: Apply. It could be life changing. Your child is going to make the best friends and have the best support to be successful in high school. Onward Scholars gives students the structure and all the tools to reach their full potential. Onward Scholars helped make Ivy’s dream of attending Stanford a reality. Every parent who can should apply.

OSP Alumni: Anahi and Pilar

Anahi Lamas

St. Mary's Academy, OSP Class of 2026

University of Southern California | Accounting

Anahi recently began her studies at the University of Southern California where she is pursuing a degree in Accounting. While exploring future career possibilities, she was encouraged to "dip her toes" into various careers from her OSP director, eventually realizing she wanted to deepen her understanding of business, finance, investments, and entrepreneurship. With the stipend provided to all OSP students, in addition to the 75% tuition support, Anahi participated in an entrepreneurship program, where she developed a business concept, created a pitch, and presented it to investors while receiving real-world feedback from industry professionals.

As a first-generation college student, Anahi credits OSP with preparing her "1000%" for life after high school. Through her cohort, mentors, college advising, and enrichment experiences, she gained the confidence to do hard things and trust herself through challenges. While USC can sometimes feel intimidating, Anahi says OSP taught her that growth comes from stepping outside her comfort zone. Today, she continues to apply those lessons by reminding herself that every challenge is an opportunity to "level up," use her resources, build meaningful connections, learn from all experiences, and be confident.

"The opportunities that seem intimidating often become the experiences that help you grow the most. Use the resources and support around you. OSP is more than a program; it's a community that wants to see you succeed."

- Anahi's Advice to Current Scholars

*Anahi is an 8th grade graduate of our O2HS partner school, Saint Joseph School

Pilar Rendon

St. Mary's Academy, OSP Class of 2026

University of Notre Dame | Civil Engineering

Pilar recently began her first year at the University of Notre Dame where she is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Before starting college, she completed an internship with Hensel Phelps, contributing to the LAX Terminal 5 renovation project and gaining real-world experience in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Pilar credits OSP with teaching her the value of building a strong community. Before starting at Notre Dame, she intentionally joined a pre-orientation program and arrived a week early to begin building her network. When a professor later asked students to raise their hands if they felt like they had imposter syndrome, every hand in the room went up. The moment reminded Pilar that self-doubt is something even the most accomplished students face. Pilar reflects, "Looking back, I am grateful I chose the path that scared me the most, knowing it would help me grow, build my own community, and embrace the full college experience."

"Do it even if you're scared. Don't let fear stop you from trying something new, showing up, or pursuing a dream. Just live."

- Pilar's Advice on Embracing Opportunities

*Pilar is an 8th grade graduate of our O2HS partner school, St. John Chrysostom

Don't Miss Out! Onward Scholars Information Nights

Who: Middle school students and families, especially those with current 8th graders

What: OSP Information Night to learn about program benefits, guidelines, and opportunities

OSP Information Night 1

October 21, 2026: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Variety Boys & Girls Club

2530 Cincinnati St, CA 90033

RSVP to Night 1

OSP Information Night 2

October 28, 2026: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Ken Nakoaka Community Center

1670 W. 162nd St. Gardena, CA 90247

RSVP to Night 2

Onward Scholars Program Timeline

January 20: Application Deadline
February: Semifinalist & Finalist Interviews (dates vary by site)
March 5: Decisions Emailed
March 12: Class of 2031: Program Commitment Deadline

Onward Scholars Program Application Links

Bishop Mora Salesian High School (All boys)

Cathedral High School (All boys)

Sacred Heart High School (All girls)

St. Mary's Academy (All girls)

St. Anthony High School (Co-ed)

St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy (Co-ed)

Onward Scholars:

Meet the Team Making an Impact

Scholarship. Mentorship.

College Access.

75%

Tuition scholarship

for every student

250+

Onward Scholars alumni

in 2026

288

Onward Scholars

in the 2026-2027

school year

OSP College Access Corner: SAT Prep Launch

Our SAT Prep program formally launched last school year across our six partner high school sites delivering strong results! 86% of participating scholars increased their SAT scores, achieving an average gain of 126 points between their baseline assessment and official SAT exam. The program includes “Test Smarts” skills: tools for critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, and navigating high-stakes exams that they will carry with them to college and beyond.

With SAT Prep successfully underway at St. Pius X–St. Matthias Academy through Mundo Academy this fall, we’re excited to continue rolling out the program to all OSP partner high schools this spring.