Partnership for Success
Mayfield Junior School, 405 S Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
About
Partnership for Success offers five weeks of intensive academic enrichment each summer, with more than 40 courses in math, science, technology, humanities, and the arts. The program includes exposure to art, culture, and athletics that complements classroom learning, along with service, civic learning, and collaborative projects through community engagement. Students participate for nine consecutive summers, continuing through high school and culminating in a supported transition to college.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Five weeks of intensive academic enrichment each summer
• Price: Fully funded summer enrichment experience; fully funded summer academic enrichment program
Founded in 1990, Partnership for Success serves over 400 students in a community-based program supporting the growth and success of students in Pasadena. Principals from Pasadena’s public elementary schools identify 4th grade students who demonstrate strong academic curiosity and personal potential, and students officially join Partnership for Success the summer before 5th grade. Students spend nine consecutive summers in the program, and nearly 80% of Scholars are the first in their families to attend college, with 100% of graduates accepted to college.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Pasadena Unified School District and four Pasadena independent schools—Chandler, Mayfield Junior, Polytechnic, and Westridge—and brings together dedicated educators, engaged alumni, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds. Students learn from creative, experienced teachers from both the public and private school partners, are taught by dedicated instructors, and are supported by college-age interns, many of whom are program alumni. Alumni and students from the independent school partners are eligible to work as paid teaching interns, and small class sizes are typical, with some sites averaging 16 students per classroom and others generally limited to 15 learners.
Single-sex education is offered for the first two summers, with girls at Westridge and boys at Chandler. A comprehensive college counseling program begins in 9th grade and continues through high school graduation. The program focuses on equity and access, excellence and growth, community and collaboration, joyful learning, and leadership and empowerment.
The mission of Partnership for Success is to empower Pasadena Unified School District students to realize their full academic and personal potential through a transformative, fully funded summer enrichment experience, fostering confidence, creativity, leadership, and college and career readiness by connecting students with dynamic teaching, hands-on learning, and a supportive, inclusive community.
One student from the PFS Class of 2024, now at UC Irvine, describes growing up in an immigrant family and credits nine summers in the program with helping them progress academically and personally and learn how to navigate college applications, resumes, and financial aid. Another PFS Class of 2024 graduate, now at Cal Poly Pomona, shares that summers in the program included classes that were both captivating and practical and support from teachers and mentors as a first-generation college student. A third graduate from the Class of 2024, now at Yale, describes the program as a highlight of their high school years and credits one-on-one support during the essay and college application process, as well as friendships and community built through deep conversations and Friday BBQs.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Five weeks of intensive academic enrichment each summer
• Price: Fully funded summer enrichment experience; fully funded summer academic enrichment program
Founded in 1990, Partnership for Success serves over 400 students in a community-based program supporting the growth and success of students in Pasadena. Principals from Pasadena’s public elementary schools identify 4th grade students who demonstrate strong academic curiosity and personal potential, and students officially join Partnership for Success the summer before 5th grade. Students spend nine consecutive summers in the program, and nearly 80% of Scholars are the first in their families to attend college, with 100% of graduates accepted to college.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Pasadena Unified School District and four Pasadena independent schools—Chandler, Mayfield Junior, Polytechnic, and Westridge—and brings together dedicated educators, engaged alumni, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds. Students learn from creative, experienced teachers from both the public and private school partners, are taught by dedicated instructors, and are supported by college-age interns, many of whom are program alumni. Alumni and students from the independent school partners are eligible to work as paid teaching interns, and small class sizes are typical, with some sites averaging 16 students per classroom and others generally limited to 15 learners.
Single-sex education is offered for the first two summers, with girls at Westridge and boys at Chandler. A comprehensive college counseling program begins in 9th grade and continues through high school graduation. The program focuses on equity and access, excellence and growth, community and collaboration, joyful learning, and leadership and empowerment.
The mission of Partnership for Success is to empower Pasadena Unified School District students to realize their full academic and personal potential through a transformative, fully funded summer enrichment experience, fostering confidence, creativity, leadership, and college and career readiness by connecting students with dynamic teaching, hands-on learning, and a supportive, inclusive community.
One student from the PFS Class of 2024, now at UC Irvine, describes growing up in an immigrant family and credits nine summers in the program with helping them progress academically and personally and learn how to navigate college applications, resumes, and financial aid. Another PFS Class of 2024 graduate, now at Cal Poly Pomona, shares that summers in the program included classes that were both captivating and practical and support from teachers and mentors as a first-generation college student. A third graduate from the Class of 2024, now at Yale, describes the program as a highlight of their high school years and credits one-on-one support during the essay and college application process, as well as friendships and community built through deep conversations and Friday BBQs.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
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