Center of Hope CDC Newsletter
September 2026
From Garden to Market: Young Entrepreneurs Bring Their Ideas to Life
Garden to Market concludes its inaugural season with student business pitches, financial literacy, and a celebration of growth.
What began with raised garden beds and budding business ideas culminated in an exciting demonstration of entrepreneurship as Center of Hope Community Development Corporation (COHCDC) celebrated the conclusion of its Garden to Market Youth Entrepreneurship Intensive on Saturday, September 19.
Throughout the summer, students ages 11–17 explored the intersection of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, learning how to transform an idea into a viable business concept. Their final class brought those lessons together through business pitch presentations, hands-on gardening, and a concluding financial literacy session with program partner Farmers & Merchants Bank.
Young Entrepreneurs Take the Floor
The highlight of the day was the presentation of four student-developed business concepts, representing two individual entrepreneurs and two partnerships: one formed by three students and another by the program's two youngest participants.
With parents filling the Parlor Room, the students stepped forward to present their ideas, explain their business models, and demonstrate what they had learned throughout the program.
But these were no ordinary classroom presentations.
Parents enthusiastically stepped into the role of prospective customers and investors, asking real-time questions about the students' business concepts, operations, and plans for growth. Their questions challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond their prepared presentations, defend their ideas, and respond thoughtfully under pressure.
And the students rose to the occasion!
A COHCDC board member and Garden to Market instructor also provided constructive critiques, encouraging students to expand their entrepreneurial vision and consider how their presentations would resonate with different audiences. One particularly valuable lesson emphasized the importance of understanding the investor: a successful pitch must communicate not only what a business does, but why someone should believe in its potential.
The experience gave students a practical introduction to an essential entrepreneurial skill: communicating a business idea with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Building Financial Confidence with Farmers & Merchants Bank
Following the presentations, representatives from Farmers & Merchants Bank returned for the program's final financial literacy session.
Building upon lessons introduced earlier in the summer, the session provided an intensive review of financial concepts, challenging students to engage with increasingly complex topics related to banking, money management, and financial decision-making.
Students demonstrated their developing familiarity with the material, drawing upon the foundation established through the bank's earlier instruction.
Financial literacy was an integral component of Garden to Market's curriculum. Beyond teaching students how to develop and present a business idea, the program sought to equip them with the financial knowledge necessary to understand how businesses operate, manage resources, and make informed decisions.
The partnership with Farmers & Merchants Bank helped bridge classroom entrepreneurship with practical financial education, introducing students to tools and concepts that will serve them well beyond the program.
A Garden That Continues to Grow
Earlier that morning, students returned to the garden to tend their plants and prepare the raised beds for future projects.
Although the season presented its share of agricultural challenges, students had the opportunity to observe the growth of peppers, carrots, and strawberries—small but meaningful reminders of the work they invested throughout the summer.
The gardening experience reinforced lessons in patience, observation, responsibility, and adaptability. Students discovered that growing food, much like building a business, requires consistent attention, problem-solving, and a willingness to adjust when circumstances change.
To encourage students to continue their gardening journey at home, each received starter herbs accompanied by recipes demonstrating how their plants could be incorporated into everyday meals. This final activity connected the agricultural experience to practical household use, extending the program's learning beyond the garden.
Celebrating the Community Behind the Program
The final gathering also provided an opportunity to recognize the families, instructors, and community partners who contributed to Garden to Market's inaugural season.
Parents turned out in strong support, filling the room and participating enthusiastically in the students' presentations. Their engagement transformed the closing celebration into an interactive learning experience, reinforcing the value of family involvement in youth development.
We extend our appreciation to our gardening and business instructors, Farmers & Merchants Bank, our guest speakers, participating families, and everyone who helped make this program possible.
Garden to Market was made possible through funding from L.A. Care Health Plan, supporting COHCDC's efforts to create meaningful educational opportunities that connect health, wellness, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment.
Growing Beyond the Garden
As Garden to Market concludes its first season, its impact extends beyond the produce grown or the business plans presented.
