More than 200 students, many soon-to-be first-generation college scholars, joined their families as they were honored by the City of Los Angeles, Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) at the second annual College Signing Day event on May 21. The event was hosted by CIFD in partnership with the Youth Development Department (YDD) and celebrated high school seniors committed to continuing their education at a college or university this Fall.
Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia attended the event and acknowledged the students’ hard work and academic success throughout high school. Mejia also shared his own educational journey and motivated students and families to continue to prioritize education as a way to help propel positive changes in their communities.
The student scholars recognized are members of CIFD’s FamilySource Center System and the Olivia E. Mitchell Youth Council. They will pursue post-secondary education at institutions such as Yale, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of California (UC) campuses, California State Universities (CSUs), Los Angeles Community College District campuses, and many more.
The event also announced recipients of the inaugural Olivia E. Mitchell Scholarship, which granted financial assistance to four students.
“You all should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished, and we believe this is only the beginning of your journey to realizing your dreams,” CIFD General Manager Abigail R. Marquez told the students in the audience. “Each of you has a unique voice and will bring a unique perspective to your college environment. We are invested in your success and will continue to support you as you embark on this next chapter.”
Mina Khozam was among the many success stories showcased during the special night. In 2017, Mina and his mother moved to the United States from Egypt for a better quality of life. With the help of the College Corner program at his local New Economics for Women FamilySource Center (FSC), Mina has been accepted to four Cal State Universities.
“When I started College Corner, I didn’t know anything about the college process,” Mina said. “It helped me and my mom understand the steps and options and make the right choices.”
Jessica Chavez, a first-generation college student who will attend Yale, credits the College Corner program at Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP) FamilySource Center for helping her navigate the college application process. However, CCNP’s support extended far beyond academics. When Jessica’s family faced a crisis, the FamilySource Center stepped in to assess their broader needs, providing essential social services, including rental assistance, to help stabilize the household and ensure Jessica could continue pursuing her educational goals.
CIFD helps youth prepare for successful futures through FSC College Corner services, including tutoring, academic mentorship, school application assistance, FAFSA, college tours, and other related services at 19 FSC locations. For the 24-25 Fiscal Year, FSCs have proudly served more than 1,300 youth as of March 2025.
A Parent Promise program is another FamilySource program funded by CIFD that complements College Corners by providing educational resources and support for parents in assisting their child’s college journey. CIFD partners with the Los Angeles Unified School District to offer workshops for parents.