Eddie Ashley Scholarship

Eddie Ashley was Doris Ahlsten’s student at Oakland Technical High School, where he graduated in 2010. At a young age, Eddie and his younger twin sisters lost their loving mother to lupus and kidney failure. Consequently, his sisters and he moved from relative to relative, and eventually, he was separated from his sisters. During this time, Eddie never complained or made excuses, even when he had every right to do so.

After high school, Eddie attended and graduated from UC Riverside in 2014 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. He currently lives in Oakland with his wife Anastasia and works for Pleasanton Garbage Service as their Recycling Coordinator. As their Recycling Coordinator he interacts with businesses and multi-family properties to provide environmental education and makes sure they comply with county/state waste management regulatory agencies laws.

It is because of Eddie's humility, perseverance, and resilience that we are proud and excited to name this scholarship after Eddie Ashley.

PURPOSE: 

The Eddie Ashley Scholarship awards a $25,000 scholarship to a college-bound high school senior based on character, need, and academic achievement.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Graduating senior attending De Anza High, El Cerrito High, Kennedy High, Oakland High, Richmond High, San Rafael High, or a graduating senior participating with Catalyst Youth Network or SOAR for Youth
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Must come from a low-income background
• Personal strengths and character
• Must be enrolled in a college or trade school in the Fall of 2026 (no gap years) in the United States
• Must submit their FAFSA/CADAA submission summary

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: 

Each scholar will be awarded $25,000, distributed over the 4 years the student attends college (ex. $6,250 each year for 4 years), provided that the scholar maintains a minimum 2.0 college term GPA. If requirements are not met, we will withhold the scholarship until the term GPA is at least 2.0. Additionally, each scholar will receive the services of Beyond 12, an organization which provides personalized coaching to support scholars with academic, social, and emotional needs throughout their college journey.

UPON SELECTION: 

If selected, the scholar must be able to attend a mandatory Zoom meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm and a scholarship dinner on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Details TBA.