By Erin Edwards
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) College & Career Accelerator (CCA) initiative is transforming pathways to higher education and workforce success for students across Los Angeles. Through career panels, college workshops, and hands-on workforce development, the CCA is making a lasting impact in the lives of youth from diverse communities. Here’s a look back at the 2024 highlights!
The CCA program delivered nine impactful events in 2024, reaching 720 students from its LADF Grantee and Dodgers Dreamteam networks. Each event was tailored to inspire and equip students with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to forge successful futures.
The year began with high-energy career panels designed to showcase the diverse possibilities ahead. From January’s Play Like a Girl panel to September’s Alliance Career Lab, each event was a celebration of determination and discovery. The stories shared by professionals resonated deeply with attendees. As Sydney Franks reflected after the MLB at Work panel in May, “I’ve realized that I should take every opportunity, no matter what, because you never know where it might lead me.”
Summer brought a series of five college workshops that helped students demystify the application process and navigate the often overwhelming world of financial aid. For many, these workshops were transformative.
One element of the CCA is the LADF Legacy Scholarship, established during the 2022 All-Star Game festivities in Los Angeles. This provides $10,000 scholarships to exceptional students, helping them cover academic expenses at two- or four-year universities in the Greater Los Angeles area. Administered by the California Community Foundation, the scholarship was initially offered to students from the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles programs. In 2023, it expanded to include Dodgers Dreamteam youth.
To date, the program has supported 30 scholars. These scholars are celebrated not only for their academic achievements but also for their perseverance and determination. Legacy Scholar Julieta Ramirez captured the emotional impact perfectly: “Being here feels like a breath of fresh air, like I made it. It reassures me that I do deserve this.”
The LADF’s commitment to education is further exemplified by its longstanding partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF). Since 1987, LADF and the Dodgers have contributed more than $4.3 million to support 75 scholars pursuing higher education. On Jackie Robinson Day in 2024, LADF presented JRF with a check for $800,000 to fund 10 scholarships over the next four years. Receiving the check on behalf of JRF was Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, along with LADF’s 2024–2025 JRF Scholars.
The JRF Scholarships go beyond financial aid, offering recipients a network of mentorship and resources to help them succeed in their academic and professional journeys. Michael Julius Umolu, a JRF Scholar, reflected on this invaluable support: “Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers Foundation have really shown me the power of maintaining a positive attitude and being willing to support others.”
Through the highly competitive year-long Associates Program, diverse college and graduate students also gained hands-on experience working within a nonprofit sports foundation. The program didn’t just equip them with professional skills — it gave them the tools to build lasting connections.
These moments of transformation are made possible by the commitment of partners like LADWP, the program’s sponsor, whose dedication to equity and opportunity amplifies the reach of the Dodgers Foundation’s efforts.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation envisions a city where everyone regardless of ZIP code has the opportunity to thrive. With your support, you can help us create opportunities, build brighter futures, and strengthen our communities. Donate today, help us bring these goals to life, and join us in making a Lasting Impact for Los Angeles. For contributions of $50 or more, you will receive a limited-edition Silver LADF logo pin. If you contribute $100 or more, you will receive an exclusive Gold LADF logo pin. Visit Dodgers.com/Give today.
A Recap of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation College & Career Accelerator was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.