The CDF Beat the Odds® program honors outstanding high schools students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. Started in 1990, the program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. Their grit and resilience are overwhelming. Their stories give hope and remind us that none of us have a right to give up on any child or youth.
Overview
Each year the CDF Beat the Odds scholarship program selects five high school freshmen who are overcoming tremendous adversity, demonstrating academic commitment and giving back to their communities. Program participants receive the following support needed to matriculate and succeed in college and beyond:
- 10,000 scholarship
- College test preparation
- Access to workshops focused on financial aid, financial literacy and essay writing
- College counseling and mentoring
- Access to college fairs
- Internship referrals
- Career, and life skills development
- Assistance with the college or post-secondary education enrollment process
Additionally, each scholarship recipient will be recognized at the annual CDF Beat the Odds Awards gala in December 2019. Professional, autobiographical films will be produced and shown during the awards ceremony.
Please note all services are offered in the City of Los Angeles and are subject to change
Eligibility Requirements
For consideration in the CDF-California Beat the Odds Scholarship Program, an applicant must:
- Be a current high school freshman who lives or goes to school in the greater Los Angeles area;
- Be nominated by a teacher, counselor, caseworker or any other unrelated adult who can speak to applicant’s character, commitment to their education, commitment to social justice/community, and the tremendous odds overcome;
- Demonstrate progress in overcoming tremendous adversity;
- Demonstrate participation in school activities, community organizations, employment, and/or service leadership;
- Graduate by July 2023; and
- Plan to attend a college, university or vocational school post-graduation.
Annual Awards Gala
Every winter, we host a special gala to honor the achievements of five of our most outstanding Beat the Odds honorees. The purpose of the event is to recognize and commemorate the strength, resilience, and determination that our honorees have demonstrated both inside and outside of the classroom. We also want to remind celebrities, public officials and change-makers in Los Angeles about the tremendous need in their communities and to inspire them to take action.
The application portal for the new cohort of California Beat the Odds honorees is now open until 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2020. For more information or questions, email Cadonna Dory at cdory@childrensdefense.org or call 213-355-8787.
Meet Our Honorees

Hadassah Johnson
Class of 2020

Manuel Lopez
Class of 2019

Mey Sok
Class of 2018

Destiny Novillo
Class of 2017

David Cho
Class of 2016

Timothy Walker
Class of 2015

Alezaihvia Melendez
Class of 2014

Roneisha Pugh
Class of 2013

Nancy Kannampuzha
Class of 2012

Wilson Khauv
Class of 2011

Maria Burgos
Class of 2010

Cesar Vest-Bravo
Class of 2020

Ian Leui
Class of 2019

Ana-Mariana Palomino
Class of 2018

Cierra Gunderson
Class of 2017

Stephanie Gamino
Class of 2016

Chase Moore
Class of 2015

Alexis Metcalfe
Class of 2014

Richard Kent
Class of 2013

Britany Lewis
Class of 2012

Erica Limón
Class of 2011

Erick Rodriguez
Class of 2010

Jilder Garcia
Class of 2020

Jazmin de Luna
Class of 2019

Jacqueline Martinez
Class of 2018

Alexandra Flores
Class of 2017

David Sanchez
Class of 2016

Zachary Byrge
Class of 2015

Marilyn Bravo
Class of 2014

Yahydia Iñiguez
Class of 2013

John Jimenez
Class of 2012

Monica Banks
Class of 2011

Tracey Alvarez
Class of 2010

Yurhynis Bobo
Class of 2020

Samantha Galindo
Class of 2019

Jerry Goss
Class of 2018

Florencia Valenzuela
Class of 2017

Ni’Tasha Denson
Class of 2016

Sequoia Canada
Class of 2015

Jerry Gonzalez
Class of 2014

Jade Williams
Class of 2013

Caylin Moore
Class of 2012

Giovanni Soto
Class of 2011

Tyree Johnson
Class of 2010

Nagi Moore
Class of 2020

Samarea Johnson
Class of 2019

Ja’Nay Carter
Class of 2018

Jose Acevas
Class of 2017

Vincent Zamarripa
Class of 2016

Elizabeth Lopez
Class of 2015

Stephanie Fabian
Class of 2014

Jalen Williams
Class of 2013

Jeannette Wright
Class of 2012

Jonathan Calderon
Class of 2011

Jonathan Varela
Class of 2010
