Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti Donate $1M in College Scholarships to High School Seniors at THR Women in Entertainment Gala

On Wednesday, Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti awarded $1 million in college scholarships to high school students from underrepresented communities in Los Angeles. The announcement took place during The Hollywood Reporters 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel, presented by Lifetime.

The scholarships were part of THRs mentorship program, a collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and a fiscally sponsored fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Johnson, known for her work in Fifty Shades of Grey and Material Girls, introduced the scholarship presentation, recalling the programs beginnings sixteen years ago when Stephen Galloway, now dean of Chapman Universitys Dodge College, initiated the effort with guidance from Sherry Lansing and support from Big Brothers Big Sisters. The program identifies talented students overcoming challenges such as family substance abuse, crime, or being first-generation Americans aiming to attend college.

A video showcasing this years mentees was presented, drawing a standing ovation from attendees. Hall noted that Lifetime is awarding each graduating student in the program a $10,000 scholarship of their choice. She also highlighted support from program partners including the Golden Globe Foundation and Gersh, with WME contributing $75,000 for operational expenses.

Additional gifts were announced: Danny Garcia and Seven Bucks Productions are providing new Apple MacBook Air laptops to incoming mentees, and Infiniti, with support from the Wasserman Foundation, is providing laptops to graduating students entering college this fall.

The first scholarship, funded by The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, was presented by Johnson to Chapman University student Elisa. Hall announced the second scholarship, also from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, awarded to Leah for Loyola Marymount University. The final scholarship, presented by Infiniti, went to Luna for Chapman University.

Since its inception, more than 275 students have participated in the THR Women in Entertainment mentorship program, attending universities such as Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern, supported by over $15 million in scholarships.

The gala was hosted by Rachel Sennott, with speakers including Sarah Paulson, Goldie Hawn, Jimmy Kimmel, and Molly McNearney. Jennifer Lopez received the Equity in Entertainment Award from Kerry Washington, while Gwyneth Paltrow was honored with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.

The event was presented by Lifetime and sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Medicube, Reyka Vodka, and Seven Bucks Productions, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Gersh, Chapman University, and Loyola Marymount University.

Empowering the Next Generation: A Step Towards Education Equality

The recent $1 million scholarship award ceremony held at The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala represents a pivotal moment for high school students from underrepresented communities in Los Angeles. This gesture is not just about financial support; it is an investment in the future of young individuals who face significant challenges in accessing higher education. The scholarships, funded by The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, Infiniti, and others, stand as a testament to the power of collaboration between the entertainment industry and nonprofit organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

For 16 years, the THR Women in Entertainment mentorship program has been empowering talented students who overcome personal and systemic hurdles. Through this initiative, more than 275 students have been given the tools and resources needed to attend prestigious universities like Harvard and UC Berkeley. This year’s scholarship recipients, including Elisa, Leah, and Luna, represent not only academic promise but also the resilience of those overcoming personal obstacles such as family substance abuse and crime.

The scholarships are part of a broader effort to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. The added support from partners like Lifetime, the Golden Globe Foundation, and WME further enhances the program’s impact, providing operational funds and additional scholarships. Furthermore, the new donations, such as laptops from Seven Bucks Productions and Infiniti, will equip students with the necessary tools to succeed in their college journeys.

In conclusion, the generosity displayed at this event highlights a critical shift towards addressing educational inequities and fostering diversity in higher education. With over $15 million in scholarships awarded to date, the THR Women in Entertainment mentorship program is paving the way for a more inclusive future, where talent is recognized, nurtured, and supported, no matter the circumstances.

Sources:

• Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti Present $1M in College Scholarships to High School Seniors at THR Women in Entertainment Gala

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.