Los Angeles – October 02, 2026 -- Loyola Marymount University has received a $5.57 million gift from the Marymount Education Foundation (MEF), the largest contribution to date to its LMU Catholic High School Promise Program.
Gift funds up to 18 new scholarships annually across six partner high schools
The donation establishes the Marymount Scholars Program, a partnership between LMU, MEF and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles designed to guarantee admission and comprehensive financial support for qualified Catholic high school seniors. The program will support up to 18 new students each year from six participating schools: Bishop Conaty–Our Lady of Loretto High School, Bishop Mora Salesian, Cantwell–Sacred Heart of Mary College Prep, Junípero Serra High School, St. Bernard College Prep, and St. Pius X–St. Matthias Academy.
More than 70 students expected to benefit from the initiative
LMU President Thomas Poon said the program will transform the lives of more than 70 ambitious and talented Catholic high school students considering LMU as their college home. The underlying LMU Catholic High School Promise Program, established in 2025 between LMU and the archdiocese's Department of Catholic Schools, welcomed its first cohort as members of the LMU Class of 2030 at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
Support package extends beyond tuition to mentorship and study abroad funding
Beyond covering costs, the Marymount Scholars Program provides faculty mentorship, career and professional development resources, stipends for study abroad, and funding for technology, laptops and books. Scholars also receive one-on-one support from foundation mentors throughout their four years, including campus visits and career coaching sessions.
MEF Founding Executive Director Robyn Jones said the foundation is gratified that its support will remove barriers for dozens of local high school students selecting LMU as their college of choice. Archbishop José H. Gomez said the partnership makes Catholic education more affordable and accessible for young people in the archdiocese.