of
impact
Dear Valued Supporters,
As we reflect on another extraordinary year supporting foster youth and first-generation students, we are profoundly grateful for your generosity that has made the Ready to Succeed journey possible. Our 2024 Impact Report celebrates significant strides, fueled by our Scholars' dedication and your unwavering commitment.
Our Scholars are achieving transformative results with resilience and passion. Javen, one of our first Scholars, recently graduated with his J.D and M.B.A from Georgetown University and is now a first-year law clerk at a prestigious law firm. Bianca Godoy, a recent alumna from UC Santa Barbara, has joined the RTS team as a Career Advisor, sharing her experiences with incoming Scholars.
Your continued partnership drives our mission to create lasting change, dismantle systemic barriers, and ensure college-going foster youth have equitable access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for meaningful careers and economic mobility.
Thank you for being an essential part of our Scholars' transformative stories.
We look forward to writing the next chapters with you.
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At Ready to Succeed (RTS), we recognize that career preparation starts during college, not after graduation. Our RTS Scholars, who often lack family support and professional networks, cannot wait until senior year to begin their career search. They must develop skills, build connections, and gain work experience while in school. Through our 3+1 program, RTS provides continuous support to ensure that Scholars not only earn their degrees but also leverage them toward thriving careers.
100% of RTS Scholars graduate within six years (with the majority graduating in 4.5 years)and 85% secure career-track jobs within six to twelve months of graduation—a stark contrast to the 4% graduation rate among foster youth and 45% among the general population.
1:1 Coaching and Career Workshops
RTS provides 15 hours/year of individual career coaching in which Scholars craft and work through a career action plan
Network Building
Advisors help Scholars access and navigate the RTS network of 500+ professionals for career guidance and mentoring
Social and Emotional Support
RTS hosts monthly community building and wellness events, with a robust resource network to address mental health, housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs
Internship Placement
RTS helps students identify and apply for paid internships to help make them competitive job candidates upon college graduation
Targeted Financial Support
All RTS Scholars receive up to $5,000 in basic needs scholarships and have access to emergency funding as needed
Our 3+1 program provides coaching, connections, and community from sophomore to senior year plus one year of post-grad employment or graduate school. Following this “formal” part of the program, Scholars join our Alumni Network.
Scholars are accepted into the RTS program in the spring of their freshman year and officially begin their RTS experience in the summer.
& Olivia
Scholars continue to work with their Career Advisors to build on their year 1 foundation...
& Marla
RTS hosts monthly community building and wellness events, with a robust resource network to address mental health, housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs
RTS helps students identify and apply for paid internships to help make them competitive job candidates upon college graduation
building
Wellness
building
Scholars are accepted into the RTS program in the spring of their freshman year and officially begin their RTS experience in the summer.
“Ready to Succeed has not only transformed my academic life, but my personal life as well. I cannot be more thankful to everyone at RTS for supporting me in my journey.”
Laura’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. After moving between 17 high schools, she felt disconnected and unsupported in her education, leaving college and career aspirations seemingly unattainable. However, joining the Ready to Succeed program in 2023 marked a turning point. With the guidance of her career advisor, Betsy, Laura gained the resources and encouragement necessary to not only graduate but excel in her dream career. Her adventurous spirit has led her to study abroad and become an Impact Fellow with the McCabe Impact Fellowship, positioning her to transfer to a four-year university next year.
Scholars continue to work with their Career Advisors to build on their year 1 foundation, expanding career knowledge and beginning to go deeper into industries of interest, working with an RTS Pathways Advisor along with their Career Advisor.
“Ready to Succeed stands out in that they genuinely care. They provide an opportunity to connect people like myself and people that I wish I had the opportunity to connect with when I was younger. They cultivate an environment of genuine care and growth for former foster youth.”
Olivia, a third-year Film and Media Studies student at UC Irvine, has thrived at Ready to Succeed through hands-on career exploration. Working alongside her Pathways Advisor, Rudy, and RTS mentor, Film and tv editor Wynton, she received valuable feedback on her editing reel. With Wynton’s support, she perfected her portfolio and became a finalist for the Television Academy Foundation’s Spring 2025 Internship Program.
While many of our scholars (annually, about 60%) have full-time jobs or Grad School plans set by graduation day, along with most college students these days, it can take up to 6 to 12 months to find that first post-grad opportunity.
