It is hard to believe that summer is already fading in front of our eyes as we focus on the start of the academic year. Looking ahead, we are now in our 14th year of granting scholarships to the eighteen (18) designated community colleges in the Los Angeles and Ventura areas. This year, like previous years, we received more than 80 applications with 69 deemed eligible. And, each July, we assemble a group of donors and other supporters, normally 10 to 12 people, who come together for a day to carefully review each applicant’s submitted documents. We hold discussions on each applicant and note the student’s academic achievement, involvement in the communities, and above all, financial needs. We constantly marvel at the number of students who have overcome hardships by holding down jobs, helping with the families, and still maintaining their academic standing. This year, we awarded a total of 47 most deserving students. Each student will receive $1,500 per semester for up to three years if they remain eligible. Students also receive a one-time $2,000 if they transfer within the duration of the award term.

The Scholarship Fund also provides other designated financial support to a variety of deserving students who meet other criteria as determined by the funders. However, we are most proud of our support to the 18 community colleges. Our goal is to encourage students who may need a different environment from the four-year institutions to start their college career; and those who seek a professional certification for work immediately after the schooling.

We would like to thank the high school and college staff who continue to help us seek eligible students and encourage them to apply for this scholarship. We are grateful to all the volunteers who assist and support our endeavor each year. We wish everyone a very successful year!