Horizon Scholars Program
From foster care to future leaders. Pepperdine Horizon Scholars empowers resilient students to smash barriers, conquer higher education, and become tomorrow's change-makers.
For current and former foster youth, the path to a college degree can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The Pepperdine Horizon Scholars program is designed so that becoming a Wave is accessible to everyone. Grounded in Pepperdine’s mission, Horizon Scholars provides a safe, vibrant, and multigenerational community across all six Pepperdine schools where students can share their stories, heal, and lift one another up. We don’t just want our students to graduate—we want them to thrive! Through dedicated mentorship, spiritual wellness, and tailored resources, we walk alongside our Waves as they transform from foster youth into self-supporting professionals, servant-leaders, and role models for the next generation.
We bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by connecting students with critical financial and lifestyle support, providing them with:
- Academic advising
- Career services
- Counseling
- Financial aid
- Community events
- Housing resources
- Hub for Spiritual Life
- RISE program
- Student employment
Upon arriving at Pepperdine, I felt fully supported and safe, which allowed me to grow and discover more about myself.
Isabella Smith (’23)
Horizon Scholar
Chasing Dreams, Expanding Horizons
At Pepperdine, every student deserves a clear path to their potential. The Horizon Scholars Program provides a dedicated, nurturing community for students who have experienced foster care, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and support to thrive across all six Pepperdine schools.
From navigating five high schools in the Detroit foster-care system to experiencing homelessness in his car at age 22, Pepperdine senior Joshua Elizondo refused to let his circumstances define him. Now a powerful advocate advising California lawmakers and reshaping campus support systems, Elizondo is on a mission to ensure foster youth always have a seat at the table.
Fun Facts
Since 2013, we have achieved a 100 percent academic completion rate while assisting more than 40 Horizon Scholars with scholarship funds.