Support SEMHS College-Bound Students

South El Monte, CA is home to a minority-majority community of hard-working people. As a former South El Monte High School alumna, I understand the challenge of simply focusing on your education. Our community has been historically under-resourced despite the brilliant perseverance of the youth that make up this community. During my senior year, the majority of our top 10 high school graduating class elected to attend community colleges despite having GPAs over 3.75, and most over 4.0s. Most often students from South El Monte and El Monte simply do not have the resources to attend, let alone apply for, the next level of education when the financial resources at home are strained. During the COVID-19 pandemic, those resources can be further strained for this community in particular. 


Many academics and researchers have found correlations between your zip code and your future success. Over a quarter of the population sits below the poverty line, and roughly 85% fall under the California definition of poverty (200% the federal definition -- according to the American Community Survey). Ninety-seven percent of people are minorities. Forty-two percent of households have limited English at home. 

Being of humble income does not have to define whether you can succeed and thrive at the next level. With this fundraiser, we are hoping to sponsor as many students as possible with $300-$500 scholarships to take an SAT/ACT tests, and apply to 3-5 colleges at minimum. The average cost of a college test hovers $70, while one college application ranges $70-$90, depending on the university. 

Whether you have $5, $20, or $70 -- any amount will support an SEMHS' student's pursuit for a higher education.