Dakota Johnson Helps Award Over $1 Million in College Scholarships at THR Gala

Dakota Johnson helped present over $1 million in college scholarships this week. The event was The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment breakfast in Beverly Hills. It took place on Wednesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Johnson was joined by actresses Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti. They awarded the funds to high school students from underserved Los Angeles communities. The scholarships are part of a long-running mentorship program.

Program History and Major Partners Fuel Success

The Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program began 16 years ago. It is a joint effort with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it has supported over 275 students to date.

The program has raised more than $15 million for scholarships since its start. Past mentees have attended top universities like Harvard and UC Berkeley. This year, every graduating mentee received a $10,000 scholarship from Lifetime.

Major partners amplified the support. The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation provided full-ride scholarships. Seven Bucks Productions gifted new Apple laptops to every new mentee in the program.

A Lasting Impact on Entertainment and Beyond

The program’s goal is to reshape the entertainment industry. It does this by creating pathways for first-generation college students. These students often overcome significant personal obstacles to succeed.

The impact extends far beyond a single check. It provides technology, mentorship, and full financial support. This comprehensive approach helps ensure long-term success for the participants.

Industry leaders see it as a crucial investment. It brings diverse perspectives and new talent into Hollywood. The event celebrates both the students’ achievements and the community’s commitment to equity.

The presentation of these college scholarships marks a pivotal moment for the recipients. It underscores a growing industry effort to foster real access and opportunity. This investment today will help shape the creative leaders of tomorrow.

A quick knowledge drop for you

How much money was awarded in total?

Over $1 million in college scholarships was awarded at the event. This includes individual $10,000 grants from Lifetime to each graduating mentee. Additional full-ride scholarships to universities were also provided.

Who runs the mentorship program?

The program is run by The Hollywood Reporter. It partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. The Entertainment Industry Foundation also provides fiscal sponsorship.

What do the scholarship recipients receive?

Recipients receive financial aid for university, brand-new Apple laptops, and dedicated mentorship. The support is designed to address both academic and practical needs. This holistic approach aims to remove barriers to success.

How are the students selected?

Students are selected from high schools across South and East Los Angeles. The focus is on high-achieving students from underserved communities. Many are poised to be the first in their families to attend college.

Why is this program important for Hollywood?

The program directly invests in diversifying the future talent pipeline of the entertainment industry. It provides access and opportunity to young people who might otherwise face closed doors. This helps ensure the industry evolves to include more varied voices and stories.