Students leave with new experiences in developing business concepts, understanding financial principles, communicating their ideas, and responding to challenges. They have also experienced the value of collaboration, perseverance, and the support of a community invested in their development.
The garden will continue to grow, and so will the possibilities cultivated through this program.
We look forward to seeing what our young entrepreneurs grow next!
Agency in Action: Hope Small Business Fair Brings Entrepreneurship and Community Together
BE³ Business Incubation | September 13, 2026
What does agency look like in action? Sometimes, it looks like an entrepreneur introducing a product to a new customer, a business owner making an unexpected connection, or a community choosing to invest in the businesses growing within it.
On Sunday, September 13, Center of Hope Community Development Corporation (COHCDC) brought that vision to life through its Hope Small Business Fair. Held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Center of Hope courtyard, the event brought together approximately 23 vendors for a lively marketplace filled with commerce, conversation, and community connection.
Presented as part of Center of Hope's This Is Us series, the fair illustrated the series' theme of Agency—the ability to make decisions, take initiative, and actively shape one's circumstances and opportunities.
Through entrepreneurship, that principle becomes tangible.
Building Economic Opportunity Through BE³
The Hope Small Business Fair is an initiative of COHCDC's Black Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (BE³) program, which supports entrepreneurs in developing ideas, establishing businesses, strengthening operations, and pursuing sustainable growth.
Operating within BE³'s Business Incubation division, the fair provided entrepreneurs with more than a place to sell products. It created an opportunity to test their market presence, engage directly with consumers, introduce their services, build relationships, and generate revenue.
This year's fair also marked an important organizational milestone: for the first time, the event operated fully under Center of Hope CDC. This transition expands opportunities to engage entrepreneurs and customers beyond the congregation, strengthening the fair's potential as a community-wide economic development initiative.
With approximately 23 participating vendors against a goal of 25, the event nearly reached its participation target. Several businesses were also new to COHCDC's growing vendor network, creating additional opportunities for future engagement and collaboration.
A Marketplace Designed for Connection
This year's marketplace featured a redesigned layout intended to increase vendor visibility, improve pedestrian circulation, and encourage guests to explore the full range of participating businesses.
The results were encouraging.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, vendors experienced steady customer engagement, with visitors moving between booths, purchasing products, learning about services, and exchanging contact information.
The marketplace featured an assortment of entrepreneurs and service providers, including baked goods, beverages, sea moss products, books, real estate, insurance, housing resources, and fatherhood initiatives. Community partners, including National Housing Services, added opportunities for visitors to connect with valuable services and resources.
Importantly, customer engagement extended beyond traditional retail transactions. Service-oriented vendors also experienced meaningful interactions with attendees interested in learning about their organizations and maintaining contact beyond the event.
Coinciding with Center of Hope's Sunday worship services, the fair also benefited from strong congregational participation. Members demonstrated their support by shopping, exploring local businesses, and engaging with entrepreneurs throughout the marketplace.
With sunshine overhead, vendor tents lining the courtyard, and a DJ providing music and enthusiastic shout-outs for participating businesses, the atmosphere reflected a community actively supporting its entrepreneurs.
From Participation to Possibility
Perhaps one of the most encouraging outcomes came directly from the vendors themselves.
As the fair concluded, participating business owners expressed enthusiasm about their experience and began asking about upcoming opportunities.
Their interest speaks to an important dimension of BE³: entrepreneurship is not limited to launching a business or completing a single transaction. It requires sustained access to networks, customers, resources, and opportunities that help businesses develop over time.
The Hope Small Business Fair serves as one part of that broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The success of the redesigned marketplace will also inform planning for COHCDC's expanded Hope Small Business Expo, anticipated for November 2026, with the official date to be announced.
In the meantime, entrepreneurs and community partners can look forward to participating in the 30th anniversary of Light the Night on October 31, which will feature an expanded community marketplace.
Youth in Action
Student volunteers also played an important role in supporting the day's activities, contributing their time and energy to the fair's operations. Their participation reflects COHCDC's commitment to creating opportunities for young people to engage in community development through service, leadership, and hands-on experience.
Within the framework of This Is Us, their involvement offered another expression of agency: young people contributing to the success of an initiative designed to strengthen their own community.
