Nativity Prep is a private-independent, all-scholarship Catholic middle school and college access program for income eligible, first-generation students. Founded in 2001, Nativity Prep is an 11-year program serving over 280 students annually in grades six through college. Nativity Prep’s purpose is to break the cycle of generational poverty by developing its students’ and their family’s ability to live a life of opportunity, choice, and service.
The Nativity Prep Graduate Support Program (GSP), is the most important component of its mission. GSP establishes and sustains a college culture beginning in the sixth grade and continuing through college graduation by providing students and graduates academic support and college counseling with personal care, which remains the hallmark of the school.
The current projected graduation rate for Nativity Prep students is 83%, more than five times the rate for their demographic peers. More than anything, Nativity Prep is a community of faith rooted in relationships. By educating a child, Nativity Prep helps to change the trajectory of the entire family. This work, this mission, breaks the cycle of generational poverty.
Nativity Prep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is fully funded through the generosity of individual donors and grants. Nativity Prep does not receive any funding from the state or Diocese of San Diego.
Nativity Prep Highlights:
- 100% of Nativity students have graduated high school on time, representing a 67% increase over the past decade.
- 100% of graduates have earned college acceptances.
- 83% of Nativity college students have graduated or are on track to graduate, reflecting a 42% increase over ten years.
- 13 alumni have earned or are pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees.
- 23 Nativity Prep alumni are currently enrolled at the University of San Diego through the Torero Promise Program, which guarantees admission and scholarship support to exceptional Catholic high school students.
- 14 alumni serve on our Alumni Council, taking on leadership roles and supporting new college graduates
- Nativity Prep held its first-ever Alumni Reunion in summer of 2025, reconnecting graduates from across 20 years of Nativity history.
Volunteer Opportunities:
AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program
For the past 20 years, Nativity Prep has successfully run its own mentor program, the AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program. The program matches each middle school student with an adult volunteer mentor. Each adult commits to supporting and guiding a student through the school year during a weekly meeting of both structured and unstructured activity. The mentoring program promotes academics and helps to build a student’s self-esteem. Our goal is for all students and mentors to maintain their relationship for the three years they are on the middle school campus (6th-8th grade).
In addition to the GSP program, the mentoring program has made a significant impact on the students and on the entire community. Many students have credited their success in college and beyond to the relationship that they built with their mentor. The relationship between mentor and mentee becomes one of trust, guidance and friendship.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Email: amigos@nativityprep.org
Upcoming events:
25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Celebration, Saturday, September 26, 2026, USD. More details to follow: www.nativityprep.org/events