Riordan Programs: Building Leaders. Growing a Legacy.

The Riordan Programs was founded in 1987 by Richard Riordan, former Mayor of Los Angeles, and William Ouchi, UCLA Distinguished Professor and New York Times best-selling author. What began as a career-based outreach initiative for high school students in the greater Los Angeles area has grown into a nationally recognized model for education and leadership development. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Riordan Scholars, many from first-generation backgrounds, gain practical business knowledge, mentorship, and leadership skills that open doors to life-changing opportunities.

Today, more than 3,600 Riordan Scholars have completed the program, with many continuing on to the nation’s top colleges and universities. Their success is proof that investing in young leaders transforms not only their lives, but also the communities they serve.

Together, we can continue building pathways for the next generation of changemakers.

Mentorship at the Heart of Riordan

A cornerstone of the Riordan Programs is its powerful mentorship model. Each Riordan Scholar is paired with 1st- and 2nd-year UCLA Anderson MBA students, leaders-in-training who are eager to pay it forward. This cross-cultural connection fosters meaningful learning, builds lasting relationships, and gives Scholars a trusted guide as they navigate both their academic journey and future careers.

Through mentorship, students gain not only knowledge and skills, but also confidence and a support system that lasts well beyond the program.

As a Riordan Programs supporter, you will be making an essential contribution to some of the following initiatives:

As a Riordan Programs supporter, your gift directly impacts the lives of Scholars by funding opportunities that remove barriers and open doors. Your generosity helps us provide:

• College Scholarships for graduating 12th-grade Riordan Scholars
• A Tuition-Free Program that ensures access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances
• Reliable Transportation to UCLA Anderson School of Management, making participation possible for students across Los Angeles
• Enrichment Activities such as the Stock Market Analyst Competition, Real Estate Competition, and our end-of-year Graduation Celebration

Every contribution, no matter the size, empowers students to dream bigger, achieve more, and lead with purpose.

Riordan Scholars come from historically underserved and low-income communities, many becoming the first in their families to graduate high school and pursue college. With the support of donors like you, we are able to provide a tuition-free program at UCLA Anderson, including SAT preparation, high-level lectures on real estate and the stock market, and a safe space to explore a world of new possibilities.

Each year, your generosity fuels the program by covering the essentials: printed materials, nourishing meals, reliable student transportation, and the resources that bring each session to life. By contributing today, you are helping to empower the next generation of leaders to thrive.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS

Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.