Community Scholars for Black Lives
Fellowship Program
Meet Our 2025-26 Student Cohort
Left to right: Joshua Webster '26, Linda Saidi '27, Esther Lazarre '26, Navar Else-Boss’26.
Photo: Obinna Anyanwu
More about our current cohort:
Interested in joining our next cohort?
For questions and information about the program, please contact Allison Moore
California Lutheran University created the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship
Program in 2020. Since its inception, the program has empowered a small cohort of
students to develop research projects designed to shed light on systemic challenges
while acting as a catalyst for meaningful change within Black and other communities
of color.
Beyond the research, the program is dedicated to connecting the cohort and the broader
student body with high-level opportunities in Healthcare, Business, and Entertainment.
The program intentionally facilitates opportunities that help students discover their
“blueprint for success.” This includes everything from immersive site visits, leadership
of panel discussions, professional development workshops, exposure to national conferences
to strategic relationship‑building with professionals who can inspire, mentor, and
open doors. Many of these partnerships grow into sustained connections such as shadowing
experiences and ongoing mentorship.
Support This Scholarship
If you would like to make a gift to support this scholarship, you can give online to our fund.
Or contact us at development@CalLutheran.edu
Note: This scholarship is contingent on California Lutheran University receiving grant
funding from AMGEN Foundation.
Recent Events and Scholars in Action
Cal Lutheran has partnered with six organizations based in Ventura County that focus on the advancement of African Americans. Representatives from each organization will weigh in on the selection of scholars and will participate as advisers to the scholars. The Community Scholars for Black Lives program will further permeate the community as each organization awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors.
Partner Organizations:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Xi Iota Lambda Chapter
- The Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. — Psi Xi Chapter
- Ventura County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Students Securing and Achieving Their Future Through Education (SSAFE)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity