Mt. SAC in a Race to Raise Scholarship Funds

Mt. SAC Launches First-Ever Scholarship Campaign

Mt. San Antonio College will kick off its first-ever scholarship drive Thursday with the goal of raising $1.3 million by next May.

A fundraising event, featuring California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott as well as student scholarship recipients, will be held at the Pacific Palms Resort from 6 to 8 p.m.

 “At Mt. SAC, nearly half of our 35,000 students qualify for financial aid, but our scholarship resources have not kept pace with their growing needs,” said President John Nixon.  

The Bernard Osher Foundation has pledged $1.3 million and has challenged the college to raise an equal amount by May 2011. As an upfront incentive, the Osher Foundation has already awarded half of its gift to Mt. SAC. The other half will be awarded when Mt. SAC raises its full $1.3 million goal. When the campaign is completed, the college’s scholarship endowment will be $2.6 million. The interest generated annually would guarantee at least 132 scholarships of $1,000 each in perpetuity.

Approximately 41 percent of Mt. SAC student family income falls below the federal poverty level and while college fees remain a great value, students often find the cost of college daunting due to textbook costs.

Student Yuja Chang, an Osher scholarship recipient, said the funds will provide him with the support he needs to realize his goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

“Growing up in a different country and moving to the U.S. recently has not only presented financial and academic challenges but more importantly, it has made me realize the value of a college education,” Chang said. “I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Osher scholarship and appreciate the generous support”

The scholarships come at a critical time. A record-high unemployment rate, coupled with enrollment caps at the University of California and California State University, is sending unprecedented numbers of students to Mt. SAC seeking a degree, certificate or job training.