Dear La Salle Community,

As you may be aware, La Salle College Preparatory is part of a global network of Lasallian schools and colleges that spans over 80 countries across the world. Our school belongs to the San Francisco New Orleans District within the North American Region of this global network. Each year, administrators from Lasallian schools across the country gather at an annual conference centered around collaboration, professional development, and fellowship.

This year, we are proud to share that La Salle College Preparatory will be recognized as the recipient of the 2025 National Brother Michael Collins Award of Excellence for our World Away Program, which encompasses our five outstanding Centers of Innovation. This award embodies Brother Michael’s commitment to students in an urban environment, respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, and improving access to education for the poor. The purpose of this award is not only to honor Brother Michael and recognize an excellent Lasallian program but also to inspire excellence in other programs across the country and our global community. This esteemed national recognition celebrates the program's unwavering dedication to cultivating every student's innate curiosity while celebrating the unique challenges each learner faces in their pursuit of excellence in advanced courses.

The World Away Program exemplifies inclusive opportunity by providing cutting-edge resources, advanced curricula, and state-of-the-art equipment to all students, regardless of academic ability or socioeconomic background. Students are empowered to follow personalized learning pathways tailored to their passions, supported by a robust framework of skills-based instruction. With a focus on cultural competence, the program thrives in its diverse and inclusive community, offering essential support systems such as tutoring, mentoring, and psychological services to help students navigate the pressures of high-performance environments.

At the heart of the program are its exceptional, highly-trained educators who ignite each student's passion for exploration, risk-taking, and innovation. These fantastic educators develop environments where students can thrive, discover and appreciate their unique strengths, and begin charting career pathways that align with the core values of the Lasallian mission. Through this holistic approach to advanced curriculum and experiences, students are empowered to thrive and contribute purposefully to a future world desperately needing their leadership and knowledge. This award affirms the transformative impact of the World Away Program, which empowers students to dream boldly, learn passionately, and contribute meaningfully to society. Following our innovative founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, we continue reimagining a Lasallian education, unlocking human and spiritual potential, and shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

CARLOW Center for Medical Innovation: Inspires students to explore the future of medicine and healthcare and accelerate and encourage education, research, and entrepreneurship

Center for Cinematic Arts: Inspires students in interactive storytelling entertainment production, music and sound, motion graphics and video, immersive media, video editing, and sound and production design.

Center for Cultural Perspectives: Inspires and prepares students to follow their passion for exploring intercultural relations, travel, diplomacy, international law, and global peace.

Center for Discovery and Design: Inspires engineering, technology, and design and includes advanced tools like CAD and REVIT programs, 3D printers, laser cutters, a wind tunnel, a flight simulator, and advanced robotic creation.

Center for Linguistic Exploration: Inspires language development, cultural awareness, and acceptance of all people, enabling students to engage with authentic language processes, enhancing language proficiency, and mastering diverse and relevant vocabulary.

Partnership with Pasadena City College: Empowering all students with the opportunity to take free, college-level courses that provide future transferable credits applicable toward most colleges and universities, paving the way for academic advancement and lifelong success.

The Brother Michael Collins Award of Excellence celebrates La Salle College Preparatory's dedication to fostering critical thinking, promoting cultural diversity, and enhancing advanced access to innovative academic opportunities for all students. This national recognition serves as a beacon of inspiration for the entire national Lasallian family of schools and colleges, exemplifying the profound impact of a visionary and innovative educational program. We are humbled and honored to receive this award of excellence! Thank you for your continued support of La Salle, our students, and our enduring mission inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle!

Sincerely,

Perry Martin, M.Ed.
School President