This fund supports initiatives aimed at unlocking opportunity and promoting justice, equality, and representation for historically underserved communities in the sectors of Business, Policy, and Law.
The Justice League for Opportunity Fund was inspired by the civil unrest re-ignited by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota US, and the need for systemic change to ensure protections for future generations.
2020 shined light on the significant economic, social, health, and political disparities in this country. It's been said that we are currently fighting two pandemics - against COVID-19 and against racism. But, really there's a long list of inequalities that need to be addressed, and in order to do so, it's important to create sustainable, systemic change to move us towards a more equitable future.
One way that BeneFund seeks to do this is by supporting future leaders in the areas of Business, Policy, and Law who are committed to closing these gaps in the Black/African American, Latinx, and Native American communities. While the decisions made in these sectors affect us all, the decision-makers often do not reflect the diversity of the people impacted.
Did you know that while Black Americans make up ~13% of the US population, only 3-5% of all lawyers are Black?
Did you know that even less (0.6%) are CEO's of Fortune 500 companies?
And, these numbers don't even begin to address intersectionality and the added layers of under-representation for women or other ways that people of color identify.
So, to begin to combat systemic inequality in the areas of Business, Policy, and Law, the Justice League for Opportunity Fund will launch during the 2020/2021 school year to initially support initiatives at Georgia State University with a goal to empower more students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing education and careers in these fields.
Why Georgia State University?
A national leader in graduating students from diverse backgrounds, Georgia State University has been ranked #2 in Innovation by US News Rankings in part because of its unique approach to educating and supporting its students.
More than 70% of beginning undergraduates receive federal aid at Georgia State, and the university offers merit scholarships like the Goizueta Foundation Leadership Pipeline Scholarship, available to Hispanic students, and the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship, offered to former Atlanta public-school students. Nearly half (40%) of Georgia State’s students are Black, and the university consistently ranks as the top school in the country in terms of African Americans earning degrees.*
Through its Panthers Immersion Program, Georgia State offers students immersive and experiential opportunities that accelerate their professional development and have the potential to transform their careers. Panthers Immersion Programs include Panthers on Wall St. (Finance), Panthers in the District (Policy), and Panthers in the Valley (Tech).
The university has even gained the attention of business leader and philanthropist, Bill Gates.
So, why Georgia State? Well, if the reasons above aren't enough, GSU is also the alma mater of BeneFund's founder.
"Some of the best moments of my life happened at GSU. I learned so much about myself, made amazing friends that I still have today, and secured my first corporate internship through an on-campus organization. I'm not sure that I fully realized the importance of education, exposure, and opportunity back then. But, I am forever grateful for the experience and forever a GSU Panther!"
Visit the Links below to Learn more about GSU
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