KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A Kansas City company has reversed course and will now remain committed to funding several scholarships for area students.
The Urban League of Greater Kansas City announced on Thursday, April 10, that it had been disappointed with a decision made by the Oracle Corporation. A commitment to provide $10,000 in scholarships – as well as funds for other programs – had been rescinded.
According to organization members, the move directly impacted 5 seniors in the Project Ready: ACT Test Prep and College Readiness Program. The news followed a recent internal policy shift made by Oracle that concerned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
In communication dated Sept. 25, 2024, Oracle confirmed a total contribution of $20,000 to support Urban League’s educational initiatives, including:
Oracle Documentation by Sarah Motter on Scribd
However, on March 17, 2025, Urban League indicated that it received communication from Oracle that it had halted all financial commitments due to an internal review of partnerships. Specifically, the notification stated, “No additional financial commitments will be made or paid until further notice.”
The organization noted that the reversal had a direct impact on five seniors who were chosen to receive $2,000 scholarships each, based on academic achievements and commitment to STEM careers. Students who had worked hard to maintain the requirements of the scholarship.
Oracle Text Messages-Screen Shots by Sarah Motter on Scribd
“The Urban League is committed to honoring our promise to these students. We are launching an urgent fundraising campaign to raise the $10,000 needed to fulfill these scholarships,” said Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League. “We call upon our community, supporters of educational equity, and advocates for diversity and inclusion to stand with us in this critical moment.”
Urban League said community members could help the students in the following ways:
Organization leaders indicated that the situation followed a trend of corporations that retreated from DEI commitments. Notably, Oracle’s co-founder and chairman, Larry Ellison, has been known to support President Donald Trump’s administration’s decisions to push several companies to reconsider their DEI policies.
Urban League said its mission is to enable African Americans and other disadvantaged community members to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
“We will not waver in our support for our students and will continue to advocate for equitable opportunities in education and beyond,” said Grant.
In a statement from Oracle, spokesperson Greg Lunsford only said, “Oracle remains committed to funding the scholarship,” and offered no clarification about the course of events.
For more information about the Urban League or to donate to its campaign, click HERE.
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