We have opened applications for over two dozen scholarships, most funded by local people and businesses who partner with us to assist students pursuing higher education.
The criteria for each scholarship are unique. Most aim to support students who match stated characteristics, such as financial need or career goals, and many are open exclusively to students with ties to the Sacramento region. One scholarship will assist former foster youth pursuing vocational training in Sacramento County, another will support students who speak English as a second language, and another will aid students who have chronic illnesses.
“Education is at the heart of individual success and community prosperity. But even though higher education has never been more important, it has also never been more expensive. These scholarships can be transformative for many local students and their families,” says Kerry Wood, our chief executive, who noted awards range from $500 to $10,000.
Descriptions for the opportunities and application details are available on our website.
The scholarships were established over the past four decades by philanthropic people and businesses in the Sacramento region. “Behind all of these scholarships are personal stories,” says Wood. “Each scholarship is motivated by our donors’ personal experiences, family histories, civic and moral ideals, and — always — their hopes for the future of our community and world.”
Past scholarship recipients
For instance, Carroylin and Robert Threlkel created their scholarship at the Foundation to support women seeking degrees in business because it was a particular passion of Carroylin’s, who had herself studied business at Sacramento State. In the past 10 years, The Carroylin and Robert Threlkel Scholarship has supported 26 students. Like most of the other open scholarships, it is now accepting applications through March 15, 2024.
Last year, the Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to 375 students working to achieve their dreams. In total, the Foundation has awarded over $225 million in scholarships and grants to the community since its inception in 1983.