1 Million Awarded for College Scholarships on Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education

Los Angeles, CA - On the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, The Broad Foundation announces today 15 Broad Prize Scholars from Boston Public Schools who embody the spirit of this turning point in American education.

Fifty years after the landmark Supreme Court ruling, many American school districts still struggle to deliver on the promise of providing an integrated and excellent education for all students. Each year, however, a number of urban school systems are getting closer to that goal, and their graduates are part of a new generation of scholars who have benefited from the legacy of the Brown decision.

The Broad Foundation is pleased to recognize the achievements of these districts through its annual $1 million Broad Prize for Urban Education. The money from the Prize, the largest prize in public education today, goes directly to student scholarships in recognition of their achievements.

"The 15 students who have been selected to receive the scholarship money from the Broad Foundation and their families should be very proud today," said Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant. "The Boston Public Schools has worked very hard to provide a top-notch education for all of our students and these 15 are all examples of high quality education making a difference for students in big cities across the country."

The Broad Prize Scholars are chosen through a unique selection process that identifies students often overlooked in traditional scholarship programs. Students are selected based on a demonstrated track record of academic improvement that exceeds the average rate of improvement of their peers, as well as on financial need. Over 85% of this year's national scholarship recipients are from minority ethnic backgrounds and all are from low-income families.

"On this historic anniversary, the success of these scholars stands as a testimony to the power of our public education system to deliver on the promise of the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. All of these students have benefited from the legacy of the Brown decision and are an inspiration to us to continue the fight to improve our schools. These students prove that if our educational system does its job -- the students can do theirs," said Eli Broad, Founder of The Broad Foundation.

The Broad Prize Scholars represent the winning and finalist districts from last year's Broad Prize. Boston Public Schools is one of four districts whose students will receive $125,000 for college scholarships. The other three finalist districts receiving $125,000 are: Garden Grove Unified School District (CA), Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) and Norfolk Public Schools (VA). Students at Long Beach Unified School District, the 2003 winner, will receive $500,000 for college scholarships. Students who enroll in four-year institutions receive $10,000 scholarships paid out over four years ($2,500 per year). Students who enroll in two-year institutions receive $2,500 scholarships paid out over two years ($1,250 per year).

The Broad Prize Scholars are a diverse group of students who have overcome obstacles to achieve success. "Some are from immigrant families and have overcome language and cultural barriers. Others come from neighborhoods plagued by violence and have risen above their difficult circumstances to thrive at school. Many are the first in their family to attend college," said Broad.

For more information on The Broad Prize for Urban Education including history, selection process, and Selection Jury of prominent national leaders from business, government and nonprofit sectors please see The Broad Foundation's website at www.broadfoundation.org.

The Broad Education Foundation's mission is to dramatically improve K-12 urban public education through better governance, management, labor relations and competition.

The following students from Boston Public Schools were named Broad Scholars, earning college scholarships from The 2003 Broad Prize for Urban Education:

First Name Last Name High School College (Plans to Attend) ANITA