Partnership for Success 2023 Annual Report

PfS SUCCESS PARTNERSHIP FOR

Empowering Futures.

Strengthening Communities.

pfspasadena.org

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Partnership for Success

Dear PFS Community, As we reflect on the past year, it is with great pleasure that we present the 2023 PFS Annual Report. The achievements and highlights of our 33rd summer further reinforce the impactful and life-changing work being done by Partnership for Success.

We are thrilled to announce that, once again, 100% of our PFS graduates are attending college. Nearly 80% of them are first gen students, the first in their family to attend college. This remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of our holistic approach to education and college counseling, which ensures that every student is equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue higher education.

Academic excellence remains at the forefront of our mission. Our 2023 summer program focused on reinforcing core subject areas, ensuring that students are academically proficient and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in their future endeavors. Our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that fosters a love for discovery and creativity that extends beyond the classroom was evident in the engaging hands-on science, art, SEL, and enrichment courses offered across our PFS sites.

The highlights in our annual report represent just a glimpse of the impact Partnership for Success continues to have on the lives of deserving students across Pasadena. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support and generosity of our partners and donors, the dedicated efforts of our teachers and program interns, and the commitment of our PFS Scholars and their families. As we look ahead to year 34, we remain committed to expanding our reach and enhancing our programs to empower even more historically underserved students to achieve their full potential and acquire the necessary skills to be college and career ready.

With your support, we are confident that Partnership for Success will continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the success of our students! We could not do this without you!

With deep gratitude for your continued support,

Dr. Jessica Pérez del Toro Executive Director, Partnership for Success

PFS Annual Report 2023

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Lifelong Partnerships Leveraging the expertise, resources, and support of both

exploration. PFS students are introduced to the reality

public and private schools, Partnership for Success (PFS)

of college from a young age and receive targeted college

exemplifies the transformative impact of public-private

counseling in high school.

partnerships on the lives of deserving students. This initiative is dedicated to providing equitable educational

In the program, students benefit from creative, experi-

opportunities for low-income students in the Pasadena

enced teachers from both our public and private school

Unified School District (PUSD) through free, high-quali-

partners. Westridge School hosts girls for their first two

ty summer enrichment, year-round mentoring, commu-

summers, while boys of the same age attend Chandler

nity support, parent education, and college access. Since

School. All students attend Mayfield Junior School in

its inception in 1990, PFS has been steadfast in using

the summers before seventh and eighth grades, and

education and community support to prepare Pasade-

throughout high school, they spend their summers at

na’s next generation of engaged, productive citizens. It

Polytechnic School. PFS graduates remain in the pro-

complements PUSD efforts by prioritizing academic rig-

gram for a final ninth summer, serving as a bridge to col-

or and college attainment in an educational setting with

lege. During this period, they acquire valuable life skills

small class sizes and personalized support.

to facilitate a successful transition to higher education.

Annually, over 90% of students return to the program,

The PFS program spans nine consecutive summers,

and 100% of program graduates complete high school

beginning after a students’ fourth-grade year and con-

and advance to college. Notably, approximately 80% of

cluding after their senior year of high school. Selected

PFS graduates are first-generation college attendees.

by their school principals, around 400 Pasadena public

Many alumni give back to the program by working as

school students engage in a five-week program each

paid teaching interns, providing one-on-one support

summer, featuring a well-balanced curriculum cov-

and serving as role models for current PFS students.

ering math, science, technology, literature, and career

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Partnership for Success

PFS PARTNER SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Chandler School Mayfield Junior School Polytechnic School Westridge School

PUSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Altadena Arts Magnet CIS Academy Don Benito Fundamental School Field Elementary School Hamilton Elementary School Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet Academy Longfellow Elementary School Madison Elementary School Norma Coombs Elementary School San Rafael Elementary School Sierra Madre Elementary School Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School Webster Elementary School Willard Elementary School

