College access
PAYS (Pomona College Academy for Youth Success)
PAYS is a 4 weeks each summer for 3 summers residential program run by Pomona College Draper Center for Community Partnerships. Open to: current 9th grade students.
- Application deadline
- February 22, 2027
- Cost
- Free
- Who can apply
- Grade 9
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 4 weeks each summer for 3 summers
- Residential
What students do
Students live at Pomona College for four weeks each summer over three consecutive years and take college-level courses, workshops, and field trips. The program continues with support during the school year and serves students who are first in their family to attend college or from low-income families.
- College-level courses
- College preparation
- Math
- Critical inquiry
Key facts
- Run by
- Pomona College Draper Center for Community Partnerships
- Where
- Claremont, CA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Current 9th grade studentsMust live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County; first-generation college-bound and low-income status are considered but not required.
- Dates
- Not posted
- Cost
- No cost to PAYS scholars
- Deadline
- February 22, 2027Application opens November 9, 2026.
- Selectivity
- Each year the committee admits 30 participants.
Official program siteOfficial application pagePomona College admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Interview
Two required essays of up to 500 words each (a third is optional), a transcript for the current academic year, two recommendation forms with one from a core subject teacher, and an interview in some cases.
How a mentor helps with your PAYS application
- Decide whether PAYS fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the PAYS deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEDALeadership Enterprise for a Diverse America | Multiple locationsResidential | Juniors at public high schools graduating in 2028 | Free | Part I due December 9, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the PAYS application deadline?
The deadline is February 22, 2027. The application opens November 9, 2026.
How much does PAYS cost?
No cost to PAYS scholars.
Who can apply to PAYS?
Current 9th grade students. Must live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County; first-generation college-bound and low-income status are considered but not required.
What does the PAYS application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Interview. Two required essays of up to 500 words each (a third is optional), a transcript for the current academic year, two recommendation forms with one from a core subject teacher, and an interview in some cases.
How hard is it to get into PAYS?
Each year the committee admits 30 participants.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
