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JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER
Keeping Our Promise
Happy New Year from the Promise Scholars Team!
We hope everyone had a restful and joyful holiday break. As we step into the new year, we’re excited to continue guiding our 12th graders through the final stretch of their college application journey. With many deadlines approaching, our team remains dedicated to providing support—whether it’s refining personal statements, making informed college decisions, or tackling last-minute application questions.
In addition, we’re here to assist students with their FAFSA and CADAA applications, ensuring they have the resources they need to secure financial aid for their future. The road to college is an exciting one, and we are proud to be there alongside our students every step of the way.
As we move into 2025, we extend our gratitude to the students, families, and educators who many this work so meaningful. Let’s embrace this month with focus and determination as we help our seniors move closer to their educational goals.
The Promise Scholars Team
Business Partner Spotlight
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our staff and volunteers for joining us for our 6th Grade Business Leader Presentations at Bon View, Central Language Academy, and Online Academy:
Jana Waitman – Ontario City Library
Imelda Aguirre – Reach Out
Vanessa Villanueva – First Financial Credit Union
Shavon Monterrosa and Krystal Duncan – Baldy View Regional Occupational Program
Daniel Ramos – Target
Kim Vura – West Coast Dental & Orthodontics
The Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation Board meeting was help at Bon View Elementary, giving the board members a chance to visit 6th grade classrooms and observe our Business Leader Presentations. We truly value the time and effort our presenters invest in our program and we can’t wait to see the impactful presentations and engaging sessions they have planned for the upcoming year. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for making a lasting impact on our students. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and inspiration!
Program Updates
First, we would like to thank the wonderful outreach team at Chaffey College and Mt. SAC for hosting field trips for our OMSD 5th Grade Scholars at Moreno AVID Academy Ramona Academy, Berlyn, Kingsley, and Mariposa Elementary. Also, we would like to give a big thank you to UC Riverside for coordinating 8th Grade OMSD Field Trips for Arroyo Elementary, Central Language Academy, and Online Academy. Next, we would like to thank Family and Community Engagement and CSUSB for hosting a special field trip for parents. This trip provided parents with insights on campus life, academic resource, and support services so that they can encourage their students on their path to higher education.
We also hosted Financial Aid Workshops and In-Class Financial Aid Supports for Ontario, Chaffey,Montclair, and Colony High School to support students with the FAFSA and California Dream Act Applications. We kicked off our 9th Grade True Colors Presentations for Montclair High School, showing students the importance of personality traits when determining college majors and careers.
In partnership with Vida Credit Union, we were proud to present the first ever $5,000.00 Trade School Scholarship to Angelo Valencia to provide financial assistance for tuition, supplies, and other educational expenses in trade school. We also awarded students Opportunity Scholarships for completing Step 4 at Montclair and Ontario High School. Congratulations to Angie Chan from Montclair High School, and Angel Melchor from Ontario High School!
We were honored to present a $1,000.00 check to Central Language Academy for the highest number of participants in the 2024 5K Reindeer Run.
Our team participated in the OMSD Family and Community Engagement Parent Leadership Summit, connecting with families to share information about the Promise Scholars program.
We also congratulated Veronica Silva on winning the 2025 Kia Soul through the Reindeer Run Opportunity Drawing. The proceeds from the drawing go directly to supporting our students on their journey to college and career success. Thank you to David Choi, owner of All Star Kia, for his generous donation of the Kia Soul.
Class of 2025 Opportunity Scholarship
Attention Class of 2025!
We’re excited to announce the Opportunity Scholarship for seniors at Chaffey, Ontario, Montclair, Valley View, and Colony High Schools is here!
This scholarship offers multiple chances to win $500 as they progress through their college admission journey. The scholarship is structured in 10 steps, each designed to support students along their path to higher education. Complete all 10 steps, and you’ll be in the running for the grand prize of $10,000! Just submit proof of completing each step to qualify.
We’re thrilled to see so many students already taking part in this opportunity! With a total of 1,323 submissions for Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 already received, it’s clear that students are making great strides toward their college goals. Don’t miss your chance to join the many participants already working through the steps!
Missed the first four deadlines? No worries! Students can still participate and be eligible for the scholarship, even if they’ve missed a few steps. Continue to participate in Steps 5-10 for a chance to win $500! For questions and inquiries, please DM us on Instagram @OntMontPS
Contact us below to share your college and career journey and inspire OMSD 6th Graders!! To qualify volunteers must have a professional license or a college degree.
Contribute your time with us and our 9th graders for a Career Exploration Group Discussion, where you’ll have the chance to discuss college and career opportunities tailored to your personality.
Do you have experience with FAFSA and CADAA applications? Join us at our upcoming financial aid workshops to assist 12th Graders with their application process.
Support our cause at our biggest fundraiser event. Help register our players and facilitate our many games at our Golf Tournament. All proceeds from this event will find Promise Scholars’ OMSD students.