Children's Defense Fund
4/2009, 12/2010 & 11/2011
Beat the Odds Program
The CDF Beat the Odds program honors outstanding high schools students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities.
Started in 1990, the program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced great adversity in their lives and supports and trains them to become future adult leaders.
The high profile awards events send a clear signal that someone does care and understand what it takes to stay in school and do well while coping with adversity in their personal lives.
Since CDF's inaugural Beat the Odds event in Los Angeles in 1990, CDF has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students throughout the United States.
www.childrensdefense.org