On Thursday, July 27, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) collaborated with the nonprofit, Build Hope Inc., to host the 11th Annual Build Hope Inc. (BHI) Scholarship Celebration.
Presented on a virtual platform, a total of 136 scholars, beginning or continuing their post-secondary education and who reside in public or Section 8 housing communities in the city of Los Angeles were awarded a total of $213,000 in scholarships to support their academic endeavors.
The schools attended by the students include UC Irvine, Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Azusa Pacific University, East Los Angeles College, Cal Poly Pomona, and several California State Universities as well as other private and public academic institutions. The event was well attended by students, families, sponsors and colleagues.
Welcome and congratulatory remarks were given by HACLA Board Chair and BHI Board Member Cielo Castro, followed by Jenny Scanlin, president of Build Hope Inc. and chief development officer at HACLA. Returning scholar and Section 8 resident De’Ja Gordon of Cal State LA shared a few inspiring and encouraging words as well.
Gordon achieved a 3.4 GPA in her first two semesters, noting that the road has not been easy, but that she’s come to appreciate her obstacles. She is currently studying biology after switching majors three times and encouraged her peers that it’s never too late to choose a different path as long as you are pursuing success!
Graduating seniors were presented awards by HACLA senior staff, Build Hope Inc. Board Member Marisa Hall, and CSP Police Administrator Joel Lopez. Returning BHI Scholars were presented awards by representatives from scholarship donors YARDI, Nan McKay, JOA Group and Reno & Cavanaugh.
The scholarship event was made possible through other funders and donors including LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership, California Community Foundation, and HACLA.
“Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey,” said Scanlin when addressing the students. “We’re so proud of you. You’ve worked hard to realize these dreams and, undoubtedly, you will all be our next leaders.”
Castro charged each of the students to take action after this celebration. “Hold on to the strength and fortitude that got you to this point,” she said to the graduating seniors. “Take on college and get everything you can!”
And to the continuing students she said, “Please remember to be kind to yourselves. College is full of challenges but please continue to stay the course and you’ll be rewarded ahead with everything your future has to offer.”
To donate to Build Hope Inc., call (213) 252-5458 or visit https://buildhopeinc.org/donations/.
