Thousands of students across Los Angeles recently crossed graduation stages, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Fulfillment Fund is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and the remarkable futures they are building.
This year, 890 graduating seniors across our seven partner high schools and community partner, YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), earned their high school diplomas and are now preparing to take their next steps toward college, career training, and other postsecondary opportunities.
Their destinations are as diverse as their aspirations.
This fall, Fulfillment Fund students will continue their education at 41 colleges, universities, community colleges, and career pathway programs across the country, pursuing dreams in fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to education, business, technology, and the arts.
Behind every acceptance letter, scholarship award, and enrollment decision is a journey years in the making.
What It Took to Get Here
College and career success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes determination from students, support from families, and access to caring counselors and resources that help turn aspirations into achievable goals.
Throughout high school, Fulfillment Fund students received personalized support designed to help them navigate the path to graduation and beyond.
This year, students engaged in programming and support including:
- One-on-one college counseling tailored to individual student goals
- Financial aid guidance to help families navigate complex applications
- College readiness workshops and classroom-based support
- UC and Cal State application support, including individualized Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) review
- Scholarship application coaching and review
- FAFSA/CADAA completion support
- Leadership development opportunities through Fulfillment Fund’s Student Ambassador Program
And sometimes, support looked less like a workshop and more like a late-night text message before an application deadline, a Fulfillment Fund counselor helping a student revise one more essay, or a reassuring conversation when the process felt overwhelming.
Because applying to college isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about helping students believe college is for them.
By the Numbers
Class of 2026 Snapshot
- 890 graduating seniors
- 41 colleges, universities, and career pathway programs
- 2460 college applications submitted
- 98% FAFSA/CADAA completion rate
Our Impact
Our results continue to demonstrate what’s possible when students have access to the support they need:
- 92% of Fulfillment Fund high school graduates enroll in college, compared to 70% across LAUSD
- 84% of Fulfillment Fund college students graduate within six years, compared to 25% across LAUSD
- 96% persistence rate among students participating in our College Success program
- 86% of students are first-generation college students
Where the Class of 2026 Is Headed
This fall, Fulfillment Fund graduates will continue their education and training at 41 colleges, universities, community colleges, and career pathway programs across California and the United States. Their destinations reflect the many pathways students can take toward building successful futures.
University of California
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Merced
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
California State University
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- California State University, Channel Islands
- California State University, Dominguez Hills
- California State University, East Bay
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Long Beach
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Monterey Bay
- California State University, Northridge
Private, Independent & Out-of-State Universities
- Claremont McKenna College
- Grambling State University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Lehigh University
- Marian College – Los Angeles Campus
- Mount Saint Mary’s University
- Otis College of Art and Design
- Pomona College
- Wellesley College
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
Community Colleges & Career Technical Education
- Cypress College
- East Los Angeles College
- El Camino Community College District
- Glendale Community College
- Los Angeles City College
- Los Angeles Pierce College
- Los Angeles Trade–Technical College
- Pasadena City College
- Riverside City College
- Santa Monica College
- Universal Technical Institute of California Inc.
From local community colleges to nationally recognized universities, each destination represents a student’s hard work, determination, and commitment to building a brighter future, along with the dedicated college counselors who supported them every step of the way. While their paths may look different, every graduate is taking an important step toward achieving their goals.
More Stories to Come
Every acceptance letter, enrollment decision, and career pathway represented in this year’s graduating class tells a unique story.
Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing stories from members of the Class of 2026 whose experiences reflect the many paths students take after high school—from four-year universities and community colleges to career technical education programs and beyond.
Because we know there is no single path to success. What matters is that every student has the opportunity, support, and confidence to pursue their goals.
Stay tuned as we spotlight the students behind these remarkable achievements and celebrate the many futures they are building. nts behind these remarkable achievements and celebrate the many futures they are building.
The Journey Continues
Graduation marks an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey.
As students move into college and career pathways this fall, Fulfillment Fund continues to stand alongside them with advising, resources, peer-mentorship, and career readiness support designed to help them persist and thrive.
Because getting into college is just the beginning.
The transition from high school to college is one of the most critical moments in a student’s educational journey. From enrollment steps to financial aid requirements to preparing for campus life, students need continued support to stay on track.
Philanthropic contributions from our community ensure that our students receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need during this important time.
A one-time gift provides immediate support when students need it most, while a monthly gift of $25 or more helps sustain ongoing programming as students move from graduation to what’s next.
Together, we can empower more students to access college, complete their degrees career ready, and create thriving futures for themselves and their families.