Pomona College graduate Veronica Banuelos is heading to the White House in August where’s she set to be a public policy fellow with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Her office will be located at the White House.

Banuelos graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in politics, philosophy and economics, and is an alumna of the Pomona College Academy for Youth Success. She was accepted into PAYS back in 2017 while at Arroyo Valley High School.

This summer, Banuelos and nine other former PAYS scholars program served as faculty or staff for PAYS. The program, now in its 22nd year, helps Southern California high school students from under-represented or low-income groups prepare for and get into the colleges of their choice through a four week summer program focusing on math and critical thinking.

This year’s cohort of 98 PAYS scholars lived at Pomona College and conducted research, attended elective courses, and took part in field trips, sports and free-time activities.

Students interested in PAYS should apply in the winter of their freshman year of high school at pomona.edu/administration/draper-center/pays.