This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Occidental College Launches Barack Obama Scholarships
Occidental College. (Photo via Facebook)
Occidental College announced Wednesday a new Barack Obama Scholars Program, which provides full financial support to 20 students a year with an emphasis on veterans, community college transfers, and students who are the first in their family to attend college. The program will begin in fall of 2018.
So far, Occidental has raised $7 million of an eventual $40 million endowment. The school will begin by offering two scholarships next fall, according to their announcement, eventually ramping up to 20 total scholarships. Besides covering the entire cost of Occidental's $70,000/year cost for tuition and boarding, the program will provide funding for summer programs like studying abroad and internships. The college eventually hopes to develop a large enough endowment to also provide post-graduate fellowships for students entering low-paying fields, according to the NYTimes California Newsletter.
Obama Scholars will also be associated with the Program's Advisory Committee, which is comprised of Occidental alumni who work primarily in public works, politics, and/or education. Occidental describes the scholars program as a tool to "empower the next generation of leaders to actively pursue the public good," drawing from President Obama's time as a lawyer and public servant in order to inspire a new generation of students who hope to enter similar fields.
Obama attended Occidental from 1979 to 1981 before transferring to Columbia University to finish his undergraduate degree. “My years at Occidental College sparked my interest in social and political causes, and filled me with the idea that my voice could make a difference,” he said, in reference to the creation of Occidental's program. “That’s why I’m so humbled by the Barack Obama Scholars Program at Oxy, and proud of its mission to identify promising young people from all backgrounds," he added, supporting its plan to "train the next generation of leaders and active citizens, and fill them with the conviction that they too can change the world."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
