OAKLAND — From Oakland, a city that has seen more than its share of crime and violence, comes a story of hope: More than 1,100 students received a gift that will change the course of their lives.
It’s expected to be Oakland’s largest scholarship giveaway, thanks to community sponsors.
A group of students gathered Thursday at the Kaiser Convention Center for a special ceremony. They are leaders and role models in their communities.
You won’t find a more positive and inspiring young man than 17-year-old Royal Hubbard.
“That comes from my mother, my aunt, my family, my father,” Hubbard said. “Everyone has put their time and work into creating community in me. What I want to do is bring the community in me and put it right back into the world.”
Hubbard is a senior at Oakland Tech High School and is one of the recipients of the Oakland Promise scholarship. He is among students receiving a share of nearly $5 million to help them attend college. For Hubbard, being the first in his family to receive a college education is a dream come true.
“My dad didn’t have much, my mom didn’t have much, my family didn’t have much, so I learned from their mistakes and I’m going to take their mistakes and ride from them,” he said.
The students receive not only financial support, but also resources such as mentors to guide them in the next chapter of their lives.
Oakland Promise was founded in 2016 as a way to reinvest in urban youth.
“Our students in Oakland are the stars,” said Sandra Ernst, CEO of Oakland Promise. “They are excellent and they have the ability to change the trajectory of their zip code.”
Hubbard will attend CSU Northridge in the fall to study business and marketing with an emphasis in fashion. He has already had the opportunity to be part of New York Fashion Week and hit the runway. He’s on his way to making his dream a reality, but he also knows his journey isn’t just about him.
“I’ve been thinking about it too much, it makes me want to shed a tear,” he said. “My little nephew and my nephew are watching me. I really need to do this. I really need to do something that’s going to change their mentality.”
