$1.4 Million in 2020 Scholarships Available
January 3, 2020
Media Contact: Amanda Holder, Director of Communications / 831.375.9712 x123 / amandah@cfmco.org General Information: 831.375.9712 / www.cfmco.org / www.facebook.com/cfmco / @cfmco
Community Foundation Offers $1.4 Million in Scholarships
Monterey County, California — Many Monterey County students aspire to attend college, but the reality of higher education costs 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 $1.4 million in scholarship awards is available for Monterey County students. The CFMC awarded 371 scholarships from 51 funds totaling $1.4 million in 2019.
These dollars represent a recognition by our community that access to affordable, high quality education for everyone is critical to ensuring students reach their potential,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO.
Application Deadline March 15, 2020
One application allows students to access up to 45 different scholarship offerings they may qualify for. Students can apply through the CFMC’s online scholarship system: https://www.cfmco.org/ScholarshipApp. (Separate applications are available for additional scholarships). The deadline to complete an application for the 2020/2021 academic year is Friday, March 15, 2020. Recipients will be announced at the end of April 2020. Students can find additional scholarship resources at www.cfmco.org/scholarships.
These scholarships help create positive change in our community and let the students know people believe in them,” said Michael Castro, CFMC Program and Scholarships 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.
College Futures Monterey County
CFMC scholarship growth has come in large part through College Futures Monterey County. 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.
“Winning this award was a big accomplishment for me because it demonstrated to me that my determination and perseverance in high school paid off. The day that I found out that I was awarded this scholarship, is a day that I will always remember vividly. I could not be more grateful for being granted this opportunity,” said Jose Luis Lopez, an Everett Alvarez High School High School graduate who received a College Futures Monterey County scholarship.
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 51 named scholarship funds, with a total value of more than $8.2 million. Each year, these funds award over $1.4 million for the benefit of 371 students.
About the Community Foundation for Monterey County – The mission of the CFMC, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, 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 $200 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.
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