Dear friend,
I am writing this letter to share with you about a wonderful young man who brightened up the lives of many who were fortunate enough to have known him. Isaac Jamal White, Ike as he was known by his peers, entered into the foster care system at a young age. He overcame tremendous obstacles as a young adult and found his life journey on the doorsteps of Laney College, where he joined the the b2b Learning community, a program housed within the Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) department, to support emancipated foster youth successfully achieve their educational and life goals. Isaac was driven to complete his education at Laney College and challenge the expectations dominant society assumed for him. Tragically, Isaac was murdered on January 4, 2012.
Laney College, EOPS, is setting up a scholarship fund in his honor, to serve current and emancipated foster youth and homeless youth at Laney College. This fund will carry on Isaac J. White’s legacy of resilience, dedication to education and commitment to community.
We are currently raising funds for this scholarship and hope to be able to offer disbursements on an annual basis to deserving emancipated foster youth students. We all know that emancipated foster youth students encounter many challenges as they navigate through life and educational systems. Each year, approximately 4,000 youth emancipated from California’s foster care system. Upon emancipation, 65% do not have a place to live and 51% are unemployed. Studies also suggest that 7-13% of foster youth students enroll in higher education yet only 1-3% attain a college degree. We are hoping that by offering this scholarship, we can help alleviate some of the cost associated with college attendance and recognize and honor those students who beat the odds and are determined to succeed educationally and in life.
This scholarship will only be possible through the support of generous donors like you. Please open up your heart to this worthy cause and any amount you give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and we hope for your kind reply.
Sincerely,
Susan Truong and Rae Hendriksz, b2b Co-Coordinators
Laney College
Ways to give:
By check:
Please make checks payable to Peralta Colleges Foundation, with a note in the memo stating:
“Isaac J. White Memorial Fund”. Checks can be mailed to 333 East 8th Street, Oakland, CA 94606.
Online (by credit or debit card):
You can pay through the following web address (Fundly.com takes 5% of each donation):
http://fundly.com/isaac-j-white-memorial-fund
