Celebrating 30 Years of College Dreams

For three decades, Operation Jump Start (OJS) has been at the forefront of empowering low-income, high-potential, first-generation students in Long Beach. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access and succeed in higher education. From the moment students walk through our doors, OJS provides academic support, mentoring, and a network of opportunities that transform lives.

Our journey began humbly in 1994, founded by Diann and Walt Zenda, whose passion for education equity inspired the creation of a small mentoring program. Meeting in their living room with just nine mentor-student pairs, OJS was born out of a deep commitment to supporting students in the Long Beach community. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive program serving over 325 students annually from the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD).

Today, we offer a wide range of services including academic tutoring, college guidance, socio-emotional counseling, scholarships, and, of course, mentoring — all driven by our belief that every student deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Impacting Generations, Changing Lives

OJS has a proven track record of success, especially in supporting students from underrepresented communities. Our impact is evident in the achievements of our scholars:

100% of OJS students graduate high school on time.
95% enroll in college immediately after high school.
93% go on to complete or are actively pursuing their college education.
Our six-year bachelor's degree attainment rate of 89% far surpasses the national average for low-income students.

These accomplishments aren’t just statistics — they are the stories of students who have overcome obstacles, embraced challenges, and succeeded in ways that have changed the trajectory of their lives and their families' futures.

Join Us for the OJS Birthday Bash!

As we celebrate 30 years of empowering Long Beach scholars, we invite you to join us for a special evening at the OJS Birthday Bash on January 16th, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the beautiful Museum of Latin American Art. This event will be a joyful community celebration and reunion, bringing together past and present members of the OJS family to honor the achievements of our scholars and recognize the incredible support from people like you.

The OJS Birthday Bash is more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity to reflect on three decades of success and to look ahead to the future. Your attendance, donation, or sponsorship will help us continue our mission of uplifting students and families in Long Beach through educational access and support.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of impact and ensure that the next generation of scholars has the resources and encouragement they need to thrive. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

OJS's 30 Year Birthday Bash!