VIP Scholars Summer Program encourages college-bound students from underserved populations in selected high schools to be competitively eligible for 4-year universities, such as UCLA.

Thirty-two high school students are selected from a pool of eligible students nominated by their schools to participate in VIP Scholars. Participants begin the program in the spring semester of the 10th grade and have the opportunity to engage in numerous workshops, programs and events throughout their high school years. Program costs for VIP Scholars have been underwritten by generous grants from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Draine Foundation.

Highlights of the summer program include a three-week residential program during the summer preceding the 11th grade and a five-week residential program during the summer preceding the 12th grade. Students live in UCLA residence halls and participate in well-supervised programs, which include taking college-level courses for credit as well as a range of social and cultural activities.