Dodger Stadium becomes a launchpad for dreams at college & career accelerator workshop
by Erin Edwards
The Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium was transformed from a venue for fans into a vibrant space for students to map out their futures.
Nearly 100 middle and high school students gathered for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s (LADF) College & Career Accelerator (CCA) workshop on May 5 — an immersive experience designed to spark curiosity, ambition and action toward college and career pathways.
With sweeping views of the field as their backdrop, youth from the Dodgers Dreamteam program, as well as LADF grantees like Just Keep Livin’, KIPP, Bresee, Barrio Action Youth & Family Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro LA, spent the evening engaging in meaningful conversations and hands-on learning.
The event was held in partnership with the USC College Advising Corps (USC CAC), whose mission is to improve college outcomes for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.
The workshop kicked off with a warm welcome from LADF’s Chief Program Officer Rachel Resnick, followed by introductions from Ara Arzumanian, program director of USC CAC.
Participants were grouped by grade level and participated in focused sessions led by USC CAC advisors. Topics ranged from selecting a college to attend, discovering career interests, preparing for the application process and understanding the types of financial aid available.
Throughout the sessions, students were able to connect their dreams to tangible next steps by asking questions and collaborating with advisors. For many, it was their first exposure to higher education as a real and attainable goal.
“Working especially in South Central LA, the students I serve often struggle to see themselves in college due to their environment or personal challenges,” said Maya Dzib-Diaz, college and career case manager at Jordan High School and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro LA. “Introducing them to college and career readiness gives them motivation to reach beyond where they are right now.”
Mariah Jacobo, program coordinator at USC CAC, echoed the importance of early exposure. “Once students realize that higher education can look like a lot of things, it gets them really excited. Our goal is to help them understand that their career goals can align with college — and college just gets them there faster. Doing this as early as middle school makes a huge difference.”
Of course, the workshop wasn’t all work. Students received Dodger hats, Dodger Dogs, and wrapped up the day with a Q&A session and closing remarks. Tickets were also raffled for tickets to a Dodgers game this season — an exciting reminder that their city and team are rooting for their success.
This workshop was made possible by Leo and Carolina Cammilleri in a five-event series hosted in collaboration with USC CAC. It’s part of LADF’s broader CCA initiative, designed to break down barriers and open doors for youth across Los Angeles. By offering mentorship, practical tools, and inspiration, the program helps ensure that every student — regardless of ZIP code — has the opportunity to thrive.
To learn more, visit Dodgers.com/LADF and join the conversation on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Dodger Stadium Becomes a Launchpad for Dreams at College & Career Accelerator Workshop was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.