Opening Doors Scholarship Fund
March 3, 2020
Dear Friend of Oakland International,
It’s heartening to see that although national and global politics are ever more divisive, witnessing members of our senior class journey through their struggles and find their successes bring us so much hope - hope that will guide us through these challenging times.
While there are many things that are outside of our influence or control, one thing that we can all do to make a positive and immediate impact on our collective futures is supporting the higher education of our incredibly bright and hardworking immigrant students. Supporting higher education for immigrant students is an act of vital resistance. Those who have supported OIHS scholarships in previous years have helped open many doors of opportunities for our first generation students.
Watch: Learn about one of the applicants, Aiyuan Liao!
This year, we once again invite you to help make our students’ dreams a reality by donating to the OIHS Opening Doors Scholarship Fund. This is the seventh consecutive year raising community funds to support our seniors, and we are so awe-struck and inspired by supporters like you. It is with your help that we have been able to sustain our Opening Doors Scholarship program at OIHS. Having provided 15 one time scholarships to the Class of 2019, we hope we can continue to allay a bit of the financial anxieties that surround paying for college. To get to know the Class of 2020 a bit better, check out their self portrait projects, below: The "Opening Doors" scholarships are given to a graduating OIHS senior who demonstrate the perseverance, hard work, and personal growth that exemplifies the spirit of our school.
We hope you consider donating to our Opening Doors Scholarship Fund this year by May 1, 2020. All money raised goes directly to help our 2020 recipients realize their college dreams and forever alter the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their future children and family.
Watch this short video to see the impact that an “Opening Doors” scholarship has had on one of our graduates from the Class of 2016. You will also meet one of our amazing students who hopes to be awarded with one of the scholarships.
About Our School
Oakland International High School has been opening doors of opportunities for the last ten years. Our school is part of the International Network of Public Schools, serving some of highest needs and newest members of our local community. Our school serves close to 400 students from over 30 countries who are immigrants and English Language Learners. Many of these students come to the US as refugees and unaccompanied minors escaping harm and persecution. We are honored to provide rigorous instruction and support services to these wonderful and inspirational human beings.
Most of our students are the first in their family to graduate from high school and go to college. Financial aid and scholarships are instrumental in making our students' college dreams a reality.
Your Support
Our school would not be able to provide the services and support available to students without the tremendous generosity of community members, volunteers, and donors. We ask you to consider donating to the Oakland International High School's "Opening Doors Scholarship Fund." Your donation will go directly to providing a one time scholarship to a current OIHS senior who will be attending a 2 or 4 year college.
Your contribution will help fund the college dreams to one of our newest Americans. Additionally, your donation will help ensure that students have a more successful transition into college life. This will no doubt be a valuable investment in our local community for years to come.
How To Donate
To make a tax deductible donation to the Opening Doors Scholarship fund, please donate to the Oakland Public Education Fund here. Then follow the steps below to ensure that OIHS receives your donation:
Check the box that states "Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone."
Type in "OIHS Scholarship" in the Name Box so that Oakland Public Education Fund that manages donations for all Oakland schools knows that your gift is intended for the OIHS scholarship fund.
Type in "irene.kim@ousd.org" in the Email Box. Irene Kim, the 12th grade English teacher, will receive a notice that a donation was made and can verify that with Oakland Public Education Fund should any issues arise.
To learn more about our school, please visit www.oaklandinternational.org. Don’t feel like reading? Learn about how we are a community school with this video which was recently made by an OIHS alumnus!
Thank you for your consideration and support,
Oakland International High School Opening Doors Scholarship Committee