Nearly 300 of California’s grocery industry employees and their dependents will receive life-changing financial assistance this year through college scholarships awarded by the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation.
The largest state-wide program in America supporting the grocery industry, the CGA Educational Foundation College Scholarship Program will offer 291 deserving students a record $359,750 in financial relief from ever-rising costs that prevent many from completing their education—an $18,500 increase over last year’s award total.
CGA Educational Foundation college scholarships are open to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who are dependents of employees or are themselves employed by a California Grocers Association member company.
“The significance of this scholarship program and the grocery industry’s generosity cannot be overstated; this program has been indispensable to countless individuals. At a time when students struggle to continue their education while lessening their financial burden, this program ensures that hundreds of students every year will receive the financial support they need,” commented Jim Van Gorkom, CGAEF Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Beginning with a single scholarship in 1992, the Foundation has grown exponentially over the last 21 years to bestow more than 2,600 worthy college students with awards totaling more than $3 million—ensuring that California’s grocery employees and their dependents have the resources necessary to start or complete their higher education. The program includes four types of scholarships: CGAEF funded, Legacy, Donor and Piggyback.
“Education and training represent essential tools to the future prosperity of our industry,” noted CGAEF Executive Director Shiloh London. “In these uncertain economic times, providing opportunities for individuals to enhance job skills and further educational goals is more important than ever.”
“CGAEF scholarship donors are investing in the development of tomorrow’s grocery industry leaders,” added London. “We are grateful for the tremendous ongoing support of CGA member companies which allow the Foundation an opportunity to provide college scholarships to deserving students.”
The CGA Educational Foundation was created under the direction of the California Grocers Association Board of Directors in 1992. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA member company employees and their dependents and offer educational programs to advance the grocery industry.
For more information, visit www.CGAEF.org.