Agency Is Something We Build Together
The Hope Small Business Fair demonstrated what becomes possible when entrepreneurship meets intentional community investment.
For business owners, agency meant stepping forward, presenting their products and services, establishing relationships, and pursuing opportunities for growth.
For customers, it meant exercising purchasing power, discovering local businesses, and making choices that support economic activity within their community.
For COHCDC, it meant creating the infrastructure and opportunities that bring these two groups together.
Through BE³, we remain committed to cultivating entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and expanding pathways to economic empowerment.
Because building economic opportunity is not simply about encouraging entrepreneurship. It is about creating the conditions in which entrepreneurs can thrive.
🎓 Hope Academy Is Open!
Today, in the rain, a new chapter began.
For the very first time, the doors of Hope Academy, a new educational initiative of Center of Hope CDC, opened to welcome its inaugural class of students for the first day of school.
Serving students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, Hope Academy was created with a bold vision: to cultivate academic excellence, identity, and creativity while helping children grow in confidence, character, faith, and purpose.
There are many private schools in Los Angeles. There are many Christian schools. But Hope Academy was never intended to simply be another option.
We’re not just focused on what children learn. We’re intentional about who they become.
Under the leadership of Dr. Stefanie C. Baker, Founder and Visionary, Hope Academy is building an educational experience rooted in scholarship, innovation, and a deep commitment to student growth. Her more than two decades of experience in educational leadership and student-centered program development bring both vision and expertise to this new endeavor.
And this vision is part of something larger.
Hope Academy represents the fulfillment of a vision long held by Pastor Geremy Dixon—a vision of flourishing people equipped to make meaningful contributions wherever God calls them: in education, government, business, the arts, agriculture, advocacy, sacred spaces, and beyond.
Today, that vision has a classroom.
Seven extraordinary children are beginning this journey as the first class of Hope Academy.
It may be a small beginning, but we know that great things often begin this way—with a vision, a faithful few, and the courage to build.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10
Hope Academy is open.
And this is only the beginning.
Welcome, Founding Class of Hope Academy. We can’t wait to see who you become.
Free Legal Clinic Draws More Than 200 Community Members
On August 29, the Center of Hope CDC hosted the John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles Free Legal Clinic & Know Your Rights Seminar, providing residents with an opportunity to receive legal information and guidance on matters affecting their families, homes, records, businesses, and financial futures.
The response was significant.
More than 200 individuals attended, representing residents from throughout Inglewood and surrounding communities. In the days leading up to the clinic, the Center of Hope CDC received an extraordinary number of telephone inquiries from individuals seeking information about the event and asking questions regarding their legal concerns.
The level of interest continued even after the clinic concluded. The Center received additional inquiries the following day from individuals who had missed the event and wanted to know when the next clinic would be offered.
The response provided a clear indication of the continuing need for accessible legal information within our community.
Addressing Legal Concerns Before They Become Family Crises
The clinic addressed a range of legal matters, including expungement, probate, trusts, housing, and other issues affecting individuals and families.
While expungement can provide an important opportunity for individuals seeking to remove barriers associated with prior convictions, estate planning and probate represent another critical component of family stability and long-term legacy.
For families working to preserve assets and build generational wealth, planning for the transfer of property and other assets is essential. When appropriate legal planning does not occur, families can face unnecessary disputes, delays, and expenses during an already difficult period.
One of the barriers to seeking legal assistance may be the assumption that it is simply too expensive.
But an assumption should not become a decision.
Ask the question: “How much does your service cost?”
The answer may be different from what you expect.
The legal clinic itself demonstrated this principle. Residents were provided access to legal information and resources at no cost to attend, creating an opportunity to ask questions, learn about available options, and take a first step toward addressing issues that may otherwise remain unresolved.
For the Center of Hope CDC, this is an important part of community development: helping individuals and families obtain the information necessary to make informed decisions, protect their interests, and plan for the future.
Investing in the Next Generation
The success of the clinic was also made possible through the support of student volunteers from Center of Hope and St. Mary's Academy. Their assistance contributed to the day's operations and provided an opportunity for young people to participate directly in community service.
