By Kathy Chouteau

The Richmond Standard

Nearly 500 student dreams for the future will become a higher education reality when the Richmond Promise celebrates its annual ‘Scholar Celebration’ on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 1-4 p.m. at Richmond’s Civic Center Plaza.

The Scholar Celebration presents an opportunity for the organization to usher in its newest class of approximately 500 college-bound scholars, in an event that’s free for the community to join. The celebration, which will feature a college quad-style vibe, will have games, food trucks, community resources and booths with local colleges and universities.

Christopher Whitmore, Richmond Promise’s executive director, said the organization looks forward to the Scholar Celebration every year “because it gives us a chance to celebrate our newest class of Richmond Promise scholars with the entire Richmond community.” He said the event offers a great reminder that working towards postsecondary success remains a priority for Richmond students and families.

Richmond Promise launched in 2016 via a $35 million, 10-year investment by Chevron Richmond. The funds are part of a $90 million community benefits agreement between the City of Richmond and Chevron related to the $1 billion Refinery Modernization Project.

The organization’s scholars are supported through a $1,500 college scholarship that’s renewable for up to four years, as well as essential wraparound services.

To date, Richmond Promise has supported more than 3,300 young people from Richmond as they progress “to and through” higher education. Currently, more than 1,300 scholars are working toward their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at approximately 200 colleges and universities nationwide while being served by the organization. Among these students are others pursuing career technical education certifications.

The organization said that most of its scholars identify as people of color, first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds.

Those wishing to sponsor Richmond Promise’s Scholar Celebration can contact Christopher Whitmore at cwhitmore@richmondpromise.org. For more info regarding the scholarship, click here. Richmond’s Civic Center Plaza can be found at 2569 Nevin Ave. in Richmond.

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