Thank you for your interest in Building College Success Access (formerly Black College Success) Cohort 5 Application!
BCS Access is a yearlong college and career support program for high school seniors at our partner schools. Students in the program receive weekly, personalized guidance from a dedicated advisor to help them navigate college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and post-high school planning.
We currently support students at the following priority partner schools students who are eligible for this program are:
- Participated in the BCS STEAM Program
- Or attend one of our partner 13 schools:
Centennial, Crenshaw, Inglewood, LACES, Hamilton, Manual Arts, New Designs Charter, Westbrook, Westchester, View Park - If neither of these apply to you there is limited space available and we still encourage you to apply.
Throughout the year, BCS hosts fun and engaging events where students can learn new skills, connect with their peers across different schools, and celebrate their cultural identity in community. From workshops to college fairs to culturally-rooted events — we create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We encourage applications from students who:
- Must be in the 12th grade at one of our partner schools
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.25 (we also consider students below 2.0 with counselor recommendations)
- Plan to apply to a 4 year college
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Are committed to showing up, asking questions, and taking steps toward their future
If you're ready to receive real support, show up for your goals, and be part of a community that sees your potential — we encourage you to apply!
Please note: Applicants that complete & submit the application by the September 3, 2025 deadline are the only applications we will consider for review.
Questions/technical issues: Contact Gerrels@lapromisefund.org.
**NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED TO AVOID USING INTERNET EXPLORER WHEN ACCESSING SUBMITTABLE.**
StudentsBuild Project Year 11 is now open for the 25-26 school year. Apply to be one of 50 teams!
New StudentsBuild Team Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling-basis through September, 18, 2026.
What is Needed to Apply as a New StudentsBuild Team?
- To be a StudentsBuild team you need at least 6 interested students (the team). StudentsBuild is open to all middle and high school students, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, color, or other protected statuses. All are encouraged to apply and participate.
- A coordinator (or two) will support the team in planning and implementing their community-based project.
Each team selected will implement a community-based project centered around:
- Civic Engagement
- Health & Wellness
- STEM / Digital Skills
- Entrepreneurship
What do selected teams receive?
- Each selected team will receive a $1,000 grant to design and implement a solution addressing an important challenge you have identified in your school or community.
- Site Coordinators will receive a $1,200 grant. Teams can have more than one coordinator and split the $1,200 grant.
- As a key component of the project, teams will (1) build a website, (2) create a social media account, and (3) complete an impact report to build a digital footprint of your project
- We will supply training, tutorials, and resources to make this happen, no prior experience is necessary!
Previously a Team?
StudentsBuild, formerly known as GirlsBuild, will accept returning and pre-existing teams. Please complete the returning application and reach out with any questions. We are happy to have your team rejoin us! Continue filling out this Submittable. Please note that pre-existing teams will still need to complete applications and are still vetted through a rigorous process.
Note:
In order to participate in StudentsBuild, your team will need access to technology (laptops or desktop computers). To complete the project teams will be required to create a website, use social media, and complete an impact report of your project.
For any questions, please contact studentsbuild@lapromisefund.org.