Central Los Angeles : WATTS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Watts Foundation Community Trust announced this week that the organization raised $78,000 for its scholarship program, which will award scholarships to about 40 high school seniors.

The Birdell Chew Moore Scholarship, named after a charter member of the trust and a longtime community activist, is given to inner-city students who are pursuing a career in a health-related field.

Last year, the trust gave $50,000 in scholarships to 41 local high school students, said Marshall McNott, president and chief executive officer of the trust.

The trust is also in the process of developing a mentor program for at-risk African American youths, said Edna Briggs, a physician and board member of the Watts Health Foundation, which co-sponsors the annual scholarships. Youths would be paired with local medical professionals and given part-time jobs.