Thanks to all of the generous donations EBF has received, we were able to achieve our goal of providing two $5,000 scholarships for the 2024 school year.
Please join us in congratulating:
Charlie Nguyen
Charlie is the embodiment of what it means to change and grow. Charlie’s life was not easy, filled with adverse childhood experiences, mistakes, and regrets. Charlie writes, “in hindsight, I adopted a mindset that was self-destructive, I didn’t care for myself or others.” While incarcerated Charlie sought to create a new life for himself, a life focused on discipline and education. He became a role model and mentor to other juveniles and was involved in the juvenile hall’s youth leadership council.
Charlie’s hard work paid off and he was accepted into UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, California State University Long Beach, San Diego State, Chico State, California State University Dominguez Hills, University of San Diego, and Pitzer College. Charlie began his first semester at California State Long Beach and is considering transferring to UC Berkeley for Spring 2025 semester. For Charlie, “education has become a really important part of my life and is the avenue I am using to shape my future.” Charlie hopes to pursue a career that will allow him to give back to the community. He wants to “contribute in a way that educates people on the subjects of justice, equality, and reform.”
The Elliot Blair Foundation will provide two need-based scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $5,000 each to at-risk youth for them to attend college or vocational school. Eligible youth are current and former wards (within the last 10 years) of the Orange County court system under Welfare and Institutions code 602.
Isaac Andrade
Isaac has overcome so many obstacles to become the man he is today. At an early age, he didn’t have expectations for himself because he was limited by the negativity that surrounded him. “Incarceration and gang affiliation were a constant in my life.” At times in his incarceration he thought his future was lost, but he was offered a second chance within the juvenile system. He is now a founding member of Underground Grit which has served as a strong support system for him and countless juveniles who grew up in similar circumstances.
“Since my release I’ve strived to achieve milestones, pursuing film production at West Los Angeles College to nurture my passion for film editing, music, and creative expression.”
“The Elliot Blair Foundation scholarship stands as a beacon to help manifest this dream into reality.” Isaac wants to ”help the youth find outlets to express themselves through art.” Isaac hopes to produce films that “not only raise awareness but also drive tangible policy changes, safeguarding vulnerable youths from slipping through society’s cracks.”
The Elliot Blair Foundation will provide two need-based scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $5,000 each to at-risk youth for them to attend college or vocational school. Eligible youth are current and former wards (within the last 10 years) of the Orange County court system under Welfare and Institutions code 602.