By Karen Robes Meeks
Eighteen Oakland area high school seniors will be receiving scholarships totaling close to $39,000 this summer, thanks to Port of Oakland employees.
Since establishing the scholarship program 25 years ago, the Port Employees’ Scholarship Program and the Asian Employees Association at the Port of Oakland (AEA) has given out almost $1.2 million to more than 500 students.
“The Port Employees’ Scholarship Program was created to encourage our youth to extend their education beyond high school and contribute to the betterment of the Oakland community,” said Ramona Dixon, Chair of the Port Employees’ Scholarship Program Committee.
Formed by port employees in 1991, AEA is a nonprofit aimed at highlighting academic achievement among Oakland youths. The group has awarded 265 scholarships since 1993.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues who understand first-hand the value of higher education and generously support our cause,” said AEA President Cheryl Ho.
