Imagine being able to dramatically increase the number of students who enter and complete higher education within the next 10 years. How? By offering a guaranteed scholarship to every high school graduate and then reinforcing that promise with mentorship and intensive programming to support students during high school, the college application process, and throughout college.
This is the bold vision being cast in Stockton, California—part of the greater metropolitan area of San Francisco, one of the Weinberg Foundation’s priority communities. The Foundation has committed $3.7 million over three years to support several key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Stockton residents. Funding will go to Reinvent Stockton Foundation to support Stockton Scholars and Stockton Service Corps with the goal of strengthening the high school to career pipeline and civic leadership in Stockton. Funding will also go to Advance Peace, an organization that provides transformational opportunities for young men involved in lethal firearm offenses by placing them in a high-touch, personalized fellowship.
The Foundation’s funding was announced on Wednesday, July 1 as part of the 4th Annual College Signing Day, organized by the Reinvent Stockton Foundation and Office of Mayor Michael Tubbs. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the event was hosted virtually this year and included a video message by Paula B. Pretlow, Weinberg Foundation Trustee. The annual event is intended to showcase and celebrate all graduating seniors in Stockton as they transition into higher education.
