LMU and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School Launch Leadership Fellows Program

Partnership expands college access and leadership development opportunities for Verbum Dei students

LOS ANGELES - Loyola Marymount University and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School today announced the LMU-Verbum Dei Leadership Fellows Program, a new pathway designed to identify, support, and prepare up to five Verbum Dei Jesuit High School students annually for success at LMU and beyond. Rooted in the Jesuit institutions' shared commitment to access and leadership formation, the program connects high-achieving students to academic, professional, and development opportunities before they enroll at LMU and throughout their college careers.

Each year, fellows nominated by Verbum Dei and selected by LMU will receive early admission review and decision notification, early financial aid review and packaging, consideration for meeting up to 100% of demonstrated financial need, an application fee waiver, priority housing selection in their first year, and priority registration during their first semester. The program also connects fellows to undergraduate research opportunities, mentorship through LMU's Career and Professional Development, alumni and industry networking, and support such as laptop and textbook stipends.

"This partnership is a natural extension of LMU's Jesuit mission and our long-standing commitment to educational access," said Maureen Weatherall, LMU vice provost for Enrollment Management and Academic Engagement. "By combining early admission and financial aid support with mentorship, research opportunities, and career preparation, we're giving these students not just a pathway to LMU, but a real foundation to thrive once they arrive."

As part of their commitment, fellows serve as ambassadors for the program, participating in admission events, mentoring younger Verbum Dei students interested in LMU, and helping strengthen the college-going culture at their high school.

"As Jesuit schools, we are one mission, different works," said Travis Russell, S.J., president of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School. "With this partnership, LMU guarantees admission and support to five Verbum Dei graduates who meet the agreed criteria. For nearly five centuries the Jesuits have formed both the intellect and the soul in the communities the world overlooks. This agreement carries that work from our campus in Watts straight to the bluff. We are grateful to LMU for joining us."

Together, LMU and Verbum Dei seek to create a nationally recognized model of Jesuit education that connects college access, student success, leadership development, workforce preparation, and social mobility. The LMU-Verbum Dei Leadership Fellows Program will prepare students to thrive in an evolving economy, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and become ethical leaders committed to the service of others.