The 2024 Urban Scholars Culmination at Cal State Los Angeles

Our 15th annual culmination ceremony at California State University, Los Angeles, was filled with pride, joy, and inspiration as we honored the remarkable achievements of our Urban Scholars.
Eighty-nine graduates were adorned with medals, stoles, certificates, and even iconic Jordan shoes as tokens of recognition for their dedication and hard work throughout their academic journey.
Morningside High School senior Darryl Harris and SJLI Urban Scholars Alumnus Obbie Orellana shared words of encouragement, inspiring our graduates to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Eastside High School teacher Mr. Dajuan Cowan received the Educator of the Year Award, while President and CEO of The California Endowment Dr. Robert K. Ross was honored with the inaugural Dr. Robert K. Ross Unsung Hero Award. Los Angeles County Mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to our seniors in a heartfelt video.
Angela Johnson Peters, the National Director of Programs at SJLI, unveiled the launch of our Urban Scholars Young Women's Program (YWP), which was piloted at LA High School and Dymally High School in the Fall of 2023. YWP fosters a community of sisterhood, providing guidance and support through a specially designed, culturally relevant, and evidence-based curriculum. For the first time, we helped five senior young women transition to the next chapters of their lives.
Here is a look at this unforgettable occasion!