Richmond Promise Executive Director Christopher Whitmore (center) with Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey (right) and members of the Contra Costa County Board of Education, (L-R) President Sarah Butler, Daniel Nathan-Heiss, Vice President Yazmin Llamas, Mike Maxwell, Annette Lewis and student members, Melanie Hernandez-Rios and Valeria Gonzalez-Sandoval. Photo: CCCOE
By Marcus Walton, Director, Communications and Special Projects, Contra Costa County Office of Education
PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey and the County Board of Education recognized Richmond Promise for a decade of helping students in Richmond pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Since its founding in 2016, Richmond Promise has awarded more than $14 million in scholarships to students, according to the organization. Among scholarship recipients, 91% identify as people of color or Indigenous, and 64% are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
“Students in our county need Education Champions like Richmond Promise to make connections and give them a leg up to pursue their dreams,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Programs that provide scholarships and pathways to higher education or job training are the lifelines our kids need, and we need more of them. Thank you to Executive Director Christopher Whitmore, his team, and the Richmond Promise Board of Directors for 10 years of investing in future leaders.”
Richmond Promise is a communitywide college success initiative dedicated to expanding access to higher education for Richmond students and supporting them throughout their academic journeys. Through scholarships, student success programs and partnerships with local organizations, the nonprofit works to build a culture that encourages college enrollment, persistence, and graduation.
The organization’s approach begins with early college awareness and continues through financial literacy, college access, and college completion. Through scholarships, financial aid support, workshops, coaching, career mentorship and peer networks, Richmond Promise helps students navigate the path to higher education and career success.
By connecting students with resources and opportunities, Richmond Promise aims to remove barriers to educational attainment while helping develop future leaders who can contribute to and strengthen their communities.
The Education Champion Award recognizes community partners that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting students, schools and educational programs across Contra Costa County. Honorees help expand opportunities, strengthen community connections, and provide resources that support public education.
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
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