LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will kick off its 2018 College and Career Accelerator (CCA) with Mayor Eric Garcetti and Minds Matter Los Angeles (MMLA) at Dodger Stadium's Right Field Plaza tomorrow - Wednesday, April 18 - at 5:45 p.m. LADF will co-host a College Signing Day for 100 Los Angeles students from MMLA, LA College Promise, The Posse Foundation and Riordan Scholars. Los Angeles City Councilmember Gil Cedillo, Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten and Dodger Alumni Manny Mota and Kenny Landreaux will also be on hand to celebrate with the students as they commit to their higher education.
"College Signing Day reminds us that dreams are coming true every day in Los Angeles," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "These amazing students represent the best of L.A., and I am proud to partner with Minds Matter of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to showcase their brilliance and potential." 
"We are thrilled to partner with Minds Matter of Los Angeles on this inaugural College Signing Day to recognize and celebrate the academic success of these students and their commitment to college." said Nichol Whiteman, Executive Director, of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. "LADF is committed to providing support and resources to local college access and success organizations that help level the playing field for all students to achieve higher education."
The evening will include a resource fair where students can learn about organizations that provide support and opportunities while in college, pre-recorded messages from Dodger pitcher Kenley Jansen and Anna Faris and all students wearing sweatshirts representing the college they are planning to attend. 
The CCA is an initiative designed to expose first generation students to college and career. The goal is to use the LADF brand to make college & career pathways exciting. LADF gives students access to career knowledge, provides networking opportunities, helps students understand the steps to get into college and find scholarship opportunities. LADF invites students in its programs and students from the over 25 college access and success organizations that it supports through its grants program to various events including College Panels, Career Panels, College Tours, College Signing Day Events, College Athletic Panels, Mentoring Events, Guest Speakers and Recruiting Events.
"I am so honored to be bringing this event to Los Angeles. Low income, first generation students have all the ambition and capability to fulfill their dream of college but lack knowledge, resources and opportunity. Today we are celebrating the future leaders of Los Angeles, who against enormous odds and obstacles, are fulfilling their dreams of a college education. We could not imagine better partners in this effort than the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti," said Tina Admans, President and Chairperson, Minds Matter of Los Angeles.
About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is the official team charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its primary focus is to support cornerstone programs in Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy and Health + Wellness benefitting children and families in need throughout the greater Los Angeles region. By leveraging strategic partnerships, the mission is to harness the power of the Dodger brand and the passion our fans have for Los Angeles into a vehicle for positive change in under-served communities. Visit the Dodgers Foundation online at www.dodgers.com/ladf, follow them on Twitter @DodgersFdn, Instagram @dodgersfoundation and like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesDodgersFoundation.
About Minds Matter of Los Angeles:
Minds Matter of Los Angeles is a not-for-profit organization providing life changing experiences for high school students from low-income families. Students participate in a rigorous program of tutoring and mentoring, as well as summer enrichment programs at leading universities. We guide our students through every step of the college admissions process and help their families navigate the complicated process of applying for financial aid and scholarships. Our goal is to prepare students for success in college and beyond.