In the 1990s, Superior Court Jack Mandel learned that many students in the Santa Ana Unified School District had to study outside on the pavement because the district couldn’t afford to keep their libraries open. He began volunteering at Santa Ana High School to keep the library open after class hours, ultimately mentoring and guiding students who didn’t have the resources or support to attend college.
Judge Mandel’s philanthropic work inspired Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, III to create the Nicholas Academic Centers (NAC). They strive to assist high school students from underserved communities in strengthening their academic performance and attaining their maximum potential. The NAC also guides students with college admission, retention, and graduation.
The NAC has graduated more than 2,000 students over the course of 15 years, with 99% of graduates enrolling directly into college after high school and 75% choosing to enroll at a four-year university.
Navigating the college experience can be overwhelming. That’s why the NAC has departments dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Academic Services is there to provide helpful academic advice, tutoring, learning activities, standardized test preparation, and pre-college placement services. The Mentoring and Social Services Department offers mental health counseling, leadership programming, social service projects, and parent support services to ensure you have the emotional support you need. College Access provides college preparation, matching, application, financial aid, and selection services to help make your college dreams a reality. Finally, the College Success Department is there to mentor and support you through campus visits, retention advocacy, academic support and career transition services. They also award over $2 million in scholarships to help you succeed in college.
Not only does the NAC provide essential support services, but they also make a significant financial impact. With a significant portion of $11.4 million dedicated to funding scholarships, they have been involved in empowering students with educational opportunities. The NAC’s commitment to enabling students to achieve their academic dreams is reflected in the positive outcomes achieved by NAC scholars who have successfully graduated from high school and are now enrolled in college.
Junior and NAC Scholar Emily Parra-Diaz embarked on her journey with the NAC during the second semester of her sophomore year.
Expressing her deep appreciation for the NAC’s support, she said, “The NAC has helped me become more knowledgeable about college and what I should expect. Thanks to them I have been studying and preparing for the SAT. I know the NAC will help me once I graduate by giving me scholarships depending on my circumstances. They will do their best to ensure I am doing well in all of my classes at my future university.”
Parra-Diaz’s experience with the NAC highlights the importance of the organization in providing valuable support to students pursuing higher education.
The NAC also partners with colleges such as Chapman University, Morningside College, University of California, Irvine, and Cal State Fullerton to provide additional resources to NAC Scholars, Alumni, and parents.
Morningside College enrolls NAC Alumni in the Student Success Program to help them adjust to the college environment and receive emotional and academic support. Chapman University offers monthly college lectures to NAC scholars and holds parent events to inform parents about private school opportunities. UCI’s Chancellor holds a special welcome for NAC Alumni to help them connect and build their network. CSUF automatically enrolls NAC Alumni in the Center for Scholars Program, which pairs students with advisors to ensure they graduate within four years and take advantage of campus opportunities.
These partnerships, along with others such as the University of Notre Dame and Allegheny College, are proof that the NAC’ is committed to supporting students on their journey to higher education.
As part of the NAC’s commitment to student success, NAC Scholar Geminis Chay, a senior from Santa Ana High School, shared her heartfelt perspective on the support she has received.
“I think if I didn’t receive the help I get from the NAC I would be struggling to look further into college. They have helped me look into more colleges by having meetings with representatives, they have helped me by being a guide for college and they always give very useful tips on what and what not to do,” Chay said.
The NAC staff is known for their exceptional level of care and compassion towards their students. Their dedication to NAC scholars is evident in their genuine enthusiasm when engaging with students. Each member of the team truly cares for every NAC Scholar, providing not just academic support but also emotional guidance. Their approachability and willingness to listen create a welcoming environment where students feel free to discuss anything with them. They are not just mentors but also friends and allies supporting students on the journey to higher education.
Chay reflects on her experience with the NAC staff and said, “being a part of their community makes me feel welcomed and understood. I feel like I’m not alone in this college application process. And I know there will always be someone to help me with any questions I have.”
“The best part of the NAC is the people that help you. They are there for you and want to help you. The staff aren’t like your regular teachers where they say, ‘Ok, do this and that,’ and that it’s due by said date. At the NAC, it’s much more than that, you form relationships and bonds with people who are dedicated to help us become the best version of ourselves,” Chay said.
