Fostering Black Communities in the Greater Pasadena Area

We envision healthy, equitable and resilient Black families and communities that have access to opportunities for education, economic advancement and building thriving communities.

In 2021 we awarded a historic $36,000 in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students from the Pasadena area who are currently pursuing degrees in STEM or related fields at institutions throughout the U.S.

Meet our scholarship recipients:

  • Kamryn Green ‘22

    Kamryn attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Kamryn earned a degree in Management Economics, as well as a double minor in Finance and Communication. In her freshman year, Kamryn was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society. Throughout her time at Ohio Wesleyan, she has participated in the Chartered Financial Analyst Society Columbus Mentorship Program and competed in Entrepreneurship Pitch Competitions. Upon graduation, Kamryn plans to pursue a career in corporate finance. Kamryn will use the award to offset her tuition, school supplies and to pay for a certification course.

  • Bradey Foster ‘23

    Bradey is a graduate student at the University of Arizona where he is majoring in Information Science with a concentration in data science. His interest in information science began during high school when he had the opportunity to study computer programming through various programming languages. Bradey aspires to pursue a career in data science and analyze data from company databases to drive optimization and improvement of product development, marketing techniques, and business strategies using custom algorithms. The award will help Bradey in addressing his overall financial needs, primarily tuition and living expenses; while reducing his working hours to allow more focus on his studies.

  • Nicole Kennedy ‘24

    Nicole attends California State University of Northridge in Mechanical Engineering. Nicole’s interest in engineering was sparked early as a sixth grader through a USC Viterbi engineering camp. Nicole taught herself industry skills such as designing using the CAD software Autodesk Inventor, and participating in interdisciplinary projects that spanned from designing products using sensors to detect concussions for athletes, to building business plans and models for mock amusement parks. Nicole will use the award to offset her tuition and needed books. She currently works two jobs and is still short on monthly obligations. She plans to use the funds to pay off the rest of her Spring 2021, Fall 2021 tuition, and for books.

  • Kiera Smith ‘23

    Kiera is a junior at the University of Southern California. Currently, she is majoring in Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation in the Iovino and Young Academy. Also, she is a member of 3D Printing for Everyone, a student-run organization engaging the community on 3D printing and modeling. Currently, she works as a graphic designer visualizing data for a nonprofit news organization called Crosstown LA. So far, she is enjoying her time at USC, and is taking advantage of its opportunities.

  • Shanthala Robinson ‘23

    Shanthala is a student at California State Polytechnic University studying Electrical Engineering. Shanthala’s interest in STEM was cultivated at an early age, in elementary school and middle school. In middle school her 2-member team competed in the annual Robo Rally and won first place. Shanthala is interested in specializing in Electronics and Illumination Engineering. This scholarship award will help to pay for tuition, books and lab materials.

We prioritize funding initiatives centered around:

  • Education & Workforce Readiness

    Promote equitable access and opportunity to education, life-skill development and careers for Black youth in the Pasadena/Altadena community.

    Support community-based efforts to promote college, trade and career pathways for Pasadena/Altadena’s African American community.

  • Economic Empowerment Opportunity

    Advocate for information and resources to support the economic advancement, and social impact of Pasadena/Altadena’s Black community.

    Preserve and improve the availability of affordable housing, including improving access and care coordination to prevent displacement and homelessness.

  • Community Health and Wellness

    Reduce mental health stigma and improve knowledge, capacity and resilience in individuals, communities and organizations.

    Support community-based efforts to promote self-care, healthy life style practices, and environmentally friendly communities.

Supporting Students of Color in STEM

“Before attending the conference, being a doctor or a scientist seemed like something I could only dream about, but talking to people in these careers helped me to see that they are just like everyone else.”

— Xiomara

Although America will need to add 1 million more STEM professionals to meet workforce needs by 2022, Black students are the least likely racial group to enter STEM career paths (U.S. Department of Labor). Blacks are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math jobs, relative to their presence in the overall U.S. workforce, particularly among workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

In 2021, the Pasadena Delta Foundation offered STEM scholarships and opportunities to support students in building confidence and being successful in their chosen STEM field. It was an effort to inspire Black students to continue with their STEM majors, and to help sustain their learning, competitiveness and graduation goals.

“By listening to the presentations, I was able to understand that if they were able to accomplish their dream, so can I.”

— Martha

“The conference was a meaningful experience that gave me a taste of current scientific research and what it's like to be a doctor or scientist. It was really inspiring and eye-opening!”

— Gyda