‘Life does not ask us what we want. It presents us with options’. That gem of wisdom was provided by Thomas Sowell, whom David Mamet calls ‘our greatest contemporary philosopher’. Building on Mr. Sowell’s sentiment about options, we help our students understand the concept of making healthy choices so life doesn’t make them for you.
GradLock is a Learn and Earn program offered to Strive students and scholars.
GradLock provides cash incentives & rewards designed to increase the graduation rates of our low-income, highly-at-risk students as well as provide a financial rewards for their academic achievement.
In our 90003 zip code, only 43% are high school graduates.
Over a four-year high school career, students are able to learn and earn several thousand dollars. Their earnings are also connected to their healthy choices and willing attitude….developed, reviewed and mentored during their high school career and vested only upon high school graduation. Additional earnings and investing options are being developed to reward their college or trade school achievements as well.
Study – work – plan – earn – defer immediate impulses – plan - save – invest…freedom...the freedom to have options in life.
This is not a recipe to accumulate wealth but to accumulate freedom of choice. We help our students increase their options while effectively & wisely maximizing their Work – Plan – Save – Invest ethic.
Our first class of GradLock scholars achieved their earnings in 2025. More students – more growth – more saving – more investing – more life-long healthy choices to come soon.
