Sankofa Scholarship Endowment
- Established by
- Boulware Blessing Fund
- Year Established
- 2024
- College
- West Valley College
- About this Endowment
- The Sankofa Scholarship Endowment supports Umoja students at West Valley College who
have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to community.
This financial assistance is specifically for those transferring to four-year universities,
empowering them to continue their educational journeys and embrace leadership roles
in their communities.
The endowment is rooted in the meaning of Sankofa—a reminder to learn from the past to build a brighter future. It aligns with Umoja’s mission to recognize and amplify the voices, histories, and cultural legacies of African and African American students. Through this support, the scholarship celebrates the unity Umoja and strength within the African Diaspora, creating pathways for academic success and meaningful contributions to society.
The endowment also reflects values of service and compassion, emphasizing the moral responsibility to uplift others. These principles underscore the importance of community, humility, and selfless dedication to fostering growth in others—values that resonate deeply with the foundation of Umoja and the Diaspora’s legacy of resilience and unity.
By investing in these scholars, the Sankofa Scholarship Endowment honors their potential and the enduring power of education as a transformative force for individuals and communities.
The Sankofa Scholarship Endowment emerged from a profound journey undertaken by West Valley College faculty, staff, and administrators to Ghana. This transformative experience occurred during the 2024 All-African Diaspora Education Summit, hosted at the University of Ghana and co-sponsored by the African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND). The summit served as a space for educators to deeply reflect on historical and cultural contexts, connecting with the legacy of the African Diaspora to inform their work in higher education.
Participants engaged in powerful moments of learning and healing, including visiting significant historical sites like the Cape Coast slave dungeons and the Wall of Return. These experiences cultivated a renewed sense of purpose to support Black students in their academic journeys. Inspired by this trip, the West Valley delegation committed to enhancing opportunities for Umoja students by honoring their resilience and contributions to their communities.
We invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution to this fund. If you prefer to donate by check, please indicate the fund in the check memo field, and mail to: West Valley-Mission Foundation, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070