The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a public, not-for-profit, national organization founded in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his heroic achievements. It provides college and graduate school scholarships as well as leadership development opportunities for students of color with strong capabilities but limited financial resources. The Foundation is distinctive for the depth of its mentoring program, which results in a nearly 100% graduation rate among its student constituents.

The Foundation also strives to ensure that Jackie Robinson’s commitment to social justice will be carried forth in the lives of these young people as they assume leadership roles throughout society.

Jackie Robinson Foundation at a Glance

• Over $40 million provided in scholarship assistance and program support to talented students of color.
• 1,300 students have participated in the program and received scholarships.
• JRF Scholars maintain a 97% graduation rate, more than double the national average for minority students.
• JRF Scholars are awarded four-year scholarships of $7,500 in financial assistance per year.
• JRF Extra Innings Fellows are awarded up to $10,000 in financial support per year.

2009-2010 Academic Year

• $4 Million provided in scholarship assistance and program support.
• 247 JRF Scholars and Extra Innings Fellows (41 freshmen were welcomed to the program).
• Scholars and Fellows are enrolled at 91 colleges and universities. Scholars represent 31 States and the District of Columbia.
• Over 95 corporations, foundations and individuals currently sponsor full scholarships in the Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development Program (ELDP).

Education and Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
The Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development Program (ELDP) is a multifaceted program designed not only to address the financial needs of minority students who aspire to attend college, but to guide them through the process, molding these young people into highly sought-after future leaders. Extensive mentoring, career guidance, internship placement, networking and support supplement financial assistance for those entering college, increasing their odds of graduating and making them far more desirable for employment.

• Financial Scholarships
• A comprehensive four-day Networking Weekend each spring
• Internship and job placement
• Leadership training
• Mentors (Adult and Peer)
• Alumni mentors
• Community service facilitation

Extra Innings
The Jackie Robinson Foundation’s “Extra Innings” program was established in 2006 by a grant from the Windmill Foundation, to help JRF Scholars with the cost of advanced professional and/or graduate training. Qualified JRF Fellows are allotted up to $10,000 yearly for graduate studies for a maximum of four years.

Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF)
RRIF was established in 2008 to promote and support international internships, volunteer and study abroad opportunities for JRF Scholars. RRIF aims to provide Scholars, who would otherwise lack access, the ability to participate in meaningful programs internationally. The Foundation’s goal is to instill the importance of giving back to their global family and becoming knowledgeable about issues and movements both inside and outside U.S. borders.

A generous inaugural grant from the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation enabled JRF to launch the program and established a partnership with the international humanitarian organization CARE. In 2008, our Scholars worked in Ghana and Mozambique; and in 2009, our Scholars worked in Ecuador and Tanzania.

Jackie Robinson Foundation and BMO
With the generous financial support of companies like BMO, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is able to provide four-year college scholarships to students who demonstrate academic distinction, leadership capacity and financial need. In addition, BMO supports the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s overall mission and comprehensive set of support services including extensive mentoring, career guidance and practical life skills. JRF’s innovative approach has rapidly become a national paradigm in minority higher education intervention. Recognizing that students need far more than money in order to reach their full potential as leaders, BMO has been a major sponsor of Networking Weekend, the cornerstone of the Education and Leadership Development Program, since 2004.

Networking Weekend
Each March of their college careers, Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars gather in New York for four days of leadership development workshops, career planning seminars, meetings with key public and private sector leaders, cultural and recreational outings and life skills training on subjects ranging from dining etiquette to personal financial management. As part of the weekend, Scholars meet with their sponsors during special luncheons or receptions at corporate headquarters. They also discuss future goals in “family sessions” with Rachel Robinson, JRF board members and staff. Equally important is the time JRF Scholars spend networking with one another and inspiring each other with stories of their public service endeavors and other achievements.

Since 2005, BMO Capital Markets has sponsored five (5) JRF/BMO Capital Markets Scholars. Karmyn Wedlow is a JRF Alumnus after graduating from University of Michigan in the spring of 2009. Karmyn majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting. She is currently attending the University of Michigan, Law School and her ultimate career goal is to be on the United States Supreme Court.

William “Chris” Alston is a senior at Rutgers University majoring in Meteorology with a minor Finance. During the academic year, Chris served as a tutor and peer mentor for students struggling with physics. He was also the group leader for the physics lab and served as a peer mentor for incoming meteorology students. He is considering pursuing graduate studies in business management.

KeLea Randall is a senior at Spelman College majoring in International Studies. KeLea recently completed a study abroad program in Ecuador through the Rachel Robinson International Fellowship program in partnership with CARE. Upon graduation, she hopes to be a liaison for an international company or non-profit organization.

Elan Jones is a junior at Trinity College majoring in Neuroscience. She volunteered at the Cancer Treatment Center for America as well as Labor and Delivery Unit at Hartford Hospital. Jones has been a leader in various school clubs including the American Medical Student Association and the Latin Dance Club. She has traveled extensively in the Caribbean and Europe and aspires to become a doctor.

Shayla Thomas is a junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She is a member of “Jumpstart,” a non-profit volunteer organization working with children who live in homeless shelters, and she’s been involved with “Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Days” in Atlanta. Shayla is majoring in biology and aspires to become a Pediatrician.