Corporate partnerships are paramount at Ready to Succeed. They provide essential career exploration opportunities, internships, industry connections, and financial support to RTS Scholars and Alumni. These partnerships enable RTS career advisors to stay current with industry trends, ensuring scholars are prepared for both present and future job markets. This support has meant the world to Scholars like Anthony. This past summer, Anthony was one of three Scholars selected to serve as a talent acquisition intern at AEG Worldwide. He worked alongside Marla Anderson, the VP of Talent Acquisition, to lead a panel discussion on generational differences in the workplace. Following his internship, Anthony leveraged his experience to secure a position as a West Region People & Culture Coordinator at Protiviti!
At RTS, we believe once an RTS Scholar, always an RTS Scholar. RTS has an active and engaged Alumni Network and we’re always finding ways to keep our alumni engaged with our scholars and community.
Gloria began her transformative journey with Ready to Succeed (RTS) in 2017, graduating from UCLA in 2018. Today, she thrives as a wealth manager at LourdMurray, specializing in complex financial planning for high-net-worth families.
As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, Gloria is passionate about empowering underserved communities through financial education and giving back to the RTS community. Gloria leads financial fluency workshops for current RTS Scholars, covering essential topics like budgeting strategies and retirement planning. Her dedication to fostering financial literacy and diversity within the industry is truly inspiring, as she continues to drive change and empower the next generation.
Each year, our recruitment season starts with outreach during the summer, live applications in the fall, and acceptance into the program in the spring. Over 2023-2024, we saw a substantial increase in student demand, and we were able to deliver $600,000 in direct financial support to our Scholars.
Project Dorm Room™, one of our signature programs, ensures that incoming college freshmen and transfer students moving on to campus have all the dorm room supplies and move-in support they need to begin their college journey.
RTS Board Member Tania Suster started Project Dorm Room in 2017 when she set out to provide dorm room essentials for 60 UCLA students. In the last year, Project Dorm Room expanded to 11 total campuses, including nine in California, one in Arizona, and one in Texas. The service has served over 900 foster youth since its inception and helps bolster the RTS program overall, with nearly 30% of Project Dorm Room participants applying to the RTS program.
"It's hard for foster kids to get supplies. When we are given opportunities like this we feel heard and less stressed to try to find necessities. This makes us feel like we found a home." - Jasmine, Project Dorm Room Recipient, UCLA
PDR Recipient Mary picks out her comforter at UCLA Move-in.
PDR Volunteer Amy helps a Recipient put together their dorm room bundle.
Kristina Adam
Akia Berkley
Rachel Berman
Noemi Bolden
Jan Brilliot
Donna Byrd
Bella Campos
Eduarda Campos
Daniella Castellanos
Tommy Davis
Cristopher Espino
Christian Etter-Johnson
Annie Fisher
Joanne Forchas
Lana Garett
Charlotte Gilbert
Tanya Gilbert
Alix Greenblat
Andrea Gressinger
Pamela Halle
Sophie Jaffe
Cindy Kamm
Zoe Kasiske
Janee Keaton
Laura Kerepesi
Gaby Kirshner
Lisa Klein
Natalie Lebow
Jamie Levy
Kimberly Licea
Randall Lisa
Jaimee Loccisano
Rena Merino
Adonis Meza
Mary-Elizabeth Michaels
Debbi Molnar
Shirin Mosavi-Nejad
Genevieve Mow
Molly Nourmand
Cassi Olson
Kelly O’Keefe
Patti Pearlman
Adi Peery
Bill Powell
Brian Rinsky
Maria Rocha
Schuyler Schwimer
Sofia Sheth
Casey Starlite
Trevor Talpas
Kristina Thabet
Lauren Villa
Jean Waters
Rachel Zellic
Jenn Zorn
What is Camp Ready?
Camp Ready is a three-day, in-person experience where new RTS Scholars convene and connect, learning essential career skills and building community. Last year, we welcomed our largest class of RTS Scholars to Camp Ready, held at Cal State Northridge: 58 students who joined RTS staff and over 50 volunteer professionals to participate in a host of transformative, interactive activities.
“I’m really glad I got to come to Camp Ready. I don’t think in my life I have ever felt as supported and seen. I don’t have words to express my gratitude but this truly made an impact on me and I am so excited to see what lies ahead.” - Camp Ready Scholar
58
Incoming Scholars
50
Total Volunteer Professionals
10
Alumni Participants
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At Camp Ready 2024 Regina Brodell, UCLA 2017Pat McCabe - RTS co-founderStephanie Catalan, Bryn Mawr, 2019
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This year’s Camp Ready Scholars, Camp Counselors, and RTS staff.
