Our Story
The Onward Scholars Program was established in 2009, formerly as Victorian Scholars, at St. Matthias High School. Rooted in the values and excellence of Catholic education, our founders want to make this gift available to students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
We began with two scholars at one high school and have since expanded to 156 Onward Scholars at five Los Angeles Catholic high schools. In the Fall of 2023, our program will expand to 204 scholars in six partner sites.
In 2022, The Smet Foundation provided $985,000 in OSP tuition. As the program expands, in 2023, the Foundation will provide nearly $1,100,000 in OSP tuition.
Optimists by nature, the Smets know that you can do well in life if you have a good education, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude. Onward Scholars creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks, broaden their skills, discover their potential, and get a head start on their dreams for college and beyond.
2009 - 2013Victorian Scholars at
St. Matthias High School
2-6 students yearly
(18 scholars)
2013St. Pius X -
St. Matthias Academy
12 students yearly
(OSP - 48)
2018St. Mary's Academy
12 students yearly
(OSP - 60)
2021Cathedral &
Salesian High School
12 students yearly
(OSP - 120)
2022Sacred Heart High School
12 students yearly
(OSP - 156)
2023St. Anthony
High School
(OSP - 204)
2026 & BeyondSix complete sites
288 scholars when all
schools are fully enrolled
Our Impact
As of June 2023, Onward Scholars has 105 proud alumni who graduated or are enrolled in the nation’s best universities.
Through our scholars’ academic excellence and impactful leadership, they receive prestigious scholarships to attend college.
Rooted in our commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and college access, by 2027 we will serve over 600 scholars.