Scholarships To Help Students Offset Rising Tuition Costs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – February 2, 2015 – For the first time in its 23-year history, the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation College Scholarship Program, the nation’s largest statewide program supporting the grocery industry, will provide a record $500,000 in financial relief from ever rising costs that prevent many students from completing their education.
CGA member company employees and their dependents are eligible to apply for this life-changing financial assistance for the 2015-16 academic year through college scholarships awarded by CGAEF – a $92,000 increase over last year’s award total.
“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 attempting to lessen their financial burden, this program ensures that hundreds of students every year will receive the financial support they need,” said Jim Van Gorkom, CGAEF Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
“CGAEF scholarship donors are investing in the development of tomorrow’s grocery industry leaders,” added Van Gorkom. “We are grateful for the tremendous ongoing support of CGA member companies which allows the Foundation an opportunity to provide college scholarships to deserving students.”
Beginning with a single scholarship in 1992, the Foundation has grown exponentially over the last 23 years to bestow almost 3,000 worthy college students with scholarships totaling more than $3.5 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. CGAEF 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 CGA member company. The online scholarship application is available through April 1 at www.cgaef.org.
“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.”
“Too many talented students are being forced to curtail their education and career ambitions because of financial constraints,” said London. “With 300 scholarships, we hope these extraordinary individuals can attend college, earn their degree, and go on to make an impact in their professions and their communities.”