Ģý

Meet Our 2025-26 Student Cohort                     

Group photo of this year's student cohort

Left to right: Joshua Webster '26, Linda Saidi '27, Esther Lazarre '26, Navar Else-Boss’26. Photo: Obinna Anyanwu

 

More about our current cohort:
Interested in joining our next cohort? 
Ģý the Fellowship

Ģý created the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program in 2020 in the aftermath of the social justice movement that occurred following the death of George Floyd. Since its inception, the program has empowered a small cohort of students to develop research projects designed to shed light on systemic challenges while acting as a catalyst for meaningful change within Black and other communities of color.
 
Beyond the research, the program is dedicated to connecting the cohort and the broader student body with high-level opportunities in Healthcare, Business, and Entertainment. The program intentionally facilitates opportunities that help students discover their “blueprint for success.” This includes everything from immersive site visits, leadership of panel discussions, professional development workshops, exposure to national conferences to strategic relationship‑building with professionals who can inspire, mentor, and open doors. Many of these partnerships grow into sustained connections such as shadowing experiences and ongoing mentorship.

Support This Scholarship

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


Note: This scholarship is contingent on Ģý receiving grant funding from AMGEN Foundation.

The 2024-2025 Cohort Experience

Cohort collage


Signature Events

 

Experiential Learning Experiences

Women’s Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills at Cedars-Sinai

groupshot

Thank You to Our Community Partners

Ģý 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