Because Opportunity Changes Everything.
Because Opportunity Changes Everything.
We're awarding 1,400 scholarships - apply for the OP Scholarship by March 7!
Oakland Promise’s Request for Proposal
Now Open
Oakland Promise, a leading cradle to career non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of Oakland students, will award up to $4 million in the coming year to Oakland-based organizations to deepen early investment in children and support them to and through college graduation.
OAKLAND, CA – February 11, 2025: Oakland Promise is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) from local nonprofits and small businesses aiming to advance equity and economic mobility for Oakland youth and families.
This RFP is aligned with the goals outlined in the Oakland Children’s Initiative, a 2018 Charter Amendment (Measure AA) passed by the citizens of Oakland. Its purpose is to deepen the early investment in children and support them through college graduation by dramatically expanding access to high-quality preschool, and by providing college access, mentorship, and scholarship support services for students to obtain 2-year or 4-year degrees or technical certifications. The distribution of funds from this Initiative aims to supplement and build upon existing programs supporting college opportunity, access, and success.
As a result of the Oakland Children’s Initiative, the City of Oakland selected Oakland Promise as one of two Implementation Partners for the Oakland Promise Fund. Oakland Promise in turn awards up to $4 million annually to subcontractors partnering in this work. Last year, awards were allocated across 35 partners, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $425,000.
The complete RFP and more information about the initiative’s goals, subcontractor eligibility, and the application process can be found here.
For assistance with your application, check out these resources:
- Informational Webinar [Recording]
- Overview of Request for Proposals [Slide Deck]
- Frequently Asked Questions
Since 2016, Oakland Promise has provided services to young learners, from newborns to college students, and their families who reside in Oakland. Oakland Promise offers every child the financial resources, educational programming, mentorship, and supportive community to help them and their families seek out and thrive in higher education and the career of their choosing. In 2019, Oakland Promise and East Bay College Fund (which has been supporting college students since 2003) merged into one unified organization focused on equity, opportunity, and access to education for Oakland youth.
Oakland Promise is a 501c3 non-profit public benefit organization. You can learn more at oaklandpromise.org.
For Students & Families
Learn about our programs for supporting the education of young people at each stage of their growth.
Ways to Get Involved
Learn about opportunities to donate, mentor, volunteer or champion OP.
Current Oakland Promise Scholars
Get access to the Scholar Hub resources to equip you for college and career.
Current Mentors
Get access to the resources to help you in mentoring OP Scholars.
What We’re Doing
To achieve our mission, we are a(n):
- 1.Leader in Direct Action
- 2.Intermediary Convener
- 3.Influencer of Policy
College Affordability
We strive to make college and career technical education (CTE) affordable for families through scholarships, college savings accounts (CSAs), advocacy for lower tuition policy and partnerships.
College-bound Identity and Persistence
We support students to and through post-secondary education by providing resources, mentorship, guidance, college-culture expectations and community.
Families’ Engagement in Children’s Education
We share information, expectations, resources, and financial guidance with parents and caregivers so that they feel confident in supporting their student to make college or career technical education a reality.
Financial Capability
We provide guidance and advisory support to help families plan for the financial commitments needed for post-secondary education completion.
Here’s How Oakland Promise Supports Young People to Finish Post-Secondary Education
Over 79% of Oakland Promise funding goes directly to the young people and families in Oakland. Since the founding of Oakland Promise in 2016, here are some highlights:
1500+.
Families of infants and kindergartners set up a 529 college savings account (CSA) for their child, seeded with funds from Oakland Promise.
25,000 students.
Elementary school students have a $100 Kindergarten to College (K2C) Early College Scholarship Fund.
9,000.
Middle and High school students receive targeted college and career readiness supports.
2,100+.
Students receive $17 million in OP scholarships and persistence supports. Over 1,300 Scholars were paired with a Mentor. 88% of OP Scholars persisted from first year to second year of college.
Stories of Our Impact
-
Awards Ceremony 2022
Enjoy highlights from our 2022 Awards Ceremony, which celebrated our graduating Oakland Promise Seniors (730 Scholars) as they embarked on their journey to and through college with the Oakland Promise scholarship!
-
Welcome Mentors 2022
We are so excited to have you be a part of an Oakland Scholar's journey in higher education! Here's some advice from a few scholars and mentors.
-
A Mentor and Mentee Talk about Their Mentoring Experience at Oakland Promise
Mentor James Vossoughi and OP Scholar and college student John Liang discuss their mentoring relationship.
-
Oakland Promise’s Portfolio of Scholarships and Programs
Learn all about the scholarships, college savings accounts, and resources Oakland Promise programs provide for Oakland's young people.
-
OP’s Documentary on our Work Supporting Oakland’s Young People
This 15 minute documentary shares the impact of our work on empowering Oakland's babies, students and scholars throughout their educational journey.
-
OP Supports Oakland’s Young People from Ages 0 – 25
Learn about how we empower Oakland's babies and scholars from cradle to career.
-
Kamala Harris, VP of USA Shares About the Work of Oakland Promise
Communications
-
Our Participants From 4 Programs Talk About OP as “The Family We Grow With”
Oakland Promise students, families, partners, and leaders share the impact of Oakland Promise on their lives. Hear from the family we grow with!
-
Stories Shared by OP Program Participants
Commentary by parents, educators, students and alumni
-
OP Volunteers Speak on the Joys of Being Mentors
Three of our mentors share their experiences.
-
Our Partners Speak on Partnering with OP
Leaders from Harlem Children's Zone, Oakland NAACP & #OaklandUndivided share their perspectives.
I am impressed by the bold and comprehensive approach of the Oakland Promise which has pulled together best practices from around the country. As former US Secretary of Education, I've seen many initiatives across the country ---- Oakland Promise is one of the most strategic and effective and has the potential to be a national model... it leverages private philanthropy for public dollars and has already achieved outstanding results. OP changes the trajectory of our Oakland students from the time they are born, through the time they graduate from college and enter the workforce. Oakland Promise is truly a game changer for Oakland and its future generations.”
Arne Duncan
Former Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama (2009-2015)
Stay Informed
Learn the latest news on Oakland Promise and in the field of education and community in Oakland.