PUSD K-8 SCHOOLS McKinley School

PUSD MIDDLE SCHOOLS Eliot Arts Magnet Academy Sierra Madre Middle School Octavia E. Butler Magnet

PUSD 6-12 SCHOOLS Blair School Marshall Fundamental Secondary School

PUSD HIGH SCHOOLS John Muir High School Early College Magnet Pasadena High School Rose City High School

PFS Annual Report 2023

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New PFS Advisory Board Members JOYCE YBARRA Driven by her commitment to racial and social justice, Joyce Ybarra has twenty-five years of experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. She is the Interim Vice President, Programs for the Weingart Foundation, where she oversees implementation of its grantmaking, learning and assessment programs, and staff. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2009, Joyce held roles at The California Endowment, Southern California Grantmakers, and the Los Angeles Immigrant Funders’ Collaborative. Joyce is an active volunteer and has served on multiple nonprofit Boards throughout her career. She is currently the Vice President of the Board at Sequoyah School and an advisory Board member of Partnership for Success, both in her hometown of Pasadena, CA where she lives with her husband and three daughters. Joyce earned her master’s degree in Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine.

DR. TARA GÓMEZ-HAMPTON Tara Gómez-Hampton, Ph.D., is a professional scientist who assesses safety for new product development. She currently serves as Associate Director of Medical Affairs at Biosense Webster, a Johnson and Johnson Company. Tara graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Highest Departmental Honors from the University of California, Los Angeles. At UCLA, she worked as a bench scientist and was a part of the research team that discovered the last unknown enzyme essential for the production of Vitamin C in plants. She continued her education as a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology, where she studied the cell’s “trash system” and earned her Ph.D. in Biology. Tara enjoys teaching science and has served as a college lecturer of Biology at the California State University East Bay and teaches various science seminars. Outside of her professional work, she has served on multiple non-profit boards including Kidspace Children’s Museum.

She is currently on the Caltech Alumni Association Board. In her free time, Tara is passionate about family, civic duty, photography, cooking, and scrapbooking.

When I think of our PFS family, I know that our students are overwhelmingly happy to be together, with us, in classes, on field trips, and doing activities. Whether it’s having a hot dog together, learning about how we can prevent another Holocaust by visiting a museum and taking it all in, or WHATEVER we may do together—PFS is alive.

— LAURA PENDORF, PFS TEACHER AND DONOR 6

Partnership for Success

PFS Financial Dashboard 2023 FOUNDATIONS: $240,000 (31.4%)

PROGRAM EXPENSES: $579,714 (76.7%)

INVESTMENT INCOME: $26,269 (3.4%)

TOTAL EXPENDITURE: $756,102

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION: $108,929 (14.4%)

FUNDRAISING AND FUND MANAGEMENT: $67,459 (9%)

TOTAL REVENUE: $765,383

HOST SCHOOLS: $145,280 (19%)

INDIVIDUALS & CORPORATIONS: $353,834 (46.2%)

DONOR SPOTLIGHT | LAURA PENDORF: NURTURING MINDS AND BUILDING FAMILY FOR 33 YEARS WITH PFS

Laura Pendorf has been a stalwart supporter and integral part of PFS, both as a teacher and a donor, since the program’s inception in 1990. She began her journey with PFS (formerly known as SEP) teaching Language Arts to 4th and 5th graders in a non-air-conditioned building, facing extreme Pasadena heat. Despite challenges, Ms. Pendorf cherished the small class sizes and dedicated students, setting the stage for a longstanding commitment to PFS. Over the years, Ms. Pendorf’s dedication evolved with the program. She witnessed its expansion to Poly’s north campus in 1992, the introduction of the middle school program in 1993, and the first high school class in 1996. By 2000, PFS had developed a full-fledged high school program. Ms. Pendorf’s long-standing contribution to PFS and her students has been through the design and constant updating of her signature Global Issues and Human Rights course, which she has taught for the last 23 years. As PFS celebrates its 34th summer, Ms. Pendorf’s commitment to the PFS family is stronger than ever. She acknowledges the program’s vital role in today’s educational landscape and remains excited about the program’s future, seeing a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Ms. Pendorf continues her impactful journey with PFS because she believes in the program’s enduring excellence. Her passion for education and commitment to building a supportive family environment within the PFS community remains unwavering.

