The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) Education Fund and Foundation (Ed Fund) held its 25th Annual Ed Fund Reception at the Hilton Culver City on June 27.
This milestone event celebrated a quarter-century of dedicated efforts to address the alarming dropout rate among students of color in South Los Angeles and to support their educational and entrepreneurial aspirations.
The significance of the Ed Fund’s mission was underscored by recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, revealing a persistent racial gap in college graduation rates. Among students who entered four-year colleges in 2015, only 45.7 percent of Black students had earned a bachelor’s degree by 2021, compared to 68 percent of White students.
This 22.2 percentage point gap highlights the urgent need for initiatives like the GLAAACC Ed Fund, which since 1999 has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to 200 minority high school seniors.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/glaaaccs-business-bootcamp-helps-small-businesses-grow.html
https://lasentinel.net/glaaaccs-30th-economic-awards-dinner-celebrates-black-business-champions.html
“The Education Fund and Foundation scholarship program is a testament to the impact of collective effort and the enduring importance of investing in education,” GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale said.
“We owe it to the next generation of business owners and entrepreneurs to provide them with all the resources they need to succeed.”
GLAAACC Ed Fund Chairwoman Kim Carter, an attorney at Epstein Becker Green, opened the event with a passionate address about the organization’s mission and the critical role it plays in supporting African American youth.
She emphasized that the scholarships and programs provided by the Ed Fund have not only enabled students to pursue higher education but have also fostered their entrepreneurial spirit and leadership potential.
The evening featured several key moments, including the presentation of substantial donations from major sponsors. The Hale Family Foundation and SoCalGas each presented checks for $25,000, supporting the Ed Fund’s STEM student scholarships. Joe Chow, Supply Chain Strategy and Planning Manager at SoCalGas, expressed his pride in contributing to the future of these talented students.
Culver City Mayor Yasmine Imani-McMorrin and Councilmember Triston Ezidore were among the distinguished speakers. Ezidore made history as the youngest elected official in Los Angeles County and the first Black male to serve on the Culver City Unified Board of Education. In his keynote address at the 2023 Ed Fund Scholarship Reception, Ezidore shared his inspiring journey and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams in spite of the odds.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of the eight scholarship recipients from Crenshaw High School, Washington Preparatory High School, Hamilton High School, Dorsey High School, and Jordan High School. These students underwent a rigorous screening process and were selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.
The recipients included Emani Goldman (California State University, Fresno), Brooklyn Gulley (California State University, Long Beach), Briyan Aldridge (University of California, Davis), Paige Gray (California State University, Northridge), Elijah Gordon (University of California, Los Angeles), Alana Pearson (University of California, Berkeley), Sara Atkins (University of California, Irvine), and Dalila Lawrence (California State University, Long Beach).
The GLAAACC Ed Fund not only provides financial assistance but also fosters a supportive community for its scholars. The recipients attended a college orientation and financial literacy class to prepare them for the financial aspects of their college journey. This holistic approach ensures that the students are well-equipped to navigate their academic paths and future careers.
Senior event sponsors included SoCalGas and the Hale Family Foundation, with additional support from Bank of America, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and Northrop Grumman.
Financial Literacy Supporters such as Epstein Becker Green, Elite Auto Network, Joyce Lombard Boyd, Georgina Gatewood-Shaw, and Southern California Edison also played a crucial role in the scholarship program. Other supporters included Valero, AG & Associates, and OutFront Media.
The reception was more than just a celebration of past achievements; it was a call to action for continued support and investment in educational equity. Britne Peterson from Bank of America highlighted the event’s impact, stating, “The college transition is one of the most important stages in a young scholar’s life. It was a moment of joy and celebration, where students could see themselves in the future and identify mentors to guide them.”
Vaughn M. Williams III, SoCalGas Supplier Diversity Manager, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the event was about “hope obtained, and visions realized.” He praised GLAAACC for creating opportunities that not only support young lives but also pave pathways for a brighter future.
The 25th Annual Ed Fund Reception was a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in achieving educational equity. As the GLAAACC Ed Fund looks to the future, it remains committed to empowering the next generation of African American leaders, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