Their professionalism and willingness to serve were greatly appreciated. If you have a student who would like to volunteer for the CDC, message ksmith.cdc@go2hope.com.
Community Connections Continued at Darby Park
Following the legal clinic, the Center of Hope CDC team continued its day of community engagement at Gloria Gray's Family Day at Darby Park.
The event provided an opportunity to connect with residents, community organizations, and local businesses. Among those we had the opportunity to meet was BMO, which will also participate in the upcoming Hope Small Business Fair.
The day also featured a jazz performance by D3W, adding music and celebration to an already full day of community connection and service.
Thank You to KJLH
We extend our sincere appreciation to KJLH for helping promote the John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angles Free Legal Clinic.
The station's outreach had a meaningful impact. Many of the calls received by the Center of Hope CDC in the days leading up to the clinic came from individuals who had heard about the event through KJLH.
That partnership helped connect residents with a resource they clearly needed.
Continuing the Conversation
The overwhelming response to the Langston Free Legal Clinic reinforced an important lesson: access to information is an essential component of community empowerment.
People have questions. Families have concerns. And too often, uncertainty or assumptions can prevent individuals from taking the first step toward addressing them.
Whether the question concerns an expungement, a home, an estate, a trust, or another legal matter, the first step may simply be to ask:
What are my options?
The Center of Hope CDC remains committed to creating opportunities that connect residents with information, resources, and trusted professionals who can help them navigate important decisions.
Because strong families require preparation.
Strong communities require access.
And lasting legacies require planning.
The John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles Legal Clinic Returns to the Center of Hope CDC
The Center of Hope Community Development Corporation, in partnership with the John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles, invites the community to a Free Legal Clinic & Know Your Rights Seminar designed to connect individuals and families with valuable legal information, resources, and access to attorneys.
Among the services available, the clinic offers an opportunity to learn more about expungement and estate planning, two areas that can have a lasting impact on individuals and families. A past mistake should not necessarily become a lifelong barrier to employment, housing, education, or opportunity. Through free legal consultations and expungement assistance, eligible participants can learn whether their records may qualify for relief and what steps may be available to move forward.
The clinic will also provide an opportunity to learn about probate and the importance of planning for the future. Families work hard to acquire homes, businesses, savings, and other assets, but without proper estate planning, those assets can become subject to a lengthy and costly probate process. Learning about wills, trusts, and other estate-planning tools can help individuals make informed decisions about protecting their property, preserving family wealth, and creating a legacy for those who come after them.
Additional services include housing rights consultations, pro bono will preparation, and a Know Your Rights Seminar covering important legal issues affecting individuals and families. Services are free, but registration is required, and consultations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Location: Center of Hope Church – Inglewood
9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Building 2, Inglewood, CA 90305
Whether you are trying to remove a barrier from your past or protect what you are building for your family's future, this clinic provides an opportunity to learn your rights, understand your options, and take the next step.
August 2026
July 2026
Garden to Market is underway
The Garden to Market Youth Entrepreneurship Intensive is now entering Week 3, and it has been exciting to watch both our garden—and our students—grow.
With a roster of 14 enthusiastic students, each class continues to blend hands-on gardening with entrepreneurship education. Our instructional team includes Miss Kate (Head Gardener), Miss Jocelyn (Assistant Gardener), Matthew Newman (Business Instructor and Center of Hope CDC Board Member), and Katrina Smith (Business Instructor and Program Manager).
The Garden is Growing
Over the past several weeks, students have prepared the garden beds and planted a variety of vegetables and herbs throughout five of our six raised planters. Lettuce, onions, cucumbers, herbs, and many other crops are now beginning their journey from seed to harvest.
Every planting activity serves as a practical lesson in patience, preparation, consistency, and stewardship—principles that apply not only to gardening but also to business and everyday life.
Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Our business sessions continue to introduce students to the language and thinking of entrepreneurship. Students are expanding their business vocabulary while discovering how many of the principles that govern successful gardens also govern successful businesses.
