The Children’s Defense Fund Beat the Odds® program honors outstanding high school students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. Apply by May 31.
The Children’s Defense Fund Beat the Odds® program honors outstanding high school students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. Started in 1990, the program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. Their grit and resilience are overwhelming. Their stories give hope and remind us that none of us have a right to give up on any child or youth.
The application period for the CDF Beat the Odds program will be open for another three weeks. Our very own ECSWANDC Youth Board Member Kawika Smith is a past recipient. Please spread the word to eligible freshman students.
Applicants must:
• be a high school freshman,
• demonstrate commitment to their education
• demonstrate commitment to their community
• demonstrate need for support
• reside in Los Angeles County
Selected honorees will receive a $10,000 scholarship and have access to a suite of academic and career readiness opportunities, as well as leadership and life skills development to support them as they transition from high school to college and beyond.
The application portal for the new cohort of California Beat the Odds honorees is now open until 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2020. For more information or questions, email Cadonna Dory at cdory@childrensdefense.org or call 213-355-8787.
