May 19, 2026
City Council
DATE: May 19, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Subject:
Presentation from Richmond Promise: Helping to build a
stronger Richmond by deeply supporting Richmond
students to access and successfully complete post-
secondary education (not only 4 year college)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with receiving this presentation. Any future funding commitments or
scholarship support identified by the City Council will be evaluated and presented as part of future budgetary
action.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
May 26, 2015, June 16, 2015, June 23, 2015, July 28,
2015, August 3, 2015, September 22, 2015, September
29, 2015, October 27, 2015, November 17, 2015, May
27, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Since its establishment as a key component of the ECIA
settlement and fund, Richmond Promise has evolved
significantly. It is essential for the City Council and the public to understand the organization’s current scope of services, how it supports youth before, during, and after post-secondary education, and the impact it has
achieved to date. This discussion also highlights the
program’s current needs as it endeavors to continue to
serve Richmond students.
AGENDA
REPORT
May 19, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation from Richmond Promise on the
organization’s current scope of services, how it supports youth before, during, and after post-secondary education, and the impact it has achieved to date and to highlight the program’s current needs as it continues to serve
Richmond students; and DIRECT staff to explore funding
to support scholarships for Richmond youth - Vice Mayor (Doria Robinson 510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
Richmond Promise is dedicated to ensuring that all students in Richmond excel in and through higher education, achieve their career goals, and become leaders in their community.
The organization envisions a future in which every child in Richmond has access to high-quality education; successfully transitions from high school to higher education; earns a postsecondary degree or credential; thrives in a chosen career; and contributes as a positive force for change locally and beyond.
Launched in January 2016, Richmond Promise is a community-wide college success initiative committed to building a strong college-going and college-completing culture in Richmond, California. It is grounded in the belief that every student—regardless of race, income, or background—deserves the opportunity to develop their talents and reach their full potential.
This agenda item provides an overview of Richmond Promise’s current scope of services, including how the program supports youth before, during, and after their postsecondary journeys. It will also highlight the organization’s impact since its founding and outline the resources needed to continue serving future generations of Richmond students.
Key City Council Dates:
July 29, 2014 - The Richmond City Council approved the Chevron Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA)
May 26, 2015 - City staff presented the draft Richmond Promise Strategic Action Plan to the City Council
August 3, 2015 - The City Council received a presentation and authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Chevron to establish an administrative plan for the Richmond Promise consistent with the guidelines of the ECIA and enter into administrative service contracts to ensure the scholarship was available to seniors graduating in 2016
September 22, 2015 - City staff provided a report on the recommendations developed by the Richmond Promise Ad Hoc Committee
May 19, 2026
September 29, 2015 - City Council discussed and provided direction on specific policy options pertaining to the Richmond Promise and the Strategic Action Plan November 17, 2015 - City Council discussed and approved specific policy options pertaining to the Richmond Promise with respect to school eligibility and award amounts
January 29, 2016 - Program launch and operationalization May 27, 2025 - City Council received a report from the Richmond Promise Team related to the scholarship background, scholarship successes, finances, and organizational management
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
General Plan – Education and Human Services (EH) Element (2) o Goal EH1 A Comprehensive and accessible Education System Collaborate and partner with educational providers to expand educational opportunities and lifelong learning in support of Richmond residents’ diverse needs. A comprehensive educational system will address learning from infancy to old age and include affordable daycare, strong K-12 education, engaging out- of-school offerings, stimulating senior activities and other age-specific enrichment opportunities. A widely accessible system will rely on appropriate programing, language needs, cost, scheduling, facility location, capacity and physical access. o Goal EH2 an Educated and Skilled Workforce
Work with educational program providers to nurture the growth of a strong local workforce. Up-to-date workforce and job skills training, apprenticeships and other educational opportunities are fundamental to economic improvement. Improve the caliber of Richmond’s workforce by expanding these resources so that they are relevant to today’s job market and widely accessible to all residents. o Goal EH3 Equitable and High-Quality Human Services
Collaborate with human service providers in the nonprofit, private and public sectors in their efforts to provide a robust network of human services tailored to the needs of the Richmond community. High-quality and equitable programs for the elderly, children and at-risk populations are integral to enhancing neighborhood stability and helping to shape quality of life for residents. o Policy EH1.2 Higher Education - Support efforts by community colleges and other institutions of higher education to provide comprehensive adult education programs, continuing education, job training and career advancement. These programs will provide opportunities for economic advancement and address the needs of residents, particularly those without post-secondary education.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Richmond Promise PPT