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 significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. CDF holds five high-profile awards events to 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. This year’s honors programs are being held in California, Washington, D.C., Texas, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio. Not only do these awards events celebrate the scholarship recipients, they demonstrate that behind each successful child is at least one caring adult. They also are meant to inspire community leaders and citizens who want to help children struggling to overcome adversity. CDF encourages you to attend one of these events and learn more about how you can help support outstanding high school students.

The 2012 Beat the Odds application process is now open. Download the application to nominate a high school student for this year’s Washington, D.C. area scholarship.

CDF–Minnesota 20th Annual Beat the Odds Awards Dinner and Celebration

On March 16, 2012 CDF–Minnesota hosted its 20th annual Beat the Odds awards dinner and celebration to honor four outstanding high school students who have overcome extreme adversity, and have achieved greatly despite difficult circumstances. These four deserving high school seniors will be presented with a $4,000 college scholarship. The entire community takes great pride in recognizing the honorees for their hard work, academic excellence, community service and personal determination to beat the odds.

Learn more about this year’s Beat the Odds recipients, Raymond Perez, Anne Sinner, Lashay Thompson and Eduardo Sanchez Beltran.

CDF's National Office Beat the Odds Awards Dinner

On November 15, 2011, CDF hosted its annual Beat the Odds awards dinner in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and honor five inspiring young people from the Washington, D.C., area with a scholarship to attend college. These five students have overcome tremendous challenges to beat the odds and excel academically.

Learn more about this year’s scholarship recipients.

CDF-California Hosts their 21st Annual Beat the Odds Awards Ceremony

On December 1, 2011 CDF President Marian Wright Edelman will join CDF board member Reese Witherspoon and others for the 21st annual Beat the Odds awards ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The stars will come out to meet five incredible ‘star’ young people, Los Angeles area high school students, and to honor them for their personal hard work, academic excellence, community service, and perseverance despite the tremendous obstacles they face in their daily lives.

Learn more about this year’s event and honorees and watch videos from last year’s event.