Operation Progress, a scholarship and mentorship program, is now a part of Strive.
History
Operation Progress was founded in 1999 by LAPD Officer John Coughlin. John’s work as a gang officer in the projects of the Watts community has given him a unique understanding of the challenges facing kids who have ambitions beyond the projects. John’s love and commitment to these kids is evident in his tireless efforts and his fatherly mentoring of countless students over the years. See this LA Times article about John’s early efforts organizing Operation Progress.
In 2013, Rick Caruso and his family made a significant investment in Operation Progress and teamed up with John to provide hundreds of scholarships and mentorship to the children of Watts. Strive is honored to receive the baton from John and Rick and grow the student-scholarship legacy they built. More important than the scholarship legacy is the foundation of success they have provided to hundreds of hard-working and deserving low-income students.
The best part about John and Rick’s involvement is that it will continue. We at Strive thank John for his heart, his soul and his humor and Rick for his leadership of and investment in Operation Progress and the city of Los Angeles. We also thank them for entrusting Strive to manage the next chapter of the Operation Progress scholarships they created. Hundreds of current and future students also thank you.
As Strive transitions into the effective and efficient management of the Operation Progress Scholars and their academic careers, we invite all previous OP donors as well as current and prospective donors to reach out to us with any questions you might have.
Thank you all for investing in our beautiful kids.
We thank the following and all Operation Progress Donors
The Ahmanson Foundation
Argyros Family Foundation
Allen Shay & Kirsten Hansen
Ballmer Group
California Community Foundation
Canet Foundation
Caruso Family Foundation
Gries Family Charitable Fund
Los Angeles Rams Foundation
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
The Rose Hills Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Dan and Sue White
Windsong Trust
Scholarship Schools
Elementary Schools
Mother of Sorrows
San Miguel
St. Lawrence of Brindisi
High Schools
Mary Star of the Sea
St. Pius St. Matthias Academy
St. Mary’s Academy
Bishop Conaty
Notre Dame Academy
Colleges/Universities
Cal State Long Beach
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal State Fullerton
UC San Diego
Northeastern
Texas Christian
St. John’s
Stonehill College
UC Berkley
UC Irvine
UC Davis
Cal State Northridge
Donate to the Operation Progress Scholarship Fund
Scholar Spotlight
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Liliana
Mother of Sorrows
Liliana, a bright 3rd-grade student at Mother of Sorrows, has been a part of Strive since 1st grade. Last year, she expressed her dissatisfaction with her public school experience, yearning for a more supportive and enriching learning environment. Recognizing her potential, Strive awarded her a scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year, allowing her to enroll at Mother of Sorrows—an opportunity that has transformed her educational journey.
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Kobe
Mary Star of the Sea
Kobe has been a part of Strive for two years, demonstrating dedication and perseverance in everything he does. With the support of the Operation Progress scholarship, he is able to attend Mary Star of the Sea, where he continues to excel academically. He is also a dedicated soccer player for Nick’s Kids. Kobe’s strong work ethic and positive attitude make him a role model, truly embodying the spirit of Strive.
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Celeste
Northeastern University
Celeste's resolute spirit exemplifies the core of Strive's mission. Coming from Watts, she embarked on an inspirational journey fueled by the support of Operation Progress. Handpicked from a pool of 400 candidates, Celeste secured one of 15 highly coveted spots for the Torch Scholarship, a program dedicated to empowering first-generation college students at Northeastern University where she is pursuing her aspiration of becoming a nurse.