BLU Educational Foundation Hosts Annual Scholarship and Awards Reception with More Than $150,000 in Financial Assistance Given to California Students Entering Colleges and Universities this Fall

Masons of California and College Futures Foundation Also Provide Funding Support

(Photo above: BLU awarded more than $150,000 in educational scholarships to students preparing to enter colleges and universities this fall.)

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.  –  California students heading to institutions of higher learning this fall are receiving much needed financial support thanks to BLU Educational Foundation (BLU).  On Thursday, June 9, BLU held its annual scholarship and awards reception at San Bernardino Valley College where more than $150,000 in educational scholarships was awarded to more than 40 students preparing to start their freshman year at colleges and universities around the country. The students are participants in BLU’s College Exodus Project (CEP), which assists students in obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees from accredited colleges and universities.  The scholarships are made possible by a new partnership with the Masons of California, a grant from the College Futures Foundation, and private donations. The Masons awarded 12 students with 4-year scholarships totaling more than $80,000. The scholarships cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for students.

[ecko_quote source=”said Dina Walker, President and CEO of BLU. “]We’re extremely proud of our students and very thankful to our funders and donors who make this scholarship opportunity possible. The scholarships provide some financial relief for students with limited income and pursuing higher education.[/ecko_quote]

This is the seventh consecutive year that BLU has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to students participating in the CEP, which provides comprehensive college information, assistance and support to help students with admissions, financial aid, retention, and graduation from public and private institutions throughout the country. In exchange, students are expected to contribute to the local economy through employment, internships and/or volunteer service while participating in the program.

“Our mission is to ensure that students in our program come full circle and exit as a college graduate. We stay in close contact with every student throughout their undergraduate experience. We’re dedicated to preparing students to enter college and successfully complete their education,” added Walker.

The CEP was created out of a need to increase the number of Inland Empire students graduating from college. BLU congratulates the following scholarship recipients:

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Summit High School

• Tiffany Abodoh
• Tiarra Blanche
• D’Ante Booker
• Alesha Bowen
• Amber Clay
• Davina Clay
• Jade Gayles
• Taelor Gray-Arnold
• Samantha Ndege
• Ryan Rogers
• Marcus Shields
• Makayla Thompson
• Jabari Watson
• Angel Williams
• Desmond Young

Vista Del Lago High School

• Mario Hernandez
• Alfonso Madrigal
• Pearlene Phem

Wilmer Amina Carter High School

• Jazmine Gray

Eisenhower High School

• Taja Sinclair

Rialto High School

• Breanna Earvin
• Natalie Jews

Val Verde High School

• Markell Parker

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Arroyo Valley High School

• Ashly Brown
• Cynthia Hernandez-Rendon
• Austin Montoya
• Maria Tamayo
• Alejandra Tapia

Middle College High School

• Jordan Brown

San Bernardino High School

• Adam El-Sheriff

Rancho Verde High School

• Ayzia Clowney

Pacific High School

• Sharece Adams
• Brahier Anthony
• Janaye Browne
• Darnell Collins
• Kiana Flenor
• Jasmine Garcia
• Mister Gibson
• Aryana Hernandez
• June James
• Korion Mabin
• Casey Ortega
• Allen Smith
• Breana Smith
• Tatyana Taylor
• Sarah Tilo
• Emily Turcotte
• Dominique Whitfield

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About BLU Educational Foundation

BLU Educational Foundation (BLU) began its work in 2001 as a response to the higher education challenges faced by families with limited income and limited opportunities in California’s Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties). Currently, BLU manages several education and human service programs that create a comprehensive approach to our goal of building productive communities. For more information, visit www.bluedfoundation.org or call (909) 685-9995.