Dear LPHS Alumni,

 
My name is Danny Arguello, Scholarship Coordinator for La Puente High School GEAR UP Program. We would like to invite you to support, participate, volunteer in our first annual Scholarship Fundraiser to help support college bound students from LPHS pursue their dream of a higher education. As LPHS alumni, you know the benefits of a higher education firsthand.

 Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs- GEAR UP is federally funded non-profit partnership grant between the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), and the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP). Together we are launching a $150,000.00 matching scholarship campaign for the graduating classes of 2008 to 2012. We believe that a higher education provides our youth the opportunity to become productive citizens in our community. It is now up to La Puente High School to meet the challenge of raising $75,000.00 in scholarship matching funds from the community.

The majority of the students at La Puente High School come from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of our talented youth will be the first in their families to realize the American dream of attending and graduating from a four year college/university. For many first generation students and families, the thought of pursuing a college education may seem impossible due to cost. In our experience, the cost of attendance is the number one reason why talented and highly qualified competitive students do not pursue their post-secondary education at four year universities.

 We are proud to announce that with the first graduating class of GEAR UP Students in 2008, La Puente High School experienced college enrollment increases to all sectors of the higher education.  

 University of California

California State University

Private Colleges

45% increase

27% increase

100% increase

In addition we had 159 students pursuing their education at local community colleges.

 With your scholarship donation, our students will have the opportunity to access a total of $150,000 via the GEAR UP Scholarship Fund for the graduating classes of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.  We are asking for your support as we reach for the goal of securing $75,000 before August 31, 2008.  If we don't reach our goal the funds will go back to the Federal government and our students won't have a chance to pursue their dreams. Your monetary donation is tax-deductible.

 As an alumni of La Puente High School, or know someone who is, let them know what could happen if we don't support our students.

 How many lives can you touch in a single day? If you consider your family, colleagues, and friends, that number can be significant. When you give to LPHS GEAR UP SCHOLARSHIP FUND, you can add hundreds of people to that list. Every support you give to LPHS GEAR UP SCHOLARSHIP FUND has a direct impact on students learning.

 Your contribution will transform lives and careers, and the impact of your generosity will be felt years to come. Make a gift to LPHS today and make a personal difference in over of hundreds of lives.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at the number below. I hope that you can find it in your heart to help us.