Community Foundation offers $1.25M
MONTEREY >> Monterey County students have until March 15 to apply for $1.25 million in scholarships made available through the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
Helping with the cost of higher education, the Community Foundation has been working with donors to bridge the gap for students for the 2021-2022 academic year.
“These dollars are an investment in students and the future of our community,” said Dan
Baldwin, Community Foundation for Monterey County president and CEO, in a press release.
One application allows students to access up to 55 different scholarships they may qualify for, according to the foundation. Students can apply through the Community Foundation’s online scholarship system at www. cfmco.org/ScholarshipApp. Separate applications are available for additional scholarships. The deadline to complete an application for the 2021-2022 academic year is March 15 with recipients being announced at the end of April.
Students can find scholarship resources at www. cfmco.org/scholarships.
“This year has been tough for everyone, especially for students. Receiving a scholarship can mean the difference between a student going to college or not,” said Michael Castro, Community Foundation for Monterey County scholarship and community impact officer, in the release.
Scholarship funds are established by people who recognize the value of education and want to support students in achieving their potential. The Community Foundation for Monterey County manages more than 58 named scholarship funds, with a total value of more than $8.2 million.
In 2020, the Community Foundation awarded 403 scholarships from 58 funds totaling $1.8 million.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank all scholarship donors for giving me the opportunity to chase my dream of becoming a doctor and helping out underserved and disadvantaged communities like our own,” said scholarship recipient Gabino Guzman Losoya. “Though I am now a college freshman, I fully intend to work my hardest to ensure that I follow through with my plan, no matter how many obstacles life has in store for me. With the scholarship, I’ll be able to attain the necessary resources (and) materials needed to ensure my success this semester and all of my time at Hartnell College.”
Community Foundation scholarship growth has come in large part through the College Futures Monterey County program thanks to a partnership with San Francisco-based College Futures Foundation. The Community Foundation aims to increase the rate of college completion among local students through a combination of needs- based scholarship and student support services ensuring students apply for and receive public financial aid, according to the Community Foundation.
Studies suggest this approach can have a significant impact on increasing college- going and degree completion for low-income students. Students from 10 local high schools attend a series of workshops geared to educate them and their parents on the ins and outs of college, including applying, financial aid, choosing a college, and financial literacy. The workshops help set students up for success.
Individuals wanting to learn more, contribute to an existing scholarship or create their own can call 831-375-9712 or visit www. cfmco.org/scholarships.