INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Strada Education NetworkSM today announced 10 students as the inaugural class of Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) Strada Education Network Scholars. The students are among 58 the Jackie Robinson Foundation has selected to comprise its Class of 2021 JRF Scholars.
Chosen from 4,700 qualified applicants, the group of college freshmen met a high threshold of academic achievement, financial need and leadership potential. Each proudly assumes the role of ambassador of the rich legacy of American icon Jackie Robinson and his wife Rachel Robinson, who founded the minority scholarship program in 1973, the year after Robinson’s death.
JRF Scholars receive up to $30,000 and participate in a four-year comprehensive mentoring program that includes practical life skills and leadership training through the Foundation’s 42 Strategies for Success curriculum; one-on-one adult and peer mentoring; career guidance; and internship and permanent job placement. The Foundation’s 44-year old, hands on approach has resulted in a consistent, nearly 100% graduation rate.
Funding for the first 10 JRF/Strada Education Network Scholars is part of a $6.5 million grant to the Jackie Robinson Foundation that Strada Education announced in March 2017 with three priorities:
- Provide funding for 30 JRF Scholars over three years
- Enable the Foundation to substantially scale its college success program
- Cap off the fundraising goal for the construction of the Jackie Robinson Museum
The award is the largest single donation to JRF since its founding by Rachel Robinson in 1973, the year after the death of her husband — sports and social justice icon Jackie Robinson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Strada Education Network as a major partner this year and are grateful for their generous sponsorship of 30 JRF Scholars over the next three years,” said Della Britton Baeza, JRF president and CEO. “Strada Education’s tremendous expertise and its mission of ‘Completion With a Purpose’ will bolster our commitment to close the achievement gap in higher education and the workplace.”
The following students comprise the inaugural class of JRF/Strada Education Network Scholars:
- Chloe Benson of North Charleston, S.C. — Villanova University
- Miles Esters of Chicago — George Washington University
- Langston Graham of Oakland, Calif. — New York University
- Nadia Khan of Glenn Dale, Md. — University of Maryland, College Park
- Tahj Lakey of Inglewood, Calif. — Yale University
- Victoria Lamothe of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. — University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- Adanze Nnyagu of Austell, Ga. — University of Georgia
- Marshall Strawbridge of St. Louis — Manhattan College
- Kiarra Womack of Sarasota, Fla. — Washington University in St. Louis
- Terrell Worrell of Woodbridge, Va. — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
“This initial class of JRF/Strada Education Network Scholars boasts an impressive range of achievements and interests befitting a program named for one of our nation’s most celebrated figures in sports, civil rights, business and education,” said William D. Hansen, Strada Education president and CEO. “Strada Education is honored to partner with JRF to support and scale the JRF Scholars program, and we look forward to the many successes in college and career that await these students.”
Visit www.stradaeducation.org to learn more and read the Class of 2021 JRF/Strada Education Scholars bios here.
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ABOUT STRADA EDUCATION NETWORK
Strada Education Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving lives by strengthening the pathways between education and employment. We engage innovative partners across education, nonprofits, business and government to advance Completion With a Purpose, building a more purposeful path for America’s students to rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. Learn more at StradaEducation.org.
ABOUT THE JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION
Established in 1973 to perpetuate Jackie Robinson’s memory, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a national, nonprofit organization that administers one of the nation’s premier education and leadership development programs for minority college students. In addition to generous financial assistance, JRF offers a comprehensive set of support services that includes job placement, career guidance, leadership and practical life skills training, and international travel opportunities. JRF’s celebrated four-year program yields a consistent, nearly 100% college graduation rate. JRF has provided over $75 million in grants and direct program support to over 1,500 students who have attended 225 colleges and universities. The Foundation is engaged currently in building the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City to educate and inspire the public around Jackie Robinson’s courageous deeds both on and off the field.
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