Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program

Current cohort of scholars

Left to right: Jon Gustin '26, Avya Pandhi '26, Devon Goosby '26, Angela Abalo '26, Davian Gonzalez '26; Photo: Obinna Anyanwu


Cal Lutheran created this 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 2023 will represent the fourth cohort of students who engage in work that embodies progress toward a just society. The program features scholarship, mentorship and community partnerships. Note: This scholarship is contingent on California Lutheran University receiving grant funding from AMGEN Foundation.

Support This Scholarship

If you would like to make a gift to support this scholarship, you can give online to our fund.


Jump to: Benefits & Expectations | About | Current Scholars | How to Apply | Past Scholars | Photo Gallery | Partners

Program Benefits and Expectations

By becoming a Community Scholar for Black Lives, students gain access to a number of valuable benefits.

  • $5,000 Fellowship Scholarship Award
  • Mentorship from faculty and partners from organizations engaged in advancing the progression of Black constituents
  • Travel funds to attend local or national conference focused on equity and justice in the black community
  • Project budget up to $500
  • Recognition as Community Scholar
 
About the Program

On May 25, 2020, the world witnessed the modern-day lynching of a Black man. His name, George Floyd, has been added to a litany of names of people who encountered similar fates. Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Rashard Brooks, Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Meagan Hockaday are among the numerous Black lives lost to the use of deadly force by police and racially motivated acts of violence, oftentimes with no criminal repercussion.

The year 2020 brought the issue of race to the forefront on many different levels.  As students, you witnessed or heard about racial slurs and derogatory depictions of Black people on our own campus and, while amid working toward making Cal Lutheran a more welcoming place, the horrendous killing of George Floyd by police reminded us all of the gravity of racism in the U.S. In response, millions of people have taken to the streets to rally for change, yet the number of people who lack understanding about the inequities confronted by Black people is daunting. Of those who do understand the issues, many feel helpless or hopeless. So where do we go from here?

 

2023-24 Community Scholars for Black Lives Cohort

Jon "JC" Gustin

Avya Pandhi

Devon Goosby

Angela Abalo

Davian Gonzalez

 

 

 

 


How to Become a Community Scholar for Black Lives

Student Eligibility

  1. Open to Cal Lutheran undergraduate and graduate students with at least one year of studies left prior to graduation
  2. Must be at least a sophomore during program year
  3. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
  4. Must demonstrate evidence of interest in equity and justice: major or minor discipline, community service, demonstrated involvement in organizations focused on advancing racial justice or specifically focused on progress for African Americans

Steps to Apply

  1. Submit an application with a Statement of Purpose and Project Proposal attached
  2. Send a Cal Lutheran transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)

Submit Your Application

Important Dates

Date Event
February 8, 2024 at 4 p.m. or February 22, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Informational Webinars
RSVP

April 1, 2024

Application Period Opens

May 5, 2024 Application Period Closes
Accepting Applications for Fall 2024 Current Program Term
Past Cohorts of Community Scholars for Black Lives

2022-23

Rakaihya Thomas

Rakaihya Thomas

Elul Nedi

Elul Nedi

Adgbemisola (Gbemi) Abon

Gbemi Abon

Valerie Salazar

Valerie Salazar



2021-22

Teketa  Bellamy

Teketa Bellamy

Jaden Lyons

Jaden Lyons

Sloan Sanders

Sloan Sanders

Sarah Wells

Sarah Wells

 

2020-21

Emozino Ayetuoma

Emozino Ayetuoma

Landry Irumva

Landry Irumva

Elysia Williams

Elysia Williams

 

 

Recent Events and Scholars in Action

Media Gallery


Celebration of Black Excellence

February 29, 2024

Program’s cohort members, Angela Abalo ‘26, Devon Goosby ’26, and Davian Gonzalez ‘26, hosted a panel discussion titled, “A Celebration of Black Excellence,” in honor of Black History Month. Featured guests included Marc A. Henderson II, MBA, CFP, Market Director, Thrivent Financial; Dionne Phillips, CEO & Founder of D’Lashes Lash and Wellness Spa, and Zuri Murrell, M.D., Colon & Rectal Surgeon, Medical Director, Outreach and Quality Integration Cedars-Sinai Cancer, and Chairman of Physician DEI Taskforce, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. These professionals shared stories about their careers, insights on diversity and inclusion, and the importance of giving back and empowering their communities.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

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 are:

  • 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
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