My name is Eric Musgrave, and my journey took a life-changing turn when I joined Cohort 13 (C13) of UCLA’s Vice Provost’s Initiative for Pre-College Scholars (VIPS). Before discovering VIPS, the college application process was a mystery to me. I was lost without the knowledge or guidance to navigate this path. VIPS not only opened the doors to understanding but transformed my life by providing mentorship from college students who had walked in my shoes. It gave me a community where I belonged and offered me the chance to earn college credits during high school.

The VIPS Program has been a critical part of UCLA’s Academic Advancement Program (AAP) for the past 20 years, profoundly impacting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its significance lies in the support network it creates, extending scholarship assistance, imparting vital knowledge, and expanding networking opportunities. VIPS has been a lifeline for many, redefining futures by equipping young minds with the tools to succeed.

Losing this program means denying countless students the opportunities I and many others had the privilege to experience. By saving VIPS, we ensure the continuation of a legacy that empowers and uplifts students, providing them with the means to fulfill their potential and change their trajectories.

I am calling on UCLA and all stakeholders to preserve this invaluable program. Without VIPS, the journey to college for many students will become vastly more difficult, if not impossible.

Please join me in urging UCLA to keep the VIPS Program alive and thriving for future scholars. Your signature can help sustain this beacon of hope and opportunity for Los Angeles'/ Pasadena youth.

Link to Donate to VIPS Scholars Program