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United for Student Success

Ensuring Orange County students graduate prepared for college, career, and life.

United for Student Success℠ is one of Orange County United Way’s key initiatives.

We’re empowering local students by offering educational programs that provide the support they need to stay on track in school, graduate high school on time, and ensure they are college and career-ready.

united for student success group photo

Student Programs

Are you an Orange County student looking to participate in exciting educational opportunities?

Support Student Success

Are you a community member looking to support student success programs in Orange County?

United Way in Action

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Unlocking Potential: Explore Learning Opportunities

Destination Graduation℠

Our Destination Graduation program aims to increase the high school graduation rate by helping both students and parents understand that higher education is attainable and accessible, regardless of background. Offerings include exciting college and career exploration, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, college field trips, application support, leadership skills, and more.

smiling students with laptop in classroom

YOUTH CAREER CONNECTIONS

Youth Career Connections is an integrated, work-based learning program that infuses classroom learning with real-world career experiences by connecting students directly to employers to help them graduate college-, career-, and life-ready. Youth Career Connections brings learning to life through virtual teacher learning panels, industry site visits, career speaker sessions, summer internships, financial literacy workshops, Summer Career and Life Prep Academy, an entrepreneurship bootcamp, and more.

E-Mentorship Program

This program helps high school seniors from low-income families and underserved OC communities to stay on track and graduate on time. Mentoring from leading professionals and a robust workshop series teach students essential life and career skills to position them for success during school and beyond. New laptops are also provided to bridge the digital divide.

look out world, here I come!

Student Success Stories

“As a first-generation student, this mentorship experience gave me confidence in my ability to be in professional spaces. I grew as a person, I felt empowered, and I know I can keep going and be successful.”

Alex

Youth Career Connections Program

Workplace Mentee

Thank You to Our Donors

Big THANK YOU to these donors who contributed $20,000+ to support United for Student Success programs.

Last updated March 7, 2025

Contact Us

For more information on how to get involved with our student success programs.

Yahaira Ortiz, Director, United for Student Success

949.263.6142

Yahairao@UnitedWayOC.org

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