Pathways to College, Careers, and Mobility

Youth economic advancement

Central LA East LA South LA San Gabriel Valley West LA San Fernando Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Young women of color from low-income Los Angeles communities face persistent barriers to financial stability and upward mobility. Decades of research show income inequality for this group has barely improved since the 1970s—and newer data suggests that this pervasive challenge has worsened in the last few years. The root causes include limited access to higher education, lack of exposure and access to high-growth careers, and minimal professional networks. Most first-generation students lack the resources and guidance to navigate college and career pathways, leading to lower degree attainment and fewer opportunities for economic advancement. Meanwhile, the LA economy increasingly demands workers with postsecondary credentials. By addressing these systemic barriers—starting in middle school with mentorship, college and career access programs, and social-emotional support—MOSTe empowers girls to envision and achieve a future of leadership, financial security, and community impact.

MOSTe empowers young women from underserved Los Angeles communities achieve economic mobility through an expertly designed comprehensive, multi-year program. Our program has been refined each year since 1986 to address the changing needs of our community. 75% of our staff and 11% of our board are program alumnae. 100% are first-generation college students. Lived experience directly informs our programs.
Beginning in 7th grade and continuing through college graduation, our Scholars receive layered support tailored to their development and aspirations. Core components include: hands-on workshops in leadership, financial literacy, career pathways, and college readiness; individualized mentorship from women professionals; career exploration through fairs, job shadowing, and our Career Cohorts; and college access support including application guidance, financial aid counseling, and campus visits.
We address both visible and hidden barriers to higher education and high-earning careers by combining academic support, exposure to diverse career paths, and the cultivation of soft skills such as resilience, leadership, and self-advocacy. Our Youth Ambassador Program and community service projects foster civic engagement and a sense of agency. Social-emotional development is woven throughout programs. By equipping our students with the tools, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive, MOSTe not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families and communities.

MOSTe supports more than 325 girls each year through our comprehensive program. In the long run, it results in greater college and career access, opening limitless possibilities for the young women we serve. Our graduates—primarily first-generation college students and women of color from low-income households—will achieve higher rates of college completion, access and secure well-paying jobs, and become leaders in their communities. The ripple effect of their success will strengthen families, uplift neighborhoods, and foster economic parity. A grant will help us to scale our model to reach more students and schools, providing more young women across LA with the tools, confidence, and networks to lead. Our vision is an LA where opportunity and leadership reflect the diversity and resilience of its people.