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SoLa I CAN Foundation 501(c)(3) es la afiliada sin fines de lucro de SoLa Impact. Más información en solaimpact.com
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the Student Success Academy (SSA)?
SSA is a long-term support program for students that combines academic guidance, career exposure, financial education, wellness, and mentorship. The goal is to help scholars succeed in school, explore future careers, and build skills that last into adulthood.
Who is eligible to participate in SSA?
SSA serves underserved youth and young adults in underinvested communities in Los Angeles. Students are selected based on interest, commitment, and alignment with the program’s goals. Youth and young adults beginning in 3rd grade through age 21 are eligible to apply.
What does “career exposure” actually mean?
Career exposure means students get to see what real jobs look like. Scholars may visit workplaces, talk to professionals, participate in job shadowing, attend career workshops, and, for older students, earn guaranteed internships with SoLa or partner organizations.
Are internships really guaranteed?
Yes. Eligible scholars will have access to guaranteed internship opportunities with SoLa or approved partners, based on age, readiness, and participation requirements.
How does job shadowing work?
Job shadowing allows students to spend time observing professionals at work. This helps them learn about different careers, ask questions, and understand what skills are needed for various jobs.
Are siblings automatically enrolled into SSA?
Each scholar will be considered as an individual applicant. Having siblings who do or don’t apply will not affect a scholar’s eligibility or acceptance.
What kind of technology do students receive?
SSA provides access to educational technology such as iPads or laptops to support schoolwork. Technology access is tied to participation, responsibility, and program guidelines.
Do students keep the devices?
Technology may be provided for program and school use. Long-term ownership depends on participation, care of the device, and program requirements, which will be clearly explained to families.
What are SSA rewards?
Rewards include technology devices, SoLa merchandise, experiential field trips, and special prizes for strong participation, academic performance, and personal growth.
What kind of academic support is offered?
SSA provides help with school planning, homework support, test preparation, and college readiness. Older students receive college-bound advising and step-by-step support with applications and decisions.
Does SSA help with college applications?
Yes. SSA supports students and families with college planning, test prep, application timelines, essays, and admissions decisions, so no one has to navigate the process alone.
What is the savings account students receive?
Each SSA Scholar receives an IDA savings account designed to teach money skills and help build long-term financial habits. Scholars will earn deposits through GPA and merit-based achievements, with additional matching funds deposited into their IDA savings account.
How do students earn money in their savings account?
Students can earn deposits through academic performance, GPA milestones, and merit-based achievements. Some funds are matched through an IDA-style savings model to help savings grow faster. SSA Scholars will be granted $100 at the time of their acceptance to kickstart their account.
What is IDA-style matched savings?
Matched savings means that when a student saves money or meets certain goals, The SoLa Foundation adds extra funds to help their savings grow. Students can also deposit their own savings into the accounts. This teaches discipline while rewarding effort, as students will not have access to withdraw funds from the IDA account until they graduate from the program.
What is the Young Homeowners Program?
The Young Homeowners Program is a savings and matching program with customized homeownership education that will set them on the path to purchase their first home by age 30. At age 18, SSA Changemakers will automatically be guaranteed spots and enrolled in this program, which includes budgeting, credit building, continued savings, and planning for homeownership. It helps scholars understand what it takes to build financial stability and prepare for future homeownership.
Is this program only about money and careers?
No. SSA also focuses on academics, wellness, confidence, leadership, and community connection. The program supports the whole student academically, emotionally, and socially.
What is social-emotional learning in SSA?
Social-emotional learning helps students understand their feelings, build confidence, manage stress, and work well with others. This includes wellness activities, mentorship, and community service.
How does SSA support mental health and wellness?
SSA includes wellness initiatives such as movement activities, group discussions, mentorship check-ins, and community-building experiences that support emotional health and belonging.
Will students participate in community service?
Yes. Scholars take part in community service projects that build leadership, teamwork, and pride in giving back to their community.
How often does SSA meet or run activities?
Program schedules vary by age group and activity. Families will receive clear schedules and expectations in advance.
What is expected of students in the program?
Students are expected to participate actively, show effort in school, treat others respectfully, and follow program guidelines. SSA is a partnership between students, families, and SoLa Foundation coaches and staff.
What is expected of parents or guardians?
Families are required to stay engaged, attend key meetings, support student participation, and communicate with SSA staff as needed.
How does SSA track student progress?
Progress is tracked through participation, academic milestones, goal-setting, and regular check-ins. Families may receive updates on student growth and achievements.
How does a SSA Scholar “level up?”
SSA Scholars who meet program requirements receive Certificates of Completion that are required for leveling up. Scholars who graduate from grade 5 to 6 level up from Creators to Innovators; scholars who graduate from grade 8 to 9 level up from Innovators to Disruptors; scholars who graduate from grade 12 and/or turn 18 level up from Disruptors to Changemakers.
Who do families contact with questions or concerns?
Please send all inquiries to info@thesolafoundation.org