Lynwood High School Knights are overcoming barriers to higher education through SEMILLA (Supporting Empowerment through Mentorship, & Inspiring Latine Liberation & Aspirations), a UCLA program that provides free college support services to students across all grade levels.
Now in its second year at the campus, SEMILLA offers weekly after-school academic support, personal development resources and extracurricular opportunities. Lynwood High School class of 2021 graduate and UCLA senior Ivan Vega introduced the program in the 2023-24 school year to support students from underserved communities.
“Every student deserves access to quality educational opportunities, and our passion for this work drives us,” Vega said. “It’s about building meaningful relationships and helping students discover their potential, in and out of the classroom.”
Meeting workshops alternate weekly, with topics ranging from tutoring and college preparation assistance to financial literacy and mental health support. SEMILLA plans to eventually bring UCLA admissions officers to the campus to speak about the application process.
“I know our student body and the brilliance that lives at Lynwood High School,” said Alyssa Shepherd-Vitela, a Lynwood High Class of 2024 graduate who is supporting the SEMILLA program this year. “I am honored to be a UCLA Bruin but also a Lynwood Knight. I encourage all students to come to SEMILLA and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The UCLA SEMILLA Program showcases the powerful impact students can have in shaping the future of their community. By providing these vital resources to Lynwood students, the District is ensuring they have continued access to higher education opportunities while supporting their growth and success beyond our schools.