IYT Launches Guaranteed Admissions Partnership with Saint Mary’s College of California

IYT members pose for a group photo outside the Chapel on Saint Mary's campus

Saint Mary’s College of California and Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) celebrated the official launch of IYT’s first-ever Guaranteed Admissions Partnership with a private university. This event marks a major milestone for IYT not only is Saint Mary’s the first private university partner in our Guaranteed Admissions program, but it's also the first partnership that includes a built-in scholarship.

Held on the beautiful Chapel Lawn, the event welcomed IYT brothers, families, mentors, and campus leadership for a day of celebration and purpose. This groundbreaking partnership is designed to remove barriers to higher education by offering guaranteed admission to eligible IYT College Academy and IYT Community College brothers who meet Saint Mary’s admissions criteria.

IYT Executive Director, Dr. Erica Conners and, Senior VP of Student Experience & Enrollment Management at Saint Mary's, Jim Brooks

Even more impactful—each admitted brother will receive a $112,000 financial aid package, distributed as $28,000 annually over four years. This grant stacks with other financial aid (including Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and external scholarships), making Saint Mary’s a more financially accessible and empowering choice for our IYT brothers.

The ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Erica Conners, IYT’s Executive Director of the Bay Area, who spoke to the power of partnership and the life-changing opportunities ahead for IYT brothers:

“As you explore this campus, I want you to picture yourselves here. Imagine walking these halls, attending classes, and preparing for the next steps in life. Your future is not a question mark—it’s a certainty. You belong in college, and you deserve to be here.”

Saint Mary’s leaders Jim Brooks (Senior Vice President of Student Experience and Enrollment Management) and Chris Krzak (Interim Dean of Admissions) also delivered moving remarks, reinforcing their shared commitment to educational equity and student success.

IYT members got the chance to meet with admissions outreach teams and learn about some of the other colleges in the region

Following the ceremony, our brothers enjoyed a campus tour, met with faculty, and explored the academic and cultural environment that could soon be their own.

We are incredibly excited to see our brothers walk the halls of Saint Mary’s this fall. A heartfelt thank you to Saint Mary’s College for your partnership, your belief in our mission, and your continued investment in the futures of our brothers.