The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced on May 19 a new partnership with Mount St. Mary’s University to guarantee admission for eligible female students from 12 Catholic high schools into the all-women Catholic college.
The initiative, called the “College Promise” program, aims to provide more accessible pathways to higher education for students in archdiocesan schools. Female students who maintain at least a 3.0 weighted GPA and participate in service and faith-based activities will qualify for guaranteed admission to Mount St. Mary’s beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Ann McElaney-Johnson, president of Mount Saint Mary’s University, said, “At the heart of this partnership is our shared commitment to educating the whole person. Together with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, we are creating a meaningful pathway for young women to continue their Catholic education, grow as leaders and prepare to serve their communities.”
A select group of admitted students will also be chosen as Athenian Fellows at Mount St. Mary’s, receiving additional academic support and leadership development opportunities. The archdiocese has previously established a similar agreement with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in June 2025 that includes both male and female students from six participating high schools.
Paul Escala, superintendent of the Department of Catholic Schools (DCS), said the goal is to “blur the lines” between high school and university education: “This initiative, which we intend to expand to other colleges and universities, both in the state and across the country, really is an incredible opportunity to ensure that students can continue their Catholic education, achieve the dream of college education, and remove these barriers of entry that many kids experience in the college admissions process.”
Robert Tagorda, chief academic officer at DCS, said another objective is encouraging first-generation or underserved students early on: “Counselors at our high schools and admissions counselors from universities… work much more closely together… they can spotlight a student with a significant number of volunteer hours or here’s a student who’s heavily involved in extracurricular activities.”
Participating high schools were selected based on proximity to each university as well as representation across pastoral regions and potential first-generation student populations. In addition to these partnerships, DCS offers an Early College Network allowing students access to courses through Arizona State University and Seton Hill University; an agreement is being finalized with Los Angeles Community College District as well.
DCS expects up to 26 high schools will join its Early College Network by next school year.
