There is never a shortage of demand when it comes to scholarships. And for some students, receiving one can be life-altering—a make or break situation for their future.
The Foundation for Pierce College plans on awarding students a total of $118,000 in scholarships.
Interim President Ara Aguiar said The Foundation works hard to do their best for Pierce students.
“They want to raise as much money for students. The majority of them I would say are retired faculty members, members of the community and some of our faculty members now,” Aguiar said.
The Foundation’s Board Chair Edward Albrecht said things are going well.
“We have improved considerably,” Albrecht said. “And we’re looking forward to support from additional donors, professors and staff.”
Albrecht said that for Pierce students to apply, they have to go onto The Foundation’s website. The website can be found on the school’s homepage under Scholarships in Financial Aid and Tuition.
“Then you drop down to scholarships. There’s a link that will give you the map to the [LACCD student] portal and you’ll need your student ID and from there you select the scholarships that you would be eligible for,” Albrecht said.
The Foundation has given back to students before, Albrecht said that in the past seven to eight years, the collective have raised the minimum for their scholarships from $250 to $500 in some cases.
Political Science Professor Denise Robb said that she donates under the Maryln and Stewart Robb Memorial scholarship dedicated after her parents, where she gives out two $500 worth of scholarships for students who are currently taking or have taken a Political Science course.
She said that she wants all Pierce students to know about possibly receiving various scholarships on their portal.
“It’s not just The Foundation scholarships,” Robb said. “If you go to the portal for LACCD-wide scholarships that everyone can apply for.”
Aguiar stated how the group was heavily involved in different aspects of the community, which include contributing to the vintage events, the car shows, the vintage markets. They also helped to provide funding for Pierce students who will head to Washington, D.C.
And as much as The Foundation gives to students, Albrecht hopes that it can spur them to do the same.
“I like them to keep in mind that when they start earning salaries, they give back in their life,” Albrecht said. “And when they get married and potentially have children, those children teach those children to do the same.”
Albrecht also said that those who can pitch in, including students, can make a donation to the Foundation under their name or a family member’s name.
The Foundation for LAPC currently has an office suited for one person, however, Aguiar said that she intends to pull a chair for The Foundation to have a seat at Pierce’s table.
“I’d like to position The Foundation members at a place to have their own meetings and have an area for gatherings and fundraising events,” Aguiar said. “Actually having a table for them to do any of the activities that we do. And those are the conversations that they are having, which is becoming more visible to the students.”
The deadline to apply for the scholarships is March 25, 2022.