NCRF gives SEED LA's first graduating class $42,000 in scholarships

National College Resources Foundation Founder Dr. Theresa Price surprised The SEED School of Los Angeles County's first graduating class with $1,000 scholarships for each of its 42 graduates. The awards came during SEED LA's first commencement in South Los Angeles, where the class logged a 100% college acceptance rate and more than $13.3 million in scholarship offers.

Why it matters: - The scholarships add direct financial support as 42 SEED LA graduates head to college. - The gift reinforces a rare outcome: every member of the school's first graduating class is college-bound. - NCRF says the awards are part of a broader effort to expand college access for underserved students.

What happened: - National College Resources Foundation Founder and CEO Dr. Theresa Price announced that every graduate in SEED LA's inaugural class will receive a $1,000 scholarship. - The total scholarship value is $42,000 for 42 graduates. - The announcement came during SEED LA's first graduation ceremony on Saturday in South Los Angeles. - Families, educators and community leaders attended the commencement.

The details: - The Class of 2026 recorded a 100% college acceptance rate. - The class received 203 college admissions offers. - Graduates earned more than $13.3 million in scholarship awards. - NCRF said the scholarships were made possible through its partnership with Fifth Third Bank and McKallen Medical Training Institute. - Dr. Price said the class "did not just graduate—they made history." - Dr. Price also said the scholarship is meant to show students that their journey begins at the stage, not ends there. - SEED School of Los Angeles County opened in 2022 as California's first public, college-preparatory boarding high school. - The school was created to expand educational opportunities and help break cycles of poverty for students facing barriers to higher education. - The graduates entered as SEED LA's first ninth-grade class and saw the school grow year by year as new grades were added.

Between the lines: - The surprise announcement turned the ceremony into a showcase for both student outcomes and donor partnerships. - The graduation also served as an early milestone for a school still building its identity and alumni base. - NCRF is using the moment to highlight long-term support, not just one-time aid. - Dr. Price thanked Fifth Third Bank and McKallen Medical for a shared vision to make the scholarships possible.

What's next: - NCRF said it will continue supporting the graduates throughout college. - The organization also plans to expand college and career readiness opportunities for future SEED LA students. - NCRF's broader programs will keep targeting underserved, underrepresented and at-risk students through scholarships, mentoring and college-access events.

The bottom line: - SEED LA's first graduating class left with a historic academic record and a $1,000 boost for each student to start college.