One of our recent discussions explored how entrepreneurs approach challenges. Rather than seeing obstacles as roadblocks, entrepreneurs learn to view them as intriguing questions waiting for creative solutions. This shift in perspective encourages curiosity, innovation, and resilience.
Students are also learning the difference between principles and concepts. Principles are enduring truths that do not change, while concepts are the many ways those principles can be applied in different situations. Understanding this distinction helps students recognize patterns they can use throughout school, business, and life.
Financial Literacy: Partnering with farmers & Merchants Bank
Through this program, we are pleased to partner with Farmers & Merchants Bank to provide students with an engaging introduction to financial literacy. Throughout the course, bank representatives will lead several interactive workshops designed to help students develop practical money management skills, understand the value of saving and budgeting, and build confidence in making financial decisions.
Students are exploring such topics as:
How banks operate
How financial institutions earn money
Understanding checking and savings accounts
Credit versus debit cards
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
The importance of FDIC and NCUA insurance
Presentations provide students with practical knowledge they can begin applying today while encouraging healthy financial habits that will benefit them for years to come. Our first financial literacy session was met with great enthusiasm, and students eagerly engaged with the material. Together, we have begun exploring the foundations of personal finance and the essential role that financial knowledge plays in building successful businesses and strengthening communities.
Looking Ahead
As our plants continue to mature, so do our students' understanding of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. Each week they are discovering that growing a successful garden requires many of the same habits needed to build a successful business: planning, patience, consistency, observation, and continuous learning.
We look forward to sharing more progress in the weeks ahead as both our garden and our young entrepreneurs continue to flourish.
Thank you to all of our families for supporting the Garden to Market Youth Entrepreneurship Intensive. Your encouragement helps cultivate the next generation of thoughtful leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.
June 2026
Center of Hope CDC Celebrates Grand Opening of the Garden Project
Center of Hope CDC proudly celebrated the official Grand Opening of the Bishop Gregory L. Dixon Garden Hope with an incredible day of community, partnership, and purpose.
With well over 150 attendees gathered to witness the occasion, the event transformed into more than a ribbon-cutting—it became a celebration of growth, connection, and investment in the future of our community. Guests filled the space with energy and excitement, creating a memorable atmosphere as families, supporters, community leaders, and partners came together to mark this important milestone.
The program featured special remarks from representatives of LA Care, whose support helped make this vision possible. We were also honored to welcome remarks delivered on behalf of Councilwoman Gloria Gray, including a special commendation recognizing the Regional Community Advisory Committee 6 (RCAC 6) of LA Care and their contribution and commitment to strengthening community spaces.
One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was the dedication of the garden in honor of Bishop Gregory L. Dixon. This dedication serves as a lasting tribute and reflects the values of legacy, stewardship, and investing in generations to come.
Guests enjoyed an elegant reception and fellowship experience that reflected the joy of the occasion. From beautifully arranged refreshments to opportunities for conversation and connection, the event captured the spirit of celebration and community ownership.
A highlight of the day was the official unveiling of the Garden Project’s new fountain—a moment that drew excitement and marked another beautiful addition to the space.
The ceremonial groundbreaking included a symbolic planting and watering of a seed by Pastor Geremy Dixon alongside the LA Care representative in one of the newly constructed raised garden beds. This moment represented the beginning of a new chapter and the belief that meaningful change begins with intentional investment and care.
Center of Hope CDC also extends special recognition to the construction team whose creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication brought the vision to life through the design and construction of all six raised garden beds.
The Garden Project stands as more than a physical space—it is a place for gathering, growing, learning, and cultivating opportunity.
We extend our sincere gratitude to RCAC 6, LA Care, every volunteer, supporter, partner, and community member who helped make this day possible.
This is only the beginning.
Stay connected as we continue to grow together.
May 2026
BE3 Shepherds Program 2026 Cohort Underway: Building Businesses for Growth and Impact
The BE3 Shepherds Program is officially in motion, and we are excited to welcome 18 entrepreneurs into the 2026 cohort for a summer of learning, strategy, and business development.
Following a thoughtful two-week interview process, participants were selected and paired with three dedicated Shepherds who will support entrepreneurs throughout this 12-week business development journey.
