Operation Progress: A Springboard to High School

By Bill Thomason, Assistant to the President for Special Projects

ONE OF THE PILLARS of the legacy of Loyola President Fr. Gregory M. Goethals, SJ ’73 is a passion to support and serve the families who reside in the underserved areas of Los Angeles and, especially, those boys and girls who attend under-resourced Catholic elementary schools. To accomplish this goal, several educational models were studied over a three-year period of research to identify the best course of action. Many schools throughout the country were visited and discussions with their respective administrators were conducted.

A Middle School Academy, a Nativity School and even the possibility of assuming governance of Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Hollywood prior to its closing were all considered. In addition, Loyola investigated a Bridge Academy, a co-ed, ninth-grade course of study on Loyola’s campus, but not associated with Loyola High School. Ultimately, this idea was dismissed since we realized that we needed to help these students earlier to make a considerable educational difference.

Enter our partnership with Operation Progress. A South LA nonprofit founded by former Loyola Board Chair Rick Caruso, it works with young boys and girls— “Scholars”—so they have the toolbox to transcend socioeconomic conditions, enabling them to successfully pursue educational and life-long goals. Operation Progress empowers underserved youth to become educated, ethical and productive adults so that they reach their full potential and positively contribute to society. After working with Executive Director Cristina Cuellar and Deputy Director K. Cato, Loyola sponsored the Operation Progress Bridge Program this past summer. Veteran Loyola teacher and administrator Dr. Rick Pedroarias ’84 was the director of the four-week session, selecting Catholic high school teachers who were also products of LMU’s PLACE* program to teach English, mathematics and study skills. Twenty-five middle school Scholars took part in the data-driven curriculum targeting the academics and enrichment they need to succeed. The program was a resounding success as evidenced by these students:

“I’m going to be the best I can now in and outside of the classroom because my new dream is to attend Loyola High School and become a Cub for life!”

—Operation Progress Bridge Program participant

“I never looked forward to summer school until this year. It was great to come to a school that really cared about me.” “The teachers were nice and legitimately were interested in ME, not just as a student but as a person. I’ve never had that feeling before.”

The goal was that their time at Loyola would serve as a springboard to high school. From the quotes above, they’re on their way.