OUSD Seniors Receive Scholarships from The Oakland Promise and Have Big Plans After Graduation

This is the beginning of the end of high school for Oakland Unified's seniors, as the first two 2026 graduations are today. Gateway to College happens in the morning and Dewey Academy graduates in the afternoon. It is an ending for our seniors, but just the beginning of the rest of their lives. And more than 1,600 of our graduates received scholarships at the 2026 Oakland Promise Pathways to Opportunity Awards Ceremony on May 14. Collectively, the Oakland Promise and its supporters handed out almost $6.5 million in scholarships to this year's class. And these seniors have big plans for that money as they pursue post-secondary education. Here are six of them.

Jacqueline R. Coliseum College Prep Academy

"It felt very nice that we are being recognized… I'm very proud of myself for accomplishing this," said Jacqueline R. from Coliseum College Prep Academy. "They make sure that all the students are on top of their stuff, and provide a lot of opportunities for students. I took many extra curricular activities like college classes and programs." In the fall she'll be attending San Francisco State University. "I knew I wanted to stay close to home, and this is good because it's not that far."

Alex L. Oakland High School

"I feel like it's a very meaningful experience to be here because I know that I am taking the next step in my life, especially because I am a first generation college student in my family," said Alex L. from Oakland High School. "It's kind of a fever dream today because I've been going all over the place… I am going to U.C. Riverside… I've never been to Southern California before… my first visit will probably be move-in day."

"It makes me feel great. It makes me feel great about myself, it makes me feel confident about myself. I worked really hard to be here. All of my community, my supporters, they supported me, they made me feel very special. It makes me feel like I am growing in my community." Gilberto C. is from Skyline High School (above far right) and will head to Merritt College in the fall with a goal of becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) and eventually a firefighter. "Skyline helped me to the Highway to EMT program I'm going to be doing this summer. And while doing that, hopefully I'll be studying this summer at Merritt College, and hopefully when I attend in the fall, it's going to progress me really fast. And, my dream is just to become a firefighter. It's very, very exciting."

Madison J. Fremont High School

Madison J. from Fremont High School gave one of the main speeches at the Oakland Promise event. "My peers got to hear my story and hear how I took my challenges and was able turn it into something real. I really want them to take in what I said and put it into their future, our future… When I get to college, when I go to North Carolina A&T, I don't have to worry about financial, I don't have to worry about my work study. I don't have to worry about all these funds I need to catch up with. The Oakland Promise has provided that for me… Fremont helped me along with that because they introduced me to Oakland Promise. They introduced me to so many opportunities where I could do community service, do all these things where I could make my resume look great."

"It makes me feel like I am appreciated for all the work I've been doing in OUSD for so long. I just feel so supported, I feel great to just be a part of this community, and be represented, and seeing everyone get these scholarships. Like so many kids who I have known since elementary school, it's just amazing." Emily O. is from Skyline High School (group photo above, third from left). "I'm going to get my associates degree at Merritt College and then transfer hopefully to a U.C. (University of California school). Skyline has a great college and career center. They've helped me so much with scholarships, with doing my applications, and helping with individual stuff, as well, like alumni scholarships, or Oakland Promise, too, they were the ones who told me about this. They're great. They're just such a great support system. I have so many trusted adults who I rely on daily."

David A. McClymonds High School

"This is a great program for us to recognize the amount of students we produce, and for their accomplishments, and for the community we have in Oakland," said David A. from McClymonds High. He will be attending Stanford University in the fall, and has advice for his fellow students. "Setting goals, staying on top of yourself, and knowing what you should be doing and what you shouldn't be doing… Take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. You never know what opportunities might open another door that leads to you being successful in life."

Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler attended the event, and was moved by the stories she heard and the students she met. "It was amazing to witness these 1,600 students receive the scholarships and pledge to work hard and graduate from college. They inspire me because they show so clearly what our students can and do accomplish every year. I thank the Oakland Promise and its partners and supporters for doing so much to help change the lives of our young people."

Here is a story about the event, the Oakland Promise, and its impact that was produced by KTVU TV.