This year’s cohort introduces a tailored approach designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are in their business journey. Participants have been organized into three developmental pathways:
Main Cohort – Entrepreneurs progressing through the core Shepherds Program experience.
Innovative & Impactful Entrepreneurs (IE) Intensive Track – Participants engaging in a focused three-week immersion designed to accelerate business development outcomes.
Innovative & Impactful Entrepreneurs (IE) Incubation Track – Entrepreneurs participating fully in the IE business incubation experience for deeper venture development and strategic advancement.
Through coaching, guidance, and structured business support, entrepreneurs are working to strengthen and fortify their business models, with a focus on capacity building, sustainability, and scalability.
The Shepherds Program, housed under the BE3 initiative, continues its mission of helping entrepreneurs move from vision to execution by equipping founders with tools, accountability, and strategic insight to grow enterprises that create meaningful community impact.
The cohort is expected to conclude in August 2026, culminating in a Business Pitch Event, where participants will have the opportunity to present their ventures, showcase their progress, and share what they have built throughout the program.
We are encouraged by the talent, creativity, and determination already emerging across this cohort and look forward to celebrating each entrepreneur’s growth in the months ahead.
Stay tuned for cohort highlights and updates as the journey continues.
april 2026
Building the Business Backbone Business Series
Building Stronger Businesses Through Community, Strategy & Opportunity
The Building the Business Backbone Business Series recently welcomed more than 40 aspiring and established entrepreneurs for an evening centered on growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Originally projected to host 25 attendees, the event exceeded expectations and reflected the growing demand for intentional business development opportunities within our community.
Hosted as part of our continued commitment to strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the evening featured a dynamic panel of four experienced business professionals who shared insights on business development, operations, branding, financial preparedness, and long-term sustainability.
Attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions, asked impactful questions, and participated in meaningful networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.
Expert Panel Discussion
The event’s featured panelists brought diverse professional expertise and real-world entrepreneurial experience to the conversation. Throughout the discussion, attendees gained practical guidance on:
Building operational structure and business systems
Navigating entrepreneurship with intention and adaptability
Financial literacy and business preparedness
Marketing and brand positioning
Accessing local resources and community support networks
Developing sustainable pathways for business growth
The atmosphere throughout the evening was collaborative, encouraging, and solution-oriented — exactly the type of environment needed to cultivate innovation and economic mobility within the community.
One of the most exciting outcomes from the event was the overwhelming level of engagement from attendees. Many participants expressed interest in continuing their entrepreneurial journey through the BE3 Shepherd’s Program, signaling a strong desire for mentorship, structure, accountability, and long-term business support.
The enthusiasm shown during and after the event reaffirmed the importance of creating accessible spaces where entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and grow together.
About BE3
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Empowerment Blueprint (BE3)
BE3 exists to strengthen and support entrepreneurs through education, ecosystem development, mentorship, and strategic business programming designed to create sustainable economic impact.
The initiative was created to help entrepreneurs move beyond ideas and into actionable, scalable business development by providing access to guidance, resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and community-centered support systems.
BE3 focuses on:
Entrepreneurial education
Business sustainability
Community collaboration
Leadership development
Economic empowerment
Strategic mentorship and incubation opportunities
Through programs like the Building the Business Backbone Business Series and the Shepherd’s Program, BE3 aims to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs who are not only prepared to launch businesses — but equipped to sustain and scale them.
About the Shepherd’s Program
The Shepherd’s Program is a guided entrepreneurial development initiative designed to provide selected participants with mentorship, accountability, strategic support, and business development guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Participants receive opportunities to:
Strengthen their business concepts
Refine operational strategy
Receive mentorship and coaching
Develop leadership capacity
Build professional networks
Access structured entrepreneurial support
The program is designed to cultivate entrepreneurs who are intentional, resilient, community-minded, and prepared to build sustainable ventures that positively impact the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Building the Business Backbone Business Series reflects the continued momentum surrounding entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within our community. We extend sincere appreciation to every attendee, panelist, partner, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to making the evening impactful and inspiring.
This is only the beginning.
