In 1975, the maximum Pell Grant, targeted toward low-income students, covered roughly 84% of the cost of attending a public college or university. Today it only covers 36%. (The Education Trust)

HISTORY

In 1973, Gary Gitnick, M.D., a doctor at UCLA Medical Center, convinced his staff to sponsor an end-of-the-year holiday party for children with disabilities. The staff had as much fun as the kids, and out of this experience the Fulfillment Fund was born.

Incorporated as a non-profit in 1977, the early Fulfillment Fund focused on the needs of young children and teenagers with disabilities. In addition to the annual holiday party, a career day and leadership camp challenged a growing number of young people to rise above their disabilities and set high goals.

The Fulfillment Fund broadened its mission in the mid-1980s to include able-bodied but often overlooked students, and started to provide college scholarships and motivational events. Young students were encouraged to stay in school and pursue a college education by adults matched with them for the day. These role model-student pairs often stayed in touch throughout the year.

In the 1990s, the Fulfillment Fund began to focus efforts on ensuring high school graduation and access to and completion of a college education, targeting disadvantaged youth. Fulfillment Fund programs have continued to evolve and adapted to changing needs and rising challenges in our community.

Today, the Fulfillment Fund is a college access organization working closely with partners in the schools and the community to make lasting changes. We have also begun collaborating with other communities to replicate Fulfillment Fund programs and results.