“Life’s most urgent question is what are we doing for others.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Urban League of Palm Beach County recognizes that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic created a negative financial impact for millions of families across the country and right here in our own backyard — significant job loss, food security issues, rent and mortgage delinquencies, just to name a few.
However, the most substantial challenges have impacted our graduating seniors, who in 2020 did not have graduation ceremonies, proms, nor the opportunity to attend their favorite grad bash, or all-night post-graduation parties.
The ULPBC addresses the needs of Palm Beach County low to moderate income households, while still delivering programs and services in a virtual, remote setting during the past 15 months of the pandemic. Our agency acted quickly to help alleviate some of the financial burdens for high school seniors by creating a scholarship and computer giveaway.
We thank ULPBC corporate partners, Office Depot and Otis Elevator Company, for stepping up and donating more than $45,000 to provide 21 scholarships for our rising freshman, to supplement their financial aid, books and other required school supplies.
In addition, 21 laptop computers will be awarded to students to aid in their online classwork, research and staying connected with their families while away at college.
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” In order to create a better community, we all must join community partners to invest in education and the future of our youth because, “It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it” — Albert Einstein.