The Pasadena Branch of the NAACP awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 students during a special ceremony held Friday June 26, 2026 on the steps of Pasadena City Hall in celebration of “626 Day.”
Seven graduating high school seniors and three continuing college students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to educational excellence.
The high school scholarship recipients, representing both Pasadena Unified School District schools and local private schools, will continue their educational journeys this fall at institutions including California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Loyola Marymount University, and other colleges and universities.
The college scholarship recipients are currently pursuing higher education at the University of San Diego, Morgan State University, and Integrity College of Health.
The scholarship program reflects the Pasadena NAACP’s longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and student achievement. For many years, the branch has invested in local students through scholarship support designed to help reduce financial barriers to higher education while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Funding for this year’s scholarships was raised through the Pasadena NAACP’s 35th Ruby McKnight Williams Black Freedom Fund Gala, the branch’s signature fundraising event supporting scholarships, advocacy, youth initiatives, and community programming.
Parents, grandparents, family members, and community supporters gathered outside Pasadena City Hall to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and future aspirations.
Many of this year’s scholarship recipients also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the wake of the Eaton Fire. While navigating displacement, recovery, housing instability, and other challenges that followed the disaster, these students remained committed to their education and future goals, persevering with excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
“This scholarship program reflects the Pasadena NAACP’s continued investment in the future of our community,” said Victoria Williams, Education Committee Chair for the Pasadena NAACP. “Whether beginning their college journey or continuing their pursuit of higher education, these students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact. We are honored to support them as they pursue their educational goals.”
The event also carried special significance for Williams, who was herself a Pasadena NAACP scholarship recipient while serving as Pasadena Youth Council President during high school. Years later, Williams now co-leads the scholarship program, reflecting the branch’s
long-standing tradition of investing in students and supporting future generations of community leaders.
“The Eaton Fire tested many of these students and their families in ways that no young person should have to experience,” said Stephan McGrue, Chair of the Pasadena NAACP Youth & College Committee. “Yet they continued to show up for school, pursue their goals, support their families, and remain focused on their futures. Their perseverance, resilience, and determination are every bit as impressive as their academic achievements, and today we are proud to celebrate both.”
Under the leadership of Branch President Brandon Lamar, the Pasadena NAACP continues its commitment to supporting educational achievement and student success throughout the Pasadena community.
2026 Pasadena NAACP Scholarship Recipients
High School Scholarship Winners
- Abraham Shorter
- Charlie Martindale
- Kendall Jones-Wright
- Kenneth White
- Kyah Williams
- Trinity English
- Zayveon Leagons
College Scholarship Winners
- Bishop Akalusi
- Brittney Robinson
- Carlton Sullivan
To learn more about the Pasadena NAACP, its programs, or opportunities to support future student scholarships, please visit naacppasadena.org
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