The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment (CCCSE) forever supports our students by providing more than 3,000 student scholarships each year. Over 90 California Community Colleges participated in fundraising efforts that resulted in a permanent scholarship fund totaling more than $76 million.

The CCCSE and corresponding three-