PFS Annual Report 2023

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2023 Curriculum Highlights

CLAREMONT MCKENNA TRIP

HISTORY COMES TO LIFE AT CHANDLER

PFS COLLEGE COUNSELING

ANDY HULM

PFS Seniors had a transformative

Students at Chandler traveled

experience during their overnight

through time this summer to study

PFS seniors at Poly enhanced their

trip to Claremont McKenna Col-

the cultural and technological

communication skills in this course

lege (CMC). The excursion provided

achievements of ancient world

focused on speech, interviewing, and

insights into college life, inspiring

cultures and civilizations. They

defining and articulating personal,

seniors to set ambitious academic

learned how to think like historians

family, and community values. An

and personal goals as they prepare

and archaeologists and effectively

important course goal is to foster

for the next step in their educational

demonstrated the key concepts and

self-resilience for the transition to

journeys. Students had the unique

skills involved in social studies, such

college. For their culminating proj-

experience of taking on the role of

as critical thinking, communication,

ect, students wrote and presented

admissions officers and participate

problem-solving, and map skills.

a “This I Believe” speech, addressing

in case studies alongside CMC offi-

Students engaged in a variety of

diverse topics, from personal strug-

cers and our PFS college counselor.

hands-on activities such as handling

gles to values and social justice. This

This allowed them to take a deep look

and analyzing artifacts, designing a

endeavor encourages self-reflection

at how college applications are re-

Maya-style codex, and constructing

and prepares students for college

viewed and selected. In the evening,

a mini Viking longship. The overall

personal statements. It is especially

seniors bonded and reflected on

learning objective was to make his-

significant for students with limited

their PFS journey and what they look

tory come alive!

public speaking opportunities in

forward to in the coming years.

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Partnership for Success

THIS I BELIEVE: THE POWER OF YOUR VOICE AT POLY BONNIE MARTÍNEZ

large public schools.

HANDS-ON SCIENCE AT WESTRIDGE

ROLLER COASTER FUN AT MAYFIELD JUNIOR

EXPLORING PASADENA’S HISTORY AT POLY

TAMYKE EDWARDS

LEEANN RAMÍREZ

DR. ROBERT FARRAR

Fifth and sixth grade girls at We-

Eighth grade PFS Scholars explored

Tenth graders delved into the history

stridge worked as scientists in their

the world of physics by studying how

of Pasadena in the course: “What do

Step into STEAM course, which uses

energy plays an important role in

you know about Pasadena?” The ex-

the Engineering Design Process

the design of a roller coaster. Using

perience provided essential historical

to engage students with Science,

the engineering design process, they

insights and perspectives, enabling

Technology, Engineering, Art, and

explored concepts such as kinetic

students to develop a deeper under-

Math. Each week focused on a theme,

and potential energy, speed, accel-

standing of their community and

integrating hands-on experiences,

eration, distance and displacement,

its contemporary issues. Beginning

highlighting accomplished wom-

to design and build physical models

with an exploration of the Indigenous

en in STEAM, and incorporating

of a safe roller coaster within the

tribes that first inhabited the region,

social-emotional learning. Topics

constraints of budget and design. To

the course included historical infor-

ranged from deep sea animals to

achieve an optimal design, students

mation concerning significant insti-

climate change and utilized a work-

first developed a model to generate

tutions in Pasadena and discussions

shop model, providing mini-lessons

data for iterative testing and modi-

about the demographic shifts influ-

followed by collaborative exploration.

fication. Roller coaster models were

enced by the construction of the 210

The curriculum integrated resources

unveiled during Mayfield Junior’s

and 710 freeways. Students developed

like BrainPop, StemScopes, Mosa

Family Night.

a well-rounded understanding of

Mack, and Mystery Science to en-

Pasadena’s history, culture, and

hance the learning experience.

diverse institutions.

