Dr. Lynne Jacobs, Los Angeles psychologist and psychoanalyst, was inspired to create the Opportunity Award; her story is as follows:
When the Governor of California first raised tuition at community colleges, and I heard a radio interview with an African-American student who spoke about the financial hardship she was already suffering before the tuition hike. She was the first in her family to attend college. I felt inspired. That story propelled me to call LACC and find out if I could assist an African-American student with his or her college fees. Further discussion led to the establishment of this fund, open to anyone who is "first-generation college student." In addition, I have invited my friends and colleagues to contribute to the fund.