College Success Program

The College Success Program (CSP) is part of the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF)’s ecosystem of support, connecting students and families from high school through college and into career success.

Designed for first-generation college students from East San José, CSP provides multi-year wraparound support, including guidance, financial aid, mentorship, and family engagement to help Scholars enroll, persist, and thrive in college.

CSP is more than a scholarship program—it’s the first step in a long-term journey through LEAF’s network of support that extends beyond college graduation. After the initial two years, students may join our CED program to receive an additional two years of personalized career guidance, mentorship, scholarships, and family support.

Apply To Be A LEAF Scholar

Application Timeline

Application Priority Deadline: February 1st

Applications will be reviewed early and will receive priority acceptance.

Final Application Deadline: March 15th

This is the final deadline for applications. After this date, applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to students attending community colleges or our partner universities.

Questions or need assistance applying? Please contact:

Emily Ramos | Email: emily@leafca.org

She/Her or They/Them pronouns | Director of Student Success

Who can apply

Current high school seniors in East San José
Identify as first-generation, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or low-income
Plan to enroll in community college, university, or trade/certificate program in the 2026–27 school year
Agree to participate in all College Success Program activities, including mentorship, workshops, and surveys each semester/quarter

Pathways Beyond College Support

Your journey continues through LEAF’s multi-year programs that expand your professional and family networks:

Career Exploration & Discovery

Build professional confidence with Career Mentors, skill-building workshops, and access to paid, career-relevant opportunities—plus receive support on your resume, practice interviewing, and expand your network.

Family Engagement & Advocacy

Bilingual workshops, tools, and leadership training help your family become informed partners and advocates in your continued success.

Together, these programs ensure that LEAF Scholars and families remain supported—from college enrollment to career readiness and community leadership.

Partnership with San Francisco Bay University (SFBU)

A 4-Year Degree Pathway for LEAF Scholars

Through a formal partnership between LEAF and San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), eligible CSP Scholars and LEAF Applicants can access guaranteed admission and exclusive scholarships at a local 4-year university.

Each year, up to 25 students with a 3.00–3.99 GPA are eligible for:

A 75% tuition scholarship,
A $1,000 SFBU scholarship, and
A $1,000 renewable LEAF scholarship for up to two years of full-time enrollment.

Eligible LEAF Scholars and Applicants may also apply for SFBU’s Startup Scholars program. This program not only provides students a full-ride, but additional academic support, and on campus housing.

This partnership offers a direct, affordable path for LEAF Scholars to earn their bachelor’s degree while staying connected to the LEAF community for continued academic, career, and family support.