Our Story
In 1987, the Riordan Programs was founded by Richard Riordan, former mayor of Los Angeles, and William Ouchi, UCLA Distinguished Professor and New York Times best-selling author, as a career-based outreach program for high school students in the greater Los Angeles area.
Through our pipeline programs, Riordan Scholars, and now College to Career and Riordan MBA Fellows we educate and expose high school, college and recent graduates from underserved communities to business and leadership experiences that have propelled them to achieve higher education.
With the help of our partnerships and sponsorships, more than 3,500 Riordan Scholars have graduated from the program, many moving on to study at the nation’s top colleges and universities. Alumni have secured positions across a diverse pool of industries and remain leaders in their community and around the world.
What We are Asking For
As a Riordan Programs supporter, you will be making an important contribution to some of the following initiatives:
- Funding college scholarships for high school seniors
- Supporting participant activities, such as the Riordan Scholars Program’s Stock Market Analyst Competition, and the Real Estate Competition
- Providing reliable transportation to UCLA Anderson
How Will My Contribution Support The Riordan Programs?
Two out of the three Riordan core programs are offered tuition free. Our students come from historically low-income communities and are often the first in their families to graduate from high school and go to college. By offering tuition-free college preparatory programs based at UCLA Anderson, The Riordan Programs are leveling the playing field for deserving, high-achieving youth who otherwise would not have access to this type of prestigious opportunity.
This crowdfunding campaign aims to make the Riordan Scholars Program tuition free for every student.
Each year, The Riordan Programs depend on donations to make our Scholars Sessions possible. With your generous donation, you will be helping The Riordan Programs cover expenses for print materials, food, student transportation, and other program-related needs.
Riordan has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and have the opportunity to learn about real-world skills and applications while networking at the same time. Riordan has allowed me to learn more about myself, and I really enjoyed my time there and the people I met.
– Jalen Coleman (RS ’23)
The Riordan Programs exceeded my expectations. I met individuals who helped me explore my interests in business and guest speakers who shared empowering stories, giving me encouragement topursue a career in the field.
Thanks to the program, I will pursue a major in business this fall!
– Carolina Gutierrez (RS ’23)
The Riordan Programs provided me with not only a place to learn, but also a family. The business knowledge and college preparation I received were invaluable, but all the friends I made along the way were just as significant, if not more. Because of that, the Riordan Programs will always hold a special place in my heart.
– Wendy Sar (RS ’23)
The community at the Riordan Scholars Program allowed me to connect with supportive like-minded individuals who are the first in their families to attend a four-year university. The Riordan Scholars Program has undoubtedly been the most influential experience of my high school career.
– Joshua Pastelin-Avelino (RS ’23)