RTS Scholars Noe, DeAndre, and William.
RTS Scholars debrief the Camp Ready weekend with each other on the last day.
“At Camp Ready, it was my pleasure to sit amongst a panel of powerhouse thought leaders to discuss how former foster youth can use the power of storytelling in their communication – be it interviewing for a job or when networking in general. Authenticity rose to the top. Being true to yourself, who you are, your values, and not being afraid to ask for help. It was such an inspiring afternoon. I am grateful to my RTS family for having me.”
- Shannon, Camp Ready Volunteer
Chief Brand Officer
Good American
SVP Human Resources
NBCUniversal
Coach & Communications Consultant
Fmr. HBO
Fmr. COO
Walmart
Wealth Manager
LourdMurray
Head of Brand Partnerships
NTERTAIN
Chief Brand Officer
Good American
rpa
Lincoln Property Management
Lionsgate
AEG Worldwide
AEG Worldwide
AEG Worldwide
AEG Worldwide
Red Bull
Red Bull
Career Coach, Assoc Dir Parker Career Mgmt
UCLA Anderson
Fmr. media research CEO
Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement, Inc.
Manager of Talent Programs
LA Tech
CTO / CPO
Revolt TV
Commercial & Deal Strategy
Fmr. Human Resources
Fmr. Black Angus Steakhouse
Senior Manager of Recruiting
Coop Careers
Head of Digital
Zealot
CEO
RTS Board Member / AndMark Management Company
Health Professional Education SpecialistRTS Alum /LA County Department of Mental Health
Senior Director Human Resources
Prosegur
CMO
RealDefense
Managing Director
Merrill Lynch
Marketing & Special Events
Boys & Girls Club
Doctor
Kaiser
Human Resources, Employee Experience
Cedars-Sinai Hospital
Labor Relations Manager
Cedars-Sinai Hospital
Lead Talent Advisor
Cedars-Sinai Hospital
Director, Volunteer Services
Cedars-Sinai Hospital
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cedars-Sinai Hospital
Director of Nursing
Concise Home Health Care
UCLA Geffen School of Medicine
RTS Co-founder Pat McCabe with RTS Scholars Shuvette, Jasmine, and Breanna.
Ready to Succeed’s McCabe Service Fellowship program partners with local nonprofit and social benefit organizations. Fellows receive targeted experience and professional mentorship, and the organizations gain outstanding talent to further their missions. Last year, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of our Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship Program. This innovative skill-building program has provided 73 internship experiences with $265,000 in stipends to our RTS Scholars and 16,000 hours of service and support to our non-profit partners.
20
Scholars
9
Nonprofit Partners
$80,000
EARNED
4,000
total hours served
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RTS Scholar and Impact Fellow Abigail (Left) with her Supervisor Izzy Phan at National Center for Youth Law
“This past summer through the Impact Fellowship and interning at National Center for Youth Law (NYCL), I got to experience more than just my original role as a development intern. I was able to work with the different departments, like child welfare and mental health departments. This not only allowed me to network for future opportunities, but also grew the amount of transferable skills I can use in my next career journey. I cannot be more grateful to everyone involved.” - RTS Scholar Abigail, UCLA 25’
RTS Staff Members Natalie, Rudy, and Marí.
FY24 audited financials
64.4%
22.7%
10.5%
1.5%
0.9%
100%
0%
71.7%
15.2%
13.1%
100%
2024
We celebrated our largest graduating class ever, with 58 Scholars graduating college in May. Their journey does not stop there, as alums work closely with advisors to navigate life after college, secure their first career-track job, or explore graduate school options. Thank you for helping RTS create a more equitable and just world where everyone can thrive regardless of their background.
a big THANK YOU to our sponsors who made graduAtion possible
Title Sponsor
Justine Stamen Arrillaga and John Arrillaga
Presented by
Visionary Sponsor
Harriet Zaretsky
Ambassador Sponsors
Antonieta Monaldi Arango
Pat and Nancy McCabe
Event Sponsor
Elizabeth and Glen Friedman
THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS WHO MATCHED ALL GRADUATION CELEBRATION DONATIONS
Antonieta Arango
Elizabeth and Glen Friedman
Gallant Capital
Ken Hertz
Pat and Nancy McCabe
Elizabeth Shoemaker
Harriet Zaretsky
Gifts received July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024
OPPORTUNITY SOCIETY MEMBERS
The Opportunity Society is a three-year giving club that supports RTS Scholars on their journeys through college and beyond.
