Stockton, California’s first African American mayor, Michael Tubbs, just announced a new plan that will offer all of the city’s public high school graduates scholarships to college.
The plan will be made possible via a $20 million grant from the California Community Foundation that will fund a program called the Stockton Scholars program. With this grant money, all high school graduates from the Stockton Unified School District admitted to a four-year university will receive $1,000 per year and those admitted to a two-year university will receive $500 per year.
Photo credit: Rich Ibarra / Capital Public Radio
In a letter posted on the program’s site, Tubbs, 27, discussed his personal connection to the scholarship program and the value of investing in youth education.
“In many ways, my story parallels that of Stockton,” he wrote. “Statistically speaking, as a young Black man born and raised in South Stockton, it was highly unlikely for me to attend college and much less become mayor. With the guidance of a supportive network of individuals who nurtured my personal, intellectual, and professional growth, I was able to attend and graduate from Stanford University. I am proof positive of the positive returns that come in investing in young people and the future.”
The scholarship initiative will begin in 2019 with the $20 million grant funding the program for the next 10 years. However, Tubbs hopes to continue the program for decades longer by raising an additional $80 million.
“Our children are our most precious resources and we must invest in them and provide the wrap around support needed for them to succeed,” said Tubbs.