Monterey County — Many Monterey County students aspire to attend college, but the cost of higher education keeps them from achieving that dream. The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has been working with generous individual, family and business donors to help close the gap. The CFMC announced that more than $1.25 million in scholarship awards are available for Monterey County students in 2021.
“These dollars are an investment in students and the future of our community,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO.
One application allows students to access up to 55 different scholarships they may qualify for. Students can apply through the CFMC’s online scholarship system: http://www.cfmco.org/ScholarshipApp. (Separate applications are available for additional scholarships). The deadline to complete an application for the 2021/2022 academic year is Monday, March 15, 2021. Recipients will be announced at the end of April 2021. Students can also 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, CFMC Scholarship and Community Impact Officer. 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.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank all scholarship donor(s) for giving me the opportunity to chase my dream of becoming a doctor and helping out underserved and disadvantaged communities like our own. 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/materials needed to ensure my success this semester and all of my time at Hartnell College,” said scholarship recipient Gabino Guzman Losoya.
CFMC 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 CFMC 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.
Studies suggest that 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 – from applying, financial aid, choosing a college, and financial literacy. These workshops help set students up for success.
CFMC 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. The CFMC awarded 403 scholarships from 58 funds totaling $1.8 million in 2020.
About the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The mission of the CFMC is “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” Thanks to generous individuals, families and businesses who have created charitable funds, the CFMC has granted more than $225 million to nonprofits working towards healthy, safe, vibrant communities. The CFMC also supports local nonprofit organizations by providing capacity building services and leadership development through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE). For more information visit www.cfmco.org, call 831.375.9712 or stay connected at www.facebook.com/cfmco or www.twitter.com/cfmco.
