Founded in 1999 by Jacqueline Rushing, this college preparatory program believes students from underserved and under-represented communities who have a strong belief in their academic abilities and are committed to work hard can successfully navigate the waters of college preparation and be eligible for admission to college.

Students in the program are taught skills to learn how to overcome barriers and their perceived weaknesses. The ability to do both of these enables the students to face dilemmas, not to become overwhelmed, and to stay focused on achieving their goals.
By promoting a student's belief in their academic abilities and the importance of education, study skills training and mentoring, Young Scholars Program improves the odds for high school graduation and ensures steps toward post-secondary education – while increasing the likelihood for a life of increased personal choices and a productive career.

The Mission of the Young Scholars Program is to educate our scholars (students who are under-represented on college campuses) for eligibility, admission, and success at four-year institutions of higher learning without remediation and to prepare them to be able to enter high-skilled career fields. Our scholars are encouraged to be reflective, independent, resourceful, responsible, and productive citizens, able to obtain future education, pursue high skill employment, to give back to their community, and to be dedicated to becoming the leaders of the 21st Century.