SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Throughout February, Republic FC will work with community partners, local business owners, its players and fans, as well as the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate Black History Month and highlight community champions from the region. Beginning today, the club and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce will partner on the first Indomitable Scholars award of the year. At the club’s exhibition match on March 5, the club will present a qualified and deserving student from the Sacramento region with a $1,000 dollar scholarship to help support their educational aspirations. For full eligibility and application requirements, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship before the Friday, February 25 deadline.
“The strength and indomitable nature of our club is directly connected to the diversity of our community,” said President & General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Through cultural celebrations like Black History Month, we want to challenge our team, staff, fans and neighbors to learn more, support a path to a prosperous future, and lift up the creators who bring beauty to our region through art expressing heritage and so much more. With our partners at the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, we’ll be able to support students in their quest to learn, as well as the businesses that help our community thrive.”
“Creating the platform for economic inclusivity begins with educating the next generation of leaders, bridging the gap between communities, and engineering opportunities for businesses to succeed, allowing for everyone to reap the benefits,” said Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer AzizzaDavis Goines. “We are thrilled to launch this scholarship with Republic FC to assist and celebrate a local student on their journey, and hope that through their efforts this month and beyond, more people will engage with Black businesses through the region.”
Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible high school or in a minimum of six units at a California Community College, and intend to enroll in a four-year college or university, or a California Community College (minimum 12 units). According to a recent report by the Campaign for College Opportunity, Black students are vastly underrepresented and have lower graduation rates at California’s public universities – accounting for just four percent of the CSU student body and 2.5 percent of the UC undergraduate population, with graduation rates that are 25 percent lower. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these disparities; in California, 43 out of 60 surveyed community colleges noted enrollment declines for Black students.
This scholarship marks the newest addition to Republic FC’s Indomitable Scholars series, which has awarded local students with scholarships to support their educational and career goals since 2019. The club has previously partnered with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to present the El Futuro Scholarship to students of Hispanic and Latinx origin –as well as the Pride Scholarship, awarded in partnership with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
In addition to the new scholarship, Republic FC will alsoraise money for Black-owned businesses in the region and facilitate donations to local and national charities throughout February. Each Friday, Republic FC will highlight a local Black-owned business, recognizing their excellent contributions to the community. The club will also give fans a chance to win prize packs, gift cards and other merchandise to each week’s businessin an effort to spark new interest and economic activity for Black-owned businesses throughout the region. Fans can follow Republic FC on social media for more information and to enter.
Through a partnership with United Soccer League Black Players Alliance, Republic FC defender Duke Lacroix helped develop the USLBPA x USL Dream in Color Scarf.
