Empowering Students: Minds Matter SoCal and John Legend Set the Stage for Educational Equity.
Minds Matter Southern California (Minds Matter SoCal) will host its annual Legendary Night for Education Gala on October 17, 2024, at NeueHouse Hollywood. The sold-out gala will feature a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend.
Minds Matter SoCal is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the people, preparation, and possibilities that empower high-achieving students from low-income communities to achieve their goals of college success.
The organization’s results are impressive. Since its inception fourteen years ago, 100% of Minds Matter SoCal’s graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges, with 82% attending colleges and universities ranked among the top 50 in the country. Ninety-seven percent of alumni have completed college or are on track for graduation.
John Legend, a longtime advocate for educational equity, enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania at 16 and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English focusing on African American literature. He has spearheaded programs and initiatives dedicated to providing students with equal access to educational opportunities.
“John Legend is an inspiration to our students, and his commitment to education aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Tina Admans, President of Minds Matter Southern California. “We are committed to educational equity within Los Angeles, serving driven and determined students from low-income communities and empowering them to achieve their dream of going to college.”
The Legendary Night for Education Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will help Minds Matter SoCal realize its growth plan to double the number of students it serves within the next four years.
In addition to John Legend’s performance, the gala will feature a silent auction, cocktails, and a dinner themed as a “gourmet high-school cafeteria” experience.
Minds Matter SoCal is grateful to Leonard Green & Partners for their partnership and investment in their students as the event’s presenting sponsor. They also thank Hawkridge Capital, Jon Christian & Vanessa Fiola, and Paul|Weiss for joining as senior sponsors.