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Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities celebrates students success

Years ago, Superior Court Judge Jack K. Mandel learned that many students at a Santa Ana High School were studying outside on the pavement once classes were done for the day. The reason, he discovered, was because the school district could not afford to keep the library open; and, there was no place at home for the students to study. When the weather was bad, they had nowhere to go.

Concerned, Judge Mandel persuaded the then Santa Ana school superintendent to allow him to at least supervise students in the library of Santa Ana High School once he concluded his court cases at the end of his work day. Santa Ana High School is minutes away from the Orange County Courthouse.

Bolstered by this after-school mentoring, students flourished. However, many lacked the resources or support to attend college. Judge Mandel worked with students, guidance counselors, and colleges to get many of these deserving students into four-year colleges.

Upon learning of Judge Mandel’s work, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, III decided that these kinds of “incubator” programs could make the difference between success and failure for young people.

Dr. Nicholas partnered with Judge Mandel and launched the Nicholas Academic Centers, which are a part of a philanthropic network anchored by the Henry T. Nicholas, III Foundation.

The Nicholas Academic Centers (NAC) is an after-school tutoring and mentoring program where high school students can seek academic services, emotional support, mentoring and social services as they prepare to pursue their educational goals at an institution of higher learning.

The NAC strives to provide academic assistance, social services, cultural enrichment programs, college connection opportunities, and need based scholarship opportunities for students who meet the program requirements. With highly qualified staff in Academics, Higher Education, and Social Services, students have access to the resources necessary to graduate from high school and continue onto college. The NAC provides continued support and services to its graduates during the college years to ensure students graduate from college.

Services provided by the NAC are made possible through the generosity of Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, III and the Henry T. Nicholas, III Foundation. We would not be able to work with as many students without their support.

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