Education & Entrepreneurship

The Problem:

The data is clear: an opportunity gap for students of color and students from low-income communities is plaguing our education and career development systems, siphoning off the success and professional promise of too many young people.

The Solution:

VFF created The Ruth O’Block Grant Endowed Scholarship Program at Seton Hill University. Grant Scholars benefit from the mentorship and guidance of exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs and participate in experiences that will help them hone their leadership skills and prepare them for success in graduate school, their careers, and their communities. Each Grant Scholar is paired with a mentor, who meets with them regularly to provide guidance and help them navigate their paths both during college and after graduation.

VFF also supports The Opportunity Network serve a portfolio of 6-8 DMV organizations through Career Fluency® Partnerships, OppNet’s capacity-building and training program that engages in multi-year Partnerships with schools and community-based organizations to maximize postsecondary, college, and career outcomes for the students they serve. To ensure long-term sustainability of impact, these programs prioritize partnerships with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color)-led organizations; and a focus on youth mentorships with an entrepreneurial framework, integrating community listening (student focus groups and surveys), student input, and opportunities for student leadership. 

Media Coverage:

Ruth O’Block Grant’s Legacy Continues with Next Generation · Seton Hill University

Career Fluency® Partnerships – Opportunity Network