Community Scholars for Black Lives
Fellowship Program
Meet Our 2024-25 Student Cohort Members
Left to right: Tyler Stewart '27, Delanie Desano-Smith '26, Julia M’kai Sayyid '27,
Ninelihle Dube '26, Rebekah Afulike '26; Sachin Sharma ‘27 and Olivia Gichanga ’26
(not pictured). Photo: Obinna Anyanwu
More about our current cohort:
Interested in joining our next cohort?
For questions and information about the program, please contact Allison Moore
Cal Lutheran created the Community Scholars for Black Lives program in 2020 to empower students to develop projects designed to strengthen the Black community. With the Amgen Foundation as its major funder, the program was inspired by the challenge from North Central University in Minnesota to establish memorial scholarships in George Floyd’s name.
Fall 2024 represents the fifth cohort of students who engage in work that embodies
progress toward a just society. The program features scholarship, mentorship and community
partnerships.
Support This Scholarship
If you would like to make a gift to support this scholarship, you can give online to our fund.
Or contact us at development@CalLutheran.edu
Note: This scholarship is contingent on California Lutheran University receiving grant
funding from AMGEN Foundation.
Recent Events and Scholars in Action
Cal Lutheran has partnered with six organizations based in Ventura County that focus on the advancement of African Americans. Representatives from each organization will weigh in on the selection of scholars and will participate as advisers to the scholars. The Community Scholars for Black Lives program will further permeate the community as each organization awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors.
Partner Organizations:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Xi Iota Lambda Chapter
- The Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. — Psi Xi Chapter
- Ventura County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Students Securing and Achieving Their Future Through Education (SSAFE)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity