The work
MEI creates multiple entry points for students while building a sustainable foundation for long-term educational support. Each pathway serves different needs while contributing to the overall strength of the system.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial support that keeps students in school.
MEI provides scholarships that help students access and remain in education. Depending on the situation, support may cover tuition, school fees, housing, or other essential costs that allow a student to stay focused on their studies.
mentorship
Financial support that keeps students in school.
MEI provides scholarships that help students access and remain in education. Depending on the situation, support may cover tuition, school fees, housing, or other essential costs that allow a student to stay focused on their studies.
Educational Resources
Financial support that keeps students in school.
MEI provides scholarships that help students access and remain in education. Depending on the situation, support may cover tuition, school fees, housing, or other essential costs that allow a student to stay focused on their studies.
THE WORK
-

Scholarships
Financial support that keeps students in school.
MEI provides scholarships that help students access and remain in education. Depending on the situation, support may cover tuition, school fees, housing, or other essential costs that allow a student to stay focused on their studies.
-

Mentorship
A steady presence during the transition into adulthood.
Students are paired with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and consistent relational support. As young adults navigate independence, work, school, and life decisions for the first time, mentors walk alongside them so they don’t have to figure it out alone.
-
Educational Resources
Stability that makes focus possible.
Some barriers to education have nothing to do with tuition. MEI provides practical support such as books, technology, transportation, meals, and other resources that stabilize a student’s ability to stay in school and move forward.
ACCESSIBILITY
More students can access support.
With three entry points, no one is excluded because of their starting point, goals, or financial situation.
FLEXIBILITY
As student’s needs change, the model adapts.
Students can shift between tiers as their circumstances evolve, ensuring support remains aligned with real life.
COMMUNITY
All students stay connected.
Regardless of tier, students access the same community network of peers, volunteers, and future mentors.
FAQs
-
Anyone pursuing education, training, or career development can apply.
While MEI specializes in supporting Transitional-Age Youth (TAY), typically ages 16–24 navigating school, independence, or foster care transitions, we review every application individually.
-
MEI supports students in three main areas:
Los Angeles: local mentorship, support, and digital pathways
United States: scholarship assistance and digital programs
International: We work globally with trusted partners to provide scholarship and school placement support
Your location does not disqualify you.
-
A Comprehensive Scholarship is MEI’s highest level of support.
It is designed for students who face significant financial or environmental barriers to staying in school.
Support levels vary depending on the country, school type, program length, and actual cost of education.This tier is focused on high-need students and is funded through dedicated donors and partners who want to ensure every student has a real chance to continue their education.
-
Educational costs are different in every country, school, and program and some fees change year to year.
To stay responsible, MEI sets an annual financial cap for each Comprehensive Scholarship.What students need to know:
If your school fees fall within MEI’s cap → we can usually cover them.
If your school fees exceed the cap → we work with you, your school, and community partners to find a shared plan. -
Anyone can refer a student: teachers, community leaders, social workers, family members, mentors, or friends.
There are two simple ways to make a referral:1. Share the application link.
The student can apply directly through our website.
2. Submit a referral form yourself.
Tell us the student’s name, location, age, and why you believe they’d benefit from MEI. Our team will reach out to them (or their family/guardian when appropriate) with next steps.
Referrals are especially helpful for:
Transitional-Age Youth (ages ~16–24)
Students who are disconnected from school
Students who have strong potential but limited support
You don’t need to explain everything or know all the details, just help us get connected. We’ll take it from there.
Need help?
Our team is here for you, every step of the way.