Solidifying efforts to create a College Bound Town during National Scholarship Month
For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact: comms@oaklandpromise.org
Danielle Jones, Director of Communication
OAKLAND, Calif. — In a proclamation signed October 23, Mayor Barbara Lee recognized Oakland Promise’s work to advance educational equity and economic mobility and called on residents, schools, families, and community partners to help build a citywide college-going culture.
“Oakland Promise Day will serve as an annual opportunity to celebrate Oakland’s students, elevate the importance of college and career readiness, and inspire our entire community to champion the educational aspirations and achievements of the next generation,”-said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
Founded in 2016 through a shared commitment by the City of Oakland, Oakland Unified School District, and community partners, Oakland Promise supports children and families through a comprehensive cradle-to-career approach. Its work includes college savings accounts, scholarships, mentorship, and postsecondary success support designed to help young people envision and pursue their educational futures.
“OP Day solidifies a shared vision: an Oakland where every young person, regardless of background, neighborhood, or circumstance, is encouraged, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. This proclamation recognizes that our work depends on the collective commitment of educators, families, community organizations, businesses, philanthropic partners, and civic leaders to remove barriers and create pathways to success.”- Sandra Ernst, CEO of Oakland Promise.
Over the past decade, Oakland Promise has invested more than $40 million in scholarships supporting college students and enrolled more than 4,000 babies in college savings accounts. These investments help families build financial assets and envision educational opportunity from birth, while supporting students on their paths toward postsecondary completion. Additionally Oakland Promise is the College Access Implementation Partner of Oakland’s Children Initiative strengthening support and infrastructure for citywide, income eligible, and placed-based programs.
Oakland Promise will celebrate our first Oakland Promise Day on November 10, 2026, with an event at East Oakland Pride Elementary School from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The celebration recognizes Oakland Promise’s 10 years of service and impact and the collective commitment to helping every Oakland student pursue and complete postsecondary education. We encourage the media to join. This event is not open to the general public and will be in a school day setting.
About Oakland Promise:
Founded in 2016, Oakland Promise is a citywide organization dedicated to advancing equity and economic mobility by supporting Oakland children and families from birth through college and career. Through financial investments, educational support, scholarships, college and career advising, and partnerships across the city, Oakland Promise helps ensure that every Oakland student has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
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