PFS Annual Report 2023

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Alumni Day at Poly

After a three-year pause, Poly hosted an inspiring alumni event, bringing together 42 graduates and current PFS Scholars. The event showcased the lasting impact of our program as alumni shared their success stories, inspiring our current cohort. Students heard from Elizabeth Barrios, PFS alumna and Pasadena City Council District Liaison, who emphasized the importance of relationships in building a better community. Throughout the day, students met alumni who are at different stages in their careers. Alumni reflected on their experiences and gave advice about high school, college, and beyond. At the end of the day, alumni, students, and staff connected and networked over lunch. This special day allowed for genuine community interaction.

PFS Student Stories CHRISTINE MANOUKIAN, PFS CLASS OF 2023, CURRENT STUDENT AT UC SAN DIEGO

I remember my first day of Partnership for Success. I didn’t know anyone and I spent most of the day alone. I enjoyed the classes and the teachers, but I couldn’t see myself waking up every morning to come to this program. That instantly changed after I made my first friend.

We were in the same class and talked every day. I realized the program could be enjoyable after all. Aside from the irreplaceable friendships and relationships I’ve created because of the program, PFS has also given me the knowledge to prepare me for life beyond academics.

Choosing robotics as my first elective was my first real interaction with computers, and it instantly paved the way for my love of computer science and engineering. The computer course at PFS furthered my love for technology and introduced me to a new idea - programming. Even though the program’s hours were shortened in the last five summers, the lessons I was taught exceeded my expectations. I was also taught to instill confidence in myself and live life with a positive mindset. The college counseling class greatly benefited me as a first-generation college student. I didn’t recognize the vitality of this program until I became an alumna.

Through Partnership for Success, I was able to discover that there is so much more to learn than the general courses that I was taking during the regular academic year. During my time in the program, I felt seen, heard, and valued, which were all feelings I didn’t normally feel at school.

— ARLETH ÁNGELES, PFS CLASS OF 2023 10

Partnership for Success

ARLETH ÁNGELES, PFS CLASS OF 2023, CURRENT STUDENT AT UC BERKELEY

My experience with Partnership for Success was phenomenal and unforgettable. I remember feeling the seeds of passion for my education being planted during one of my summers at Westridge. Through Partnership for Success, I was able to discover that there is so much more to learn than the general courses that I was taking during the regular academic year. During my time in the program, I felt seen, heard, and valued, which were all feelings I didn’t normally feel at school. PFS also gave me the motivation to think about college and my future career goals through workshops, events, and even classes focused on the college application process. Through these workshops and resources, I was able to turn in strong college applications. I will forever be thankful to the program for that. PFS is amazing because it encourages young children with similar backgrounds as mine, such as being first-generation low-income students, to pursue higher education. Therefore, PFS is more vital now as it celebrates its 34th year because it encourages more students to attend college. Now as an adult and an alum of the program, I’m glad to have this experience to look back upon and I am thankful for the impact it has had on my academic journey. The most important value PFS has taught me is to never stop learning because knowledge can take you very far.

BRYANT PRANBOONPLUK, PFS STUDENT, CLASS OF 2024 When I first entered PFS as a fourth grader, it was by far one of the most eye opening experiences that had been offered to me as someone who was still in elementary school. Ever since then, I constantly count the days to summer when I can return to PFS. The plethora of knowledge and interests I have been able to explore at PFS transcends the “standard-curriculum”. Classes such as Chinese language and Culture or African American History were classes that I didn’t have access to at my respective high school. As a Senior, the support and information I have received through PFS has been invaluable. Classes going over the college application process and how to nail an interview have been instrumental through my college application process. I can’t be anymore grateful for PFS and the unforgettable summers. I’ve learned so many things about myself and the relationships I’ve built through PFS are some of the friendships I know I will cherish for the rest of my life.

