History

The Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund, Ltd., founded in 1968, is a living memorial to two men who died in that tumultuous year, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Fund was born from the quest of local community leaders to enable social justice through education in our community, has continued to do so for over 50 years, and will continue until this objective is achieved. 

The Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Fund has become a permanent part of the Contra Costa community. From hopeful beginnings in 1968 that led to our first two scholarships, it has grown and prospered over the years. Our goals are consistent: to provide an opportunity for our worthy scholars so that they will utilize their initiative and opportunity to benefit not only themselves but also their community. 

The recipients of Kennedy-King Scholarships are outstanding Contra Costa Community College District students who are transferring to four-year colleges and universities to obtain Bachelors Degrees. They are chosen for their need, academic promise, determination to achieve an education (often in the face of incredible difficulties and hardships), leadership potential, and commitment to helping their community. Historically, our scholars come from minority groups under-represented in California college and university enrollment, principally students of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander descent. Not coincidentally, these are the groups that are the most economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged in our society.