University of California President Janet Napolitano announced a new project Tuesday to support high school students, local businesses and community organizations in Oakland, where UC headquarters are located.
As part of the UC Oakland Partnership, the UC Office of the President will offer at least two to three scholarships to graduating Oakland high school seniors who have committed to enrolling at a UC campus.
The scholarships will be funded by staff-generated events, matching funds from the UCOP and a percentage from purchases made at local independent businesses using an “Oakland Grown” gift card. UC employees can use the gift card to patronize local businesses and collect reward points for purchasing local goods and services.
“It’s incumbent for all of us, including UCOP, to ensure Oakland’s success as the part of the community,” said Dianne Klein, a UC spokeswoman. “As for the scholarship this is one way to extend that and let students know that the UC is accessible in addition to other financial aid.”
To engage with the local community, the UCOP will also be a charity partner for the Oakland Running Festival and plans to participate in other community events.
“I live and work in this community,” Napolitano said, according to a press statement released Tuesday. “We at the Office of the President need to support and celebrate Oakland as our home. We need to be better, more engaged neighbors.”
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff. Contributing reports from Alex Torpey, Bruin contributor.
I am so glad the current leader of UCOP is doing what no other UC President has done. My job and city can only get better.