The George Jackson '76 Initiative
The George Jackson Initiative (GJI) is a Scholarship and Mentoring Program that helps guide students through the Fordham Prep experience, allowing them to be more confident throughout their time here as a student and beyond.
Named in honor of alumni George Jackson ’76, former president of Motown Records and Fordham Prep Trustee who passed away in 2000, the GJI identifies students who may benefit the most from additional help, including first-generation college-bound students of all backgrounds.
The GJI strives to help these students feel more included and better connected to the institution, putting first-generation students at the Prep in a better position to succeed while also furthering the legacy of Fordham Prep and what we stand for: men for others.
About the namesake,
George Jackson ’76
George Jackson ’76 spent his career in entertainment. He was a movie director and producer and also spent time as the president of Motown Records. Mr. Jackson is also a former member of the Prep’s Prep Board of Trustees. He tragically passed away at the early age of 41 and was inducted into the Fordham Prep Hall of Honor in 2011.
How the GJI Works
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.
A group of alumni meet and work one-on-one with their mentees throughout the year.
Scholarship
Students 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.
Excelling at the Prep & Beyond
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 University
- Muhlenberg College
The People Who Make This
Program Possible
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
Support the GJI
Support of the George Jackson ’76 Initiative will have a direct impact on Black students along with all first-generation Fordham Prep students.