Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/01/2015 -- This Sunday, May 31st, thirteen high school seniors from low-income families will be celebrating their graduation from the rigorous Minds Matter of Los Angeles program, culminating in the achievement of their goal of attending college.

"Our students have worked incredibly hard to make their dream of college a reality," said Tina Admans, president and chairperson at Minds Matter of Los Angeles." Most of our students are the first in their family to attend college. They have less knowledge about how to search for appropriate universities, as well as how to apply for college and secure necessary financial aid."

Minds Matter of Los Angeles closes this gap through a rigorous program of academic tutoring and mentoring, including preparation for standardized tests. Dedicated mentors guide the students and their families through the college admissions and financial aid processes.

As part of the Minds Matter program, students attend academically challenging summer programs at leading colleges and universities, giving them the opportunity to experience what it is like to live on a college campus and take university level courses.

Among this year's graduating class of thirteen students are two Gates Millennium Scholars. Founded by philanthropist Bill Gates, the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholars Program awards scholarships to outstanding students from low-income families. Gates Millennium Scholarships are intended to fully fund educational expenses all the way though graduate school.

"The Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides exceptional opportunities for educating the next generation of leaders," said Tina Admans. "Minds Matter of Los Angeles has graduated four Gates Millennium Scholars over the past two years. Our focused program of academic tutoring, mentoring and leadership development aligns with the qualities the Gates program seeks in applicants. Ultimately, the success is because of our students' hard work and dedication."

The Minds Matter of Los Angeles graduation ceremony will be held this, Sunday, May 31st 2015 at 2pm in the Taper Hall of Humanities, Room 101 on the University of Southern California Campus. Press are welcome to attend.

About Minds Matter of Los Angeles (http://www.mindsmatterla.org)
The mission of Minds Matter of Los Angeles is to transform the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success.

Minds Matter of Los Angeles is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization that provides a rigorous academic program for academically-achieving high school students from low-income families typically annually earning less than $25,000.

Students enroll as sophomores, and for three years, spend every Saturday throughout the school year developing skills and enhancing academic performance to prepare for college success and beyond.

The Minds Matter program includes:
- Tutoring in math, writing, and critical thinking
- Standardized test preparation
- Dedicated mentoring
- Formal leadership development
- Financial literacy skills
- Life skills workshops and outside speakers
- Participation in leading academic summer programs around the country and world
- Guidance through college admissions and financial aid processes

Press Contact
Bill Admans, 818-517-8755
bill@mindsmatterla.org

Minds Matter of Los Angeles
19360 Rinaldi Street #705,
Porter Ranch CA 91326