The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) College & Career Accelerator (CCA) program is reshaping the landscape of education and workforce opportunities for students throughout Los Angeles. By hosting career panels, college workshops, and immersive workforce development initiatives, the CCA is leaving a profound impact on young people from diverse backgrounds. Here is a look back at the key milestones achieved in 2024.
In 2024, the CCA initiative organized nine transformative events, engaging 720 students from LADF’s Grantee and Dodgers Dreamteam networks. These events were meticulously designed to motivate and prepare students with the knowledge, resources, and self-assurance needed to carve out successful futures.
The year kicked off with dynamic career panels that highlighted the vast array of opportunities available. Events such as January’s “Play Like a Girl” panel and September’s “Alliance Career Lab” inspired participants by showcasing the possibilities that lie ahead. Professionals from various industries shared their journeys, providing attendees with invaluable insights. Reflecting on the MLB at Work panel in May, attendee Sydney Franks remarked, “I’ve learned to seize every opportunity because you never know where it might lead.”
During the summer, the focus shifted to equipping students with essential knowledge about higher education. A series of five college workshops provided practical guidance on the application process and simplified the complexities of financial aid. These sessions offered students a clearer path to accessing higher education, alleviating stress and uncertainty often associated with the process.
A key element of the CCA initiative is the LADF Legacy Scholarship, which was launched during the 2022 All-Star Game festivities in Los Angeles. This scholarship awards $10,000 to outstanding students to help cover educational expenses at two- or four-year universities within the Greater Los Angeles area. Administered by the California Community Foundation, the scholarship initially supported students from Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles programs and expanded in 2023 to include Dodgers Dreamteam youth.
To date, the LADF Legacy Scholarship program has supported 30 exceptional students. These scholars are recognized not only for their academic accomplishments but also for their resilience and determination. Julieta Ramirez, a Legacy Scholar, encapsulated the program’s impact, saying, “Being here feels like a breath of fresh air. It reassures me that I’m on the right path.”
LADF’s dedication to education is further exemplified by its enduring partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF). Since 1987, LADF and the Dodgers have contributed over $4.3 million to support 75 scholars pursuing higher education. On Jackie Robinson Day in 2024, LADF presented the JRF with an $800,000 check to fund 10 additional scholarships over the next four years. Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, along with LADF’s 2024–2025 JRF Scholars, accepted the donation.
The JRF Scholarships extend beyond financial support, providing recipients with a robust mentorship network and resources to aid their academic and professional success. Michael Julius Umolu, a JRF Scholar, highlighted the program’s influence, sharing, “Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers Foundation have shown me the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and being willing to uplift others.”
Additionally, the CCA program’s highly competitive Associates Program offered college and graduate students from diverse backgrounds a year-long, hands-on experience within a nonprofit sports foundation. This program not only enhanced participants’ professional skill sets but also provided them with the tools to foster meaningful, lasting connections.
Such transformative opportunities are made possible through the unwavering commitment of partners like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). As a sponsor of the program, LADWP’s focus on equity and opportunity amplifies the reach and impact of LADF’s initiatives.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation envisions a future where every individual, regardless of their ZIP code, has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting LADF’s mission, you can help create pathways to success, build brighter futures, and strengthen communities. Your contributions can bring these goals to fruition. Join us today and make a lasting impact on Los Angeles’ next generation.
