Marymount Foundation Donated Millions to Loyola University

A $5.57 million gift established a scholarship program for students at six Los Angeles-area Catholic high schools.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Scholarships

Gouache-painted illustration showing a seedling growing from open books on a stone ledge, representing educational growth. — The Marymount Education Foundation announced a $5.57 million donation to Loyola Marymount University to launch a scholarship and mentorship program for regional students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Marymount Education Foundation has donated $5.57 million to Loyola Marymount University to launch the Marymount Scholars Program. This initiative aims to expand college access by providing financial aid and mentorship to students from six regional Catholic high schools.

Why it matters

The program addresses barriers to higher education by offering comprehensive support, including career coaching and stipends, to help students succeed throughout their four-year degree.

The program will support up to 18 new students each year, ultimately assisting more than 70 students total. Financial aid covers costs for students from six participating Catholic high schools.

The players

Marymount Education Foundation

This organization manages and distributes philanthropic funds to support educational initiatives and student access.

Loyola Marymount University

This is a private Catholic research university located in Los Angeles that serves as the site for the new scholarship program.

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

This religious administrative body partnered with the university to facilitate the development of the Promise Program.

The details

The initiative pairs financial assistance with faculty mentorship, study abroad stipends, and dedicated funding for technology and textbooks. Students at institutions like St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy and Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School are eligible for this ongoing support throughout their undergraduate studies.

The LMU Catholic High School Promise Program began in 2025.
The first cohort of the program entered the university for the 2026-27 academic year.

Culture Shift

This gift reflects a broader trend of private foundations partnering with religious institutions to bridge funding gaps in higher education. By formalizing these pipelines, universities are creating more structured pathways for students who might otherwise face financial exclusion.

Students attending the six partner high schools can now access dedicated career development and study abroad funding as part of their admission package. Families should consult with their school counselors to determine how to apply for these specific scholarship and mentorship benefits.

The takeaway

This donation highlights how targeted institutional partnerships can mitigate financial barriers for students in the Los Angeles area. Families should proactively investigate mentorship-integrated scholarships as they plan for the transition from secondary school to university.