Partnership for Success

Partnership for Success is a fully funded summer academic enrichment program that offers over 40 courses in math, science, technology, humanities, and the arts. The program includes five weeks of intensive academic enrichment each summer and serves over 400 students in small classes, with academic enrichment classes typically limited to about 15–16 learners.

• Ages: 9–18 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 is a community-based program that supports the growth and success of students in Pasadena through a collaborative effort between the Pasadena Unified School District and four Pasadena independent schools: Chandler, Mayfield Junior, Polytechnic, and Westridge. Students are selected in 4th grade and participate for nine consecutive summers, continuing through high school and culminating in a supported transition to college. During the first two summers, the program offers single-sex education at Westridge School for girls and Chandler School for boys, then students attend Mayfield Junior School in the summers before seventh and eighth grades, and spend their summers at Polytechnic School during and immediately after high school. The program focuses on academic enrichment, college readiness, career exploration, community engagement, and mentoring, and includes a college counseling program that begins in 9th grade and continues through high school graduation. Nearly 80% of Scholars are the first in their families to attend college, and 100% of Partnership for Success graduates are accepted to college. Alumni and students from the independent school partners can work as paid teaching interns. The program’s mission states that it empowers 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.

Former students describe long-term involvement with Partnership for Success, including nine summers of participation and support with college applications, resumes, and financial aid, as in the experience shared by Tram Hoang-Le, PFS Class of 2024 and current student at UC Irvine. Another graduate, Jamar Hicks, PFS Class of 2024 and current student at Cal Poly Pomona, reports feeling like a valued member of the community, meeting close friends, and taking classes that were both captivating and practical, along with receiving support as a first-generation college student. Bryant Pranboonpluk, PFS Class of 2024 and current student at Yale, credits tools, connections, resources, and one-on-one support from specific staff members during the essay and college application process, and highlights friendships, community, deep conversations, and Friday BBQs as important parts of his experience.

Last updated June 21, 2026.