Inglewood Youth Education Fund Launches College Scholarship Program Through Intuit Dome Partnership

Inglewood students now have expanded access to college scholarships and post-secondary counseling through the newly established Inglewood Youth Education Fund, a groundbreaking collaboration between the City of Inglewood, Mayor James T. Butts Jr., and developers of the Intuit Dome.

The education fund, created in 2024 as part of the Inglewood Home Assist Fund, represents a commitment to ensuring that the entertainment district’s economic benefits directly support local students pursuing higher education. The initiative prioritizes Inglewood students with high financial need who are accepted to either two-year community colleges or four-year universities.

The scholarship program comes at a critical time when college affordability remains a significant barrier for many Inglewood families. With the median household income in Inglewood below Los Angeles County averages and rising living costs throughout the region, financial assistance can determine whether students can pursue post-secondary education.

“This fund ensures that Inglewood’s transformation benefits our children,” said Mayor Butts. “We’re not just building world-class venues; we’re investing in world-class futures for Inglewood students. Every young person in our city should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without being crushed by financial barriers.”

The Inglewood Youth Education Fund focuses on two primary areas: expanding counseling services for students seeking post-secondary education and providing direct college scholarships. The counseling component addresses a critical need, as many first-generation college students lack familiarity with application processes, financial aid systems, and college selection strategies.

Counseling services funded by the program include college readiness workshops, application assistance, financial aid guidance (including FAFSA completion support), career exploration programs, and connections to mentorship opportunities. These wraparound services recognize that financial support alone doesn’t guarantee college success—students need comprehensive guidance throughout their educational journey.

The scholarship portion of the fund specifically targets high-need students accepted to California community colleges or four-year institutions. Eligibility prioritizes Inglewood residents who demonstrate financial need, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and show commitment to completing their degrees.

Los Angeles community colleges, including West Los Angeles College, Los Angeles City College, and Los Angeles Southwest College, serve many Inglewood students and provide affordable pathways to bachelor’s degrees through transfer agreements with California State University and University of California systems. The fund’s inclusion of community college students acknowledges these institutions’ critical role in college access.

“Community colleges are the gateway to higher education for so many Inglewood families,” explained Dr. Jennifer Martinez, an education equity advocate. “Supporting students at community colleges is just as important as supporting those going directly to four-year schools. Many of our most successful professionals started at community colleges.”

The fund’s creation through the Intuit Dome development exemplifies community benefits agreements that tie major commercial projects to tangible neighborhood investments. As the home of the LA Clippers, Intuit Dome generates significant economic activity, and channeling a portion of that prosperity back into education creates a sustainable model for equitable development.

For Inglewood students like senior Destiny Johnson, who dreams of becoming a nurse, the fund represents life-changing opportunity. “I’ve been worried about how to pay for college,” she said. “My mom works two jobs, and I don’t want her to struggle more just so I can go to school. This scholarship program means I can focus on my education instead of just worrying about money.”

The fund complements existing college access programs in Inglewood Unified School District and aligns with statewide initiatives like the California College Promise, which provides free tuition at community colleges for eligible students. By combining tuition assistance with counseling support, the Inglewood Youth Education Fund addresses both financial and informational barriers.

Community organizations have praised the initiative while emphasizing the importance of sustained funding and expansion. Advocates note that as Inglewood continues growing as an entertainment destination, ongoing investment in education must keep pace with development.

Students interested in applying for scholarships through the Inglewood Youth Education Fund can obtain information through their high school counselors or by contacting the City of Inglewood’s community development department. Application processes typically open in late fall for awards distributed the following academic year.

The program also welcomes additional community partnerships and donations from local businesses and residents who want to invest in Inglewood’s future. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and directly support local students’ educational aspirations.

This story draws on information from the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation.