We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to pursue their educational, career, and life goals. Growing the number of students who earn college degrees makes a brighter future for us all.
Earning a college degree has a significant impact on earnings and a region’s economy as a whole. Increasing the number of college graduates in our community is critical for our economic future. Currently, only 23% of residents age 25 and older hold a Bachelor’s Degree but by 2030 38% of job openings will require a Bachelor’s degree (Public Policy Institute of California).
Too many of our young people with the ability and desire to succeed in college lack the support to do so. Today 75% of Monterey County high school students aspire to attend college, but only 33% have taken the required courses to apply to a University of California or California State University campus. In some high schools in our county, as few as 1 in 20 students are prepared.
College costs have risen faster than financial aid — low-income families are faced with college expenses that require a large percentage of their income. Even with federal, state, and campus-based financial aid, low income families spend 50-70% of their discretionary income on college costs to avoid student loan debt. In 1980, a student could pay for tuition and fees at a University of California campus working at minimum wage only 5 hours per week. Today, a similar student would need to work 30 hours per week. By taking a fresh look at our scholarship approach, informed by best practices in other California communities, we can change this reality.
Many scholarships have been awarded to the highest academic achievers. This provides recognition for students who have excelled in high school – but doesn’t factor in whether the students and their families have financial need. College Futures Monterey County is designed to help low-income students in Monterey County achieve their educational and career goals.
Our approach combines need-based scholarships with college success services to ensure students have the greatest opportunity to get to and through college. Scholarship recipients can attend the college or university of their choice.
Our approach helps more students receive the support they need to get to college. These programs are highly effective, increasing the rate at which students attend college and complete a bachelor’s degree. We also ensuring that students apply for all public financial aid for which they qualify.
Students can contact the guidance counselor at participating schools (above), and, if eligible, apply via the CFMC’s online scholarship portal.
Growing the number of students who earn college degrees makes a brighter future for us all. An investment in this approach is a commitment to helping local students reach their full potential. It is also an investment in the economic and social future of our county.
Establish your own named scholarship fund with a gift of $10,000 or more to provide annual scholarships.
Contribute to a pooled fund that provides annual scholarships to low-income and underrepresented college students in Monterey County. A gift of $2,500 provides 1 to 2 scholarships, while $5,000 provides 1 to 5 scholarships. You can also make a multi-year pledge to support scholarships.
Consult with your professional advisor to determine the most advantageous ways to maximize your planned gift.
Please join us to learn about ways you can help more deserving young people with financial need fulfill their dream of earning a college degree—and change the future of our region. To get started, contact Christine Dawson at christine@cfmco.org or 831.375.9712 x126
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Monterey Office
2354 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Salinas Office
945 South Main Street, Suite 207
Salinas, CA 93901
Home page background photos
courtesy of Chris Burnham
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