Students gather in class with instructor

A Pathway to a College Degree

The Mantener el Camino program is a mentoring program for those with extensive pastoral experience, but have not achieved a college degree and wish to begin a journey to higher education. Faculty and advisors help students meet the challenges of college education, preparing them better for their future, and improving the quality of ministers available to serve the Church. The program begins in Fall 2024. Submit an application for admission between June 1 - September 3, 2024. To request an application, email Delmy Ruíz, program associate, at delmy.ruiz@lmu.edu

The Mantener el Camino program is a community college mentoring program for Hispanic pastoral ministers in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and neighboring Dioceses. Participating students in the program all have extensive pastoral experience, but have not achieved a college degree.

The goal of Mantener el Camino is to walk with them to help them meet the challenges of college education, preparing them better for their future and improving the quality of ministers available to work in the Church. Mantener el Camino has been funded by a grant from an anonymous foundation.

Who Should Participate

The Mantener el Camino program is designed for those who want to pursue an associate degree at a community college, transferring to a university. Courses at LMU will be offered in two languages ​​(Spanish/English) as a hybrid (online/in class). Participants will enroll in a community college and program staff will support them until they achieve their degree.

Program Benefits

The support of the Mantener el Camino program consists of:

  • Mentoring support
  • Workshops and seminars to help students achieve success
  • Tutoring in certain subjects such as English and Math
  • A fund that offers limited help for non-academic emergencies
  • Assistance with navigating the community college system/experience

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, please contact the program associate, Delmy Ruíz at delmy.ruiz@lmu.edu.

Program Requirements

  • Involved in ministry within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles or neighboring Dioceses – applicant will need to submit a letter of recommendation from the pastor or director of ministry
  • Less than 45 college semester credits completed
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA average in college units (if applicant has taken college courses)
  • Classified as a low-income student
  • Access to a computer and the internet
  • Submit an application