More workshops, collaborative opportunities, and entrepreneurial initiatives are on the horizon as we continue building stronger businesses and stronger communities — together.
Stepping in the Right Direction: HBCU Summit Recap
A Powerful Step Toward the Future
The Stepping in the Right Direction HBCU Summit, hosted by Center of Hope CDC, brought together over 1,000 students from across 32 LAUSD high schools for a transformative day centered on exposure, opportunity, and inspiration. Designed exclusively for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students, the summit created space for young scholars to begin thinking intentionally about their college journeys—early enough to shape meaningful pathways forward.
This high-energy event connected students directly with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offering valuable insight into academic programs, admissions processes, and scholarship opportunities. More than just a college fair, the summit was an immersive experience that celebrated culture, pride, and the distinct environment that HBCUs provide.
Building Awareness Through Experience
As part of the broader HBCU Bound Series, the summit plays a critical role in encouraging students to actively explore higher education options—particularly within the HBCU community. One of its key goals is to inspire students to participate in Black college tours, helping them move from curiosity to commitment.
Through this early exposure model, students gain:
Time to thoughtfully consider their college options
Opportunities to build relationships with universities
Confidence in navigating the admissions process
At the same time, colleges are given the chance to connect with students early, creating lasting impressions that can influence future enrollment decisions.
Exploring Career Pathways
A major highlight of the summit was its diverse lineup of interactive workshops, designed to introduce students to both career possibilities and the broader college experience. Workshop tracks included:
STEM
Sports
Media & Theatre
E-Sports & Entertainment
Mental Health
Band, Dance & Cheer
Entrepreneurship & Entertainment
The HBCU Experience
These sessions offered students practical insights into potential career paths while also highlighting how HBCUs nurture talent, leadership, and community.
About Stepping in the Right Direction
Stepping in the Right Direction Black College Tours, led by Nicole Ford, is recognized as a leading initiative dedicated to exposing African American students to the richness of HBCU life. Through immersive college tours and strategic partnerships, the organization helps students engage directly with campuses across the country.
Participants in these tours experience:
Guided campus visits and direct interaction with faculty, admissions teams, and current students
Opportunities for on-the-spot college applications
Cultural immersion, including exposure to student life and Black Greek Letter Organizations
With a reported 75% college acceptance rate among participants, the program has made a measurable impact—attracting students not only from across the United States but internationally as well.
Looking Ahead
Representatives from LAUSD expressed strong enthusiasm following the summit, reinforcing its value and impact on students across the district. As an annual event, Stepping in the Right Direction continues to grow as a powerful platform for college access, cultural connection, and student empowerment.
This summit is more than a one-day event—it is a launching point. By introducing students to HBCUs early, it helps them envision a future filled with possibility, purpose, and pride.
For more information about upcoming tours and how to get involved, students and families are encouraged to explore the Stepping in the Right Direction program and its HBCU Bound initiatives.
Homeownership Resource Fair Draws Record Attendance
On January 31st, Center of Hope CDC proudly partnered with the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office to host a record-breaking Homeownership Resource Fair that welcomed 184 attendees and 25 community partners for a comprehensive day of education, access, and empowerment.
The Assessor’s Office shared that this was the most well-attended and successful resource fair they have hosted to date — a significant milestone that underscores the strong demand for trusted, accessible homeownership information in our community.
This year’s fair provided practical, timely guidance on some of the most pressing housing issues facing families today. A featured headliner session on California’s Proposition 19 helped attendees better understand family inheritance, property tax transfers, and generational wealth protection. Attorneys were present to provide information on probate and trusts, while housing professionals offered support for first-time homebuyers, homebuying preparation, tax assessment questions, and real estate navigation.
We extend our sincere thanks to our valued partners — the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, and the Inglewood Board of Realtors — for their collaboration and leadership in making this event possible. We are also grateful to participating organizations including LA CADA, Pacific Playa Realty, and Metricon Homes whose presence enriched the day’s impact
By convening legal experts, housing counselors, real estate professionals, and public officials under one roof, Center of Hope CDC continues to advance equitable pathways to homeownership, protect generational assets, and equip families with the knowledge necessary for long-term economic stability.
January 2026