PFS Annual Report 2023

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PFS Community Engagement & Support

2023 STATISTICS PFS COLLEGE COUNSELING The PFS College Counseling Program is

journey. Throughout the academic year, PFS

a comprehensive initiative tailored for

seniors are invited to attend free workshops

students in grades 9-13, offering targeted

on college applications, financial aid, and

support and outreach to ensure each PFS

essay writing. These events are facilitated

Scholar receives personalized assistance

by our College Counseling 12 instructor and

throughout the college process. In spring,

the PFS College Counselor, who have already

a parent workshop is conducted through

built connections with our students. Both

PFS Puentes, our parent education program,

faculty members are available for one-on-

providing families with insights on navi-

one appointments to guide PFS seniors

gating the college process and effectively

through the application process and provide

supporting their child. Prior to senior year,

additional essay writing support.

all PFS Scholars take College Counseling 12, a course designed to introduce them to

Thanks to our robust college counseling

diverse schools, explore career options, and

program, 100% of PFS graduates move on to

offer thorough guidance on financial aid

college. Even after completing our program,

opportunities.

PFS remains committed to supporting its

Attending college

39% Attending a 4-year college

graduates by encouraging participation in

61%

Approximately 80% of PFS students will be

the PFS Alumni Network and hosting alumni

Attending a

the first in their family to attend college. By

events and check-ins. We believe that such

2-year college

imparting the knowledge and skills nec-

ongoing student support is essential for

essary for informed decision-making, PFS

college success and degree attainment. PFS

aims to empower students as they suc-

graduates are invited to give back to PFS and

cessfully embark on their post-secondary

support the program full circle by returning to work for the program as paid interns.

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100%

Partnership for Success

PFS FEBRUARY FAMILY GATHERING In February, PFS celebrated a vibrant welcome reception for both new and returning families. The event brought together PFS teachers, alumni, site directors, and mentors and featured impactful speeches from PFS founder Carmie Rodríguez and PFS Board Chair and Poly Head of School, John Bracker. The event served as a platform to showcase the remarkable achievements of PFS alumni Dr. Tina Mims Evans, Michelle Guerra, and Vincent Ton. This celebratory gathering united families and reignited our collective appreciation for the transformative power of education and community.

PFS MENTOR PROGRAM The PFS Mentor Program is experiencing significant growth, extending its reach to now encompass stu-

CLASS OF 2023 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Barstow Community College* Cal Poly Humboldt Cal Poly Pomona Cal Poly San Luis Obispo* Colorado State University Pueblo Columbia College Hollywood Cal State Bakersfield Cal State Dominguez Hills Cal State Fullerton* Cal State Los Angeles* Cal State Long Beach Cal State Northridge Cal State Sacramento Citrus College* Culver-Stockton College Cal State East Bay Goucher College* Harvey Mudd College Hobart & William Smith Colleges Marquette University* Michigan State University Pasadena City College*

Saint Mary’s College of California San Diego State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University Smith College UC Berkeley* UC Davis UC Irvine UC Merced UC San Diego* UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Cruz University of La Verne University of Puget Sound University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Washington Willamette University Woodbury University

dents in grades 5 through 9. Year-round, high school students from PUSD, St. Francis, Poly, and Westridge

*Schools 2023 PFS graduates are attending

connect virtually with PFS students, offering valuable academic and social emotional support and fostering meaningful connections. In-person meetings occur during program-wide gatherings, and mentors are actively encouraged to volunteer at different PFS sites throughout the intensive 5-week summer program, enhancing the depth and impact of the mentorship experience.

PFS PUENTES PROGRAM In 2023, PFS broadened its parent education initiative, PFS Puentes, by introducing year-round workshops

PFS alumni speaker Dr. Tina Mims Evans addresses the PFS community.

aimed at fostering community among parents and equipping them with tools to enhance their child’s educational journey. During early winter, PFS organized the “Building Bridges” workshop in collaboration with Calibrate, focusing on constructing bridges to help caregivers develop practical strategies for more meaningful and effective connections with their children. In the spring, PFS College Counselor Cris Monroy guided parents during the “Navigating Your Way to College” workshop, providing insights to help families navigate the often complex college admission process PFS parents participate in a Connections Circle during a PFS Puentes workshop.

