Operation Jump Start is a Long Beach community based organization dedicated to equipping disadvantaged Long Beach youth with the skills and vision necessary to graduate from high school and go on to higher education in order to realize their potential through a college education. Operation Jump Start assists these children by providing each child with a dedicated volunteer mentor who promotes academic persistence and encourages post-secondary education. We assist disadv antaged students beginning in 8th grade and continuing through high school graduation - a period of five years! What We Do Works! Despite dismal high school graduation rates in the greater Long Beach area, Operation Jump Start graduates defy the odds: 100% Graduate from high school 98% Attend college immediately after high school 81% of college entrants attend a 4-year college or university By providing over 360 hours of dedicated individualized services to each vulnerable child through crucial programming and long-term support from a mentor, Operation Jump Start motivates students for higher education, increases self-confidence, cultural sensitivity and a sense of belonging and participation in their community. Our programs include: Educational Workshops College Tours Cultural Activities Newsletter Program Computer Donation Program Individual Case Management Scholarship Program Leadership Development Social Work Services On-going Mentor Training Social/Physical Events Tutoring Program in our on-site Learning and Resource Center