LOS ANGELES (August 11, 2026) – The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) is proud to announce that it has awarded 50 Legacy Scholars, representing 21 institutions, since the Foundation’s Legacy Scholarship launched in 2022. This milestone marks a full-circle moment as members of the inaugural cohort have now completed their four-year degrees.
On Wednesday, August 12, at 2:30 p.m., LADF will honor its newest class of Legacy Scholars at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium during an event that will include a scholarship ceremony, networking session, stadium tour, and pregame on-field recognition. This year’s 10 Legacy Scholars will each receive a $10,000 scholarship, a custom Dodger jersey, a new Apple MacBook, a professional headshot, and a backpack.
LADF’s newest cohort will be welcomed by LADF Chief Executive Officer Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman, Dodgers catcher Will Smith, broadcaster Stephen Nelson, and past scholarship recipients. Smith will deliver remarks recognizing the Scholars’ accomplishments before they embark on their college journeys.
“Our Legacy Scholarship program is a financial lifeline for students who otherwise may not be able to attend college. We’re also helping remove cost-related barriers to college readiness like laptops and other supplies,” said McKenzie-Whiteman. “This year’s cohort includes seven Dodgers Dreamteam participants and three Boys & Girls Club College Bound teens, and we are proud of each of them for taking meaningful steps toward their career ambitions.”
The 10 members of the 2026 LADF Legacy Scholars cohort are graduating seniors from LADF’s Dodgers Dreamteam program and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles’ College Bound and Future Pathways programs. Forty percent will attend public institutions across California, including California State University and University of California campuses, while another 40% will attend private universities, and the remaining Scholars are enrolled in community colleges. The cohort also includes the first Legacy Scholar in the program’s history to attend a historically Black college (HBCU). All 10 Scholars are first-generation college students, and each reported that receiving the scholarship strengthened their self-confidence.
LADF launched the scholarship during the 2022 All-Star Game in partnership with the Dodgers and MLB. In its inaugural year, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 10 students and committed to supporting up to 75 additional recipients in the years ahead. The scholarship, administered by the California Community Foundation, covers academic expenses at two- or four-year universities across Southern California and provides relief for essential needs like housing, transportation, and food, offering both stability and a sense of recognition.
LADF LEGACY SCHOLARS CEREMONY – GENERAL EVENT DETAILS
WHO: Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
Will Smith, Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
Stephen Nelson, Broadcaster, Sportsnet LA
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Legacy Scholars
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
2:00 PM: Media Check-In Begins
2:30 PM: Scholar Ceremony In Centerfield Plaza
6:45 PM: Tentative Pregame Recognition Time (photos to be provided)
*Private and invite only
WHERE: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium | 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Centerfield Plaza)
About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) tackles the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health, homelessness prevention, and social justice for all Angelenos. Under its new strategic plan, “Lasting Impact for Los Angeles,” LADF is amplifying best practices, scaling solutions, growing its capacity, and refining its work with investments exceeding $80 million in its programs and grants. To date, LADF has positively impacted over 11.5 million youth. LADF is the proud recipient of ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award, Beyond Sport's Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award, and the Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. To learn more, visit Dodgers.com/LADF and join the conversation on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
# # #
CONTACTS:
Erin Edwards
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
(323) 224-1412
Joe Jareck
Los Angeles Dodgers
(323) 224-1549