PFS Annual Report 2023

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PFS Funders and Partners 2022-2023 The Ahmanson Foundation

Tiffany and Marc Harris

LeeAnn Ramírez

Michael Albrecht

Mateo Reyes

Nicole Anderson

The H. Leslie and Elaine S. Hoffman Foundation

Julianne and Alfonso Reynoso

Anonymous

Amy Johnson

Meredith Robbins

The H.N. & Francis C. Berger Foundation

Andrea Kassar and Tim McKenna

Carmie & Rod Rodríguez

Kate and Kevin Kohorst

The Rose Hills Foundation

Flora Birdzell

Lori & Ted Samuels

Emily Brown

Wendy Munger and Leonard Gumport

Calibrate

Zoha and Nadeem Khan

The Capital Group Charitable Foundation

Bryon Lanagan

Margaret and Emanuel Scrofani Stephen Shar

Steven Li

The Edmund & Mary Shea Family Foundation

Chandler School

Los Angeles Dodger Foundation

Alan Siu

Claremont McKenna College

Judy and Steve MacDonald

Stephanie and Kaoruhiko Suzuki

Megan Collins

Michaela Mares-Tamayo

Pam and John Stephens

Timothy Cook

Elizabeth & Ian McGregor

Trevessa & James Terrile

Rachel Countryman and John Bracker

Mayfield Junior School

Rob Tolleson

José Melgoza

Martha Doerr Toppin

Anahit Turgman

Margaret and David Mgrublian

Linda Duong

The Helen & Will Webster Foundation

Morely Paredes

Dr. Robert Farrar

Katie and Alex Wei

Pasadena City College

Michelle Feynman

Weingart Foundation

The Fitzberg Foundation

The Pasadena Community Foundation

Dindy Weinstein

Jill and Richard Fung

Pasadena Unified School District

Beth Gertmenian

Laura and Nicholas Pendorf

Marcie Gilbert and Joe Sciuto

The Ann Peppers Foundation

Beverly Goldin

Jessica Pérez del Toro

José Gómez

Edward Pickett

Judith González

Polytechnic School

Suzanne Greenberg

Carol and Glenn Pomerantz

Daisy Ha and Sam Kim

Stuart Posin

Tara and Tyrone Hampton

Andre Prosperi

TOTAL 2023 COST PER STUDENT PER DAY:

$90

Westridge School Westridge Parent Association Teri Wilde Frances White Richard White Sarah and Matt Wilson Joyce and Joe Ybarra Debbie Yoon

TOTAL 2023 COST PER STUDENT:

$2,027

TOTAL PROGRAM COST FOR ALL 9 SUMMERS FOR EACH 2023 GRADUATE

$12,619

PfS MISSION Partnership for Success (PFS) helps selected Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students realize their full academic and personal potential in a setting that fosters community, collaboration, and confidence.

Students who are selected: • Have limited financial resources • Are on-track with their current grade level • Demonstrate strong academic potential and leadership • Demonstrate interest in their own personal development Participants commit to: • Hard work • Consistent attendance • Personal growth • Giving back

FOUNDED ON COLLABORATION Partnership for Success is a collaboration between private and public schools in Pasadena that provides a fully funded summer enrichment and college access program designed to help students realize their academic goals and learn the skills needed for a brighter future. Founded in 1990, the program brings together experienced teachers, dedicated support staff and alumni, and promising young students for a transformative educational experience with proven longterm results.

INVEST IN PASADENA YOUTH We believe that lack of access to equitable educational opportunity should never be a barrier to a child’s dreams. No matter the size, your gift will help open the door to a brighter future and transform the lives of deserving Pasadena youth.

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