James Outman and Evan Phillips recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) in honoring their second class of Legacy Scholars.
The group of 2023 LADF Legacy Scholars heard from Outman and Phillips, received a MacBook Pro and personalized Dodgers jersey, plus were treated to a networking session, tour of Dodger Stadium and on-field recognition prior to first pitch.
The students selected by a special panel were Bertha Gonzalez (Lynwood), Cristian Lopez (Los Angeles), Emily Galvez (Los Angeles), Genesis Cruz (Los Angeles), Helen Simental (Los Angeles), Joseph Navarro (Los Angeles), Nicolas Lulo Vilasenor (Los Angeles); Olivia Gone (Long Beach), Stanley Navarrete (Los Angeles) and Quinton Harmon (Los Angeles).
“The hard work that they’ve shown to receive this scholarship I think is going to set them up for plenty of success,” Phillips said.
A key message he shared with the scholarship recipients was “continue to learn.”
“Looking back, I wish I would have pursued education a bit more,” Phillips added. “As I’ve grown as an adult, I feel like I’ve gained that knowledge and ability and passion to learn more. I wish I would have learned that a bit earlier and had more work ethic and passion in school.”
Outman also conveyed a similar message to the students while reflecting on his time at California Statue University, Sacramento.
“It was special. These kids worked really hard to achieve their goal of getting into college and advancing their academia and careers,” Outman said. “It was really cool to be a part of that.”
The 2023 LADF Legacy Scholar recipients are graduating seniors from the organization’s Dodgers Dreamteam program and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles College Bound and Future Pathways programs.
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation scholarship info
LADF launched their scholarship program during the 2022 All-Star Game in partnership with the Dodgers and MLB. LADF provided a $10,000 scholarship to 10 students in its inaugural year and will support up to 75 additional scholarships in future years.
LADF works with 14 affiliate partners to deliver sports-based programming and services for 11,000 youth and support communities and families across the city.
“I proudly hold the distinction of being a first-generation college graduate thanks to organizations that championed my success and leveled the playing field,” LADF chief executive officer Nichol Whiteman said in a statement.
“I’m thrilled to pay that forward as we open doors and build bridges for our LADF Legacy Scholars and youth in underserved communities, enabling them to excel in their pursuit of academic excellence.”
The scholarship supports academic expenses at two- or four-year universities in Southern California and is administered by the California Community Foundation.
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