James Amerman
Tricia Baak
Melissa Balaban and Adam Wergeles
Nadine Bell
Jennifer Blum
Howard Ballon
Diana Braun
Connor Corrigan and Ali Miller
Mia Feil
Tracy Grand
Jeff and Sandy Hudson
James Hyman and Leslie Weisberg
Neil Kapp
Kathy Kloves
Blair Kohan
Susan Kohl
Olivia Krevoy
Thomas Lee
Will McCabe and Jackie Beyer McCabe
Katie McCabe and Chris Stewart
Mark Mosch
Karen Kahela Sherwood and Ben Sherwood
Tania and Mark Suster
Vivienne Vela
Paul and Kelley Workman
Ben and Anne Youngblood
AEG Worldwide
Angell Foundation
Aramont Family Foundation
Arrillaga Foundation
Arrillaga Foundation
Atlantic Health System
The Bagnard Family Foundation
The Banchik Family Foundation
Canyon Partners LLC
Carol & James Collins Foundation
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation
The Change Reaction
Chuck Lorre Family Foundation
Department of Education Community Project Funding
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
ECMC Foundation
Edward A And Ai O Shay Family Foundation
Fidelity Charitable
Fox Foundation
Goodwin Family Memorial Trust
Herbert & Elaine Kendall Charitable Foundation
Hot Topic Foundation
James Collins Foundation
Joan M. Wismer Foundation
Johnny Carson Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
Otis Booth Foundation
Pacific Palisades Methodist Memorial Foundation
Perlman Family Foundation
Phoenix Rotary Club
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Ric & Suzanne Kayne Foundation
The Sirpuhe and John Conte Foundation
Sam Simon Charitable Giving Foundation
Snap Foundation
W.M. Keck Foundation
Southern California Grantmakers
Wurwand Foundation
Yield Giving
Supergoop!
John Paul Mitchell Systems
Period.
Dr. Bronner’s
American Endowment Foundation
American Online Giving Foundation
Rand April
Antonieta Arango
Justine Stamen Arrillaga
Christian Baer
Steven Barnett
Bill and Donnalisa Barnum
Jon Barry
Kirsten Bartholomew
Dave Becky
Jonathan Berry
Laurie Blank
Jennifer Blum
Lana Brody
Dr. Bronner
Jacqueline Brooks
Chris Fager and Corie Brown
David Bryan
Patricia Burke
Shanell Busby
Jessica Bylo
Steven Byrnes
Shelagh B Callahan
Jeffrey Campbell
LeReece Campbell
Susan Toler Carr P.E.
Yvonne Cernich
Charities Aid Foundation America
Charles Schwab
CIBC
Dan Coash
Donna Coffman
Andrew Comer
The Sirpuhe and John Conte Foundation
Eileen Cook
Lauren Coulter
Robert Currie
Nancy Davila
Lise Davis
Cynthia DeChaine
Edward Del Vecchio
Bill Deliman
Lynn Denberg
Jessica DePete
Amy DeVito
Johnny Duda
Martha Ecker
Jeff Emery
Daren Esposito
Jessica Fagioli
Jodi Feinstein
Fidelity Charitable
Elizabeth Conley Fitzgerald
Zoe Jo Fried
Elizabeth and Glen Friedman
Andrew Friendly
Margaret Garcia
Alison Gardner
Suzanne Gehl
Ron Geiger
Cynthia N Gilbert-Marlow
Kathleen Gillmore
Elana Gimbel
Jonathan Gimbel
John Given
Joanna Gleason
Lirona Kadosh & Ethan Goldstine
David & Ruth Gorton Family Charitable Foundation
Bruce Gram
Jonathan Greenberg
Howard Grossman
Pamela Halle
Harbert Family Trust
Sarah Harden
Frances Hardy
Jourdan Hathaway
Bob Hayden
Annie Heissenbuttel
Laura Henderson
Elizabeth Hernandez
Ken Hertz
Jodi Hill
Sara Hoagland
Jeanette Hoeg
Jill Hourani
Diane Hunziker
Elisa Hunziker
John Irvine
J Paul Getty Trust
Karen Jackson
Shirley Stamen Jaffe
Lance James
Laurie Javier
Julianna Jaynes
Jewish Community Foundation
JP Morgan Charitable Giving Fund
JP Morgan Charitable Trust
Neil Kapp
Tara Karsian
Aura Kay
Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors
Eleanor Keare
Susan Keeler
Herbert and Elaine Kendall Foundation
The Richard and Lisa Kendall Fund
Sharon Hall and Todd Ellis Kessler
Karla Klarin
Blair Kohan
Susan Kohl
Beth P Kraft
Cheryl Kramer
Olivia Krevoy
Joyce Kunishima
Jeremy Kwong
Amelia Langdon
Cora Lanzisero
Kari Lauritzen
Caryl Lee
Kenneth Legaux
Elle Lettengarver
Stanley Lezman
Stephanie Liner
Jeff Longo
Chuck Lorre Foundation Grant
Crystal Lourd
Make Good
Mali H Kinburg Fund
Mark Maltzman
Liz Heller and John Manulis
Gary Marenzi
James Marlow
The Nancy and Pat McCabe Family Foundation
Jean McCormick
Lissa Mendoza
Michael and Christy Lowe Family Fund
David T Miller
Richard A Miller
Jarl Mohn
Renee Moilanen
Lisa Moore
Morgan Stanley
Steve Morris
Mark Mosch
National Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Lydia Kann Nettler
The New York Community Trust Opportunity
Deborah Newmyer
Alexander Nury
Shelley Oakley
Kelly O'Keefe
Orange County Community Foundation
Claire Orr
Overflow Foundation
Elizabeth Padden
Lauren Park
Paypal Giving Fund
Greg Penske
Perlman Family Foundation
Steve Pollak
Jill Arthur Posner
Michelle Powell
Margaret Preissman
Princeton Area Community Foundation
Oscar Quintana
Raymond James Charitable
Shanna Reed
Kathryn Reesman
Regions
Karen Regnell
Glenda Resendez
Julia Richter
Hank Ridless
Brooke Riley
Meredith Rosenberg
Deborah Ross
Marcy Ross
Donna Roth
Russell and Vera Rothberg
Catherine Rue
Loretta Savery
Jeanette Schachtner
Peter Schlessel
Joel Schoff
Schwab Charitable
Elin Schwartz
Michelle Scott
Segal Family United World Foundation
Anna Seltz
Craig Shapiro
Brianna Shepars
Sharon Sherbert
Karen Kehela Sherwood
Stephanie Shlasky
Michelle Silver
Elizabeth Shawn Simon
David Skinner
Gail Solo
Douglas Spencer
Geetha Srikrishna
Barbara St Thomas
Edwin Stanton
Tracey Steinfeld
Deb Stern
Danielle Stokdyk
Nancy Sugiyama
Nicole Swick
Tricia Takasugi
Mark Taylor
The Change Reaction
Stephen Toth
Wendi Trilling
U.S. Charitable Gift Trust
Margaret Valian
Amanda Van Epps
Karen Van Kirk
Stephanie Vanicek
Gerardo Vargas
Jennifer Villebro
W. M. Keck Foundation
George Wade
Tamara Walker
Landy Wang
Susan Weil
David Weissman
Adam Wergeles
Pat Wickhem
Paul Workman
Cheryl Wrenn
Marci Wright
Kellie Yoon
Anne Youngblood
Harriet Zaretsky
Have any feedback regarding this report? Email aj@readytosucceedla.org
Are you ready to make a difference?
To learn more about our amazing scholars and ways to get involved, visit www.readytosucceedla.org
To learn more about our exceptional Scholars and ways to get involved, Click HERE
Help change the lives of foster youth. MAKE A DONATION
Disclaimer
We are grateful for every gift received and apologize for any errors or omissions. If you have questions about this Annual Report, please contact us at aj@readytosucceedla.org.
Every effort has been made to include accurate and completeinformation. If you notice an omission or error, we’d love to hear from you.
Have any feedback regarding this report? Email christian@readytosucceedla.org
Are you ready to make a difference?
Learn more about our amazing scholars and upcoming programming, visit www.readytosucceedla.org
If you know a Scholar who would benefit from our programming please contact adri@readytosucceedla.org
