The George Jackson '76 Initiative

The goal of the George Jackson '76 Initiative is to provide an endowed scholarship for Black students and to develop a mentoring program for recipients of the scholarship as well as first-generation college-bound students of all backgrounds. The program is part of the Prep’s broader program to address issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These are core values embedded within Fordham Prep’s Catholic Jesuit mission and tradition. They flow from our faith in God, in whose own image and likeness each person is created and imbued with dignity.

Named in honor of George Jackson ‘76, former president of Motown Records and past Fordham Prep Trustee who passed away in 2000, the George Jackson Initiative (GJI) was born in response to the racial injustices and civil unrest that occurred during the summer of 2020. The Mentoring Program is made up of a group of alumni who meet and work one-on-one with their mentees throughout the year.

Mentorship

The mentoring program motivates and supports its students by helping them with goal setting, study skills, college search, mock interviews, decision making, and service/social justice. Each sophomore and junior member is assigned to a mentor. All mentors are Fordham Prep alumni who participate in monthly sessions, college trips, and our MLK Day of Service. In addition to the assistance provided by Fordham Prep’s teachers and counselors, the mentorship program serves as another safety net, or another way to help support these students through the challenging time of preparing for college.

The main focus of GJI is to guide students through the Fordham Prep experience, allowing them to be more confident throughout their time here as a student. It helps them feel more included and better connected to the institution. Not only putting first-generation students at the Prep in a better position to succeed, but also furthers the legacy of Fordham Prep and what we stand for: men for others.

Program Scholarships

Student involved in the mentoring program are eligible for additional funding through specific scholarships. Each requires an application and additional information from the student and their family.

Hyacinthe Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to George Jackson mentees who identify as African American.
Melendez Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to George Jackson mentees that are First Generation college bound students.

The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be used towards covering the expenses for programs to enhance college readiness or to participate in a global education or service immersion trip.

With the support of The Equitas Group, the George Jackson '76 Initiative has been able to help students succeed in their time at the Prep, as well as in their future. Our mentees have gone on to schools such as Connecticut College (POSSE Scholarship), Fairfield University (Company Scholarship), CUNY Sophie Davis Biomedical, North Carolina A&T University, Ithaca College, University of Rochester, Cornell University, St. John's University, CUNY City College, Northeastern Univresity, and Muhlenberg College.

Support the GJI

Support of the George Jackson '76 Initiative will have a direct impact on both black and all first-generation Fordham Prep students.

Support the Program

Who was George Jackson '76?

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GJI Committee Members

Raul Alvarez '05

Victor Chatelain '11

Ernest Esparza '11

Calvin McCoy '08
Corey Punter '07
Bradley Reid '08
Samuel Sangobowale '99

GJI Moderator

Kenneth Tejeda '07
College Counselor
Moderator of the George Jackson '76 Mentoring Program

Contact:
georgejackson@fordhamprep.org