Fourteen graduating Pasadena Unified School District seniors split a record $50,000 in scholarships at Empower U's 12th annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship and Basketball Classic, held May 16 at Pasadena City College.

The total is the largest single-year award in the event's history.

"This was an all-time high and extraordinary start to Empower U's expanded mission to serve Pasadena students," said David Williams, the nonprofit's executive director.

Williams, a longtime youth basketball coach and former college athlete, established the scholarship in 2011 after one of his players, Brandon Jackson, was fatally shot in Altadena. Jackson had been moving toward college and inspired classmates to pursue academic excellence, according to the organization's website.

The 14 recipients are high-achieving, low-income seniors, primarily students of color, the organization said. Named recipients include Ajani Khalfani and Aniyah Tiggle. Each student also received personalized certificates of recognition from U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Mayor Victor Gordo, and City Councilmember Tyron Hampton.

Williams incorporated Empower U as a formal nonprofit in 2024, organizing a board and operations committee to expand the program's reach. Over 90% of donations go directly to scholarships, according to the organization. To date, Empower U has awarded more than $225,000 in academic scholarships to 107 students across 12 years. The nonprofit is expanding to provide additional mentorship programs and educational events for current and past recipients.

Residents interested in supporting the program can donate via Venmo at @bjscholarship or by check to P.O. Box 5341, Pasadena, CA 91107. More information is available at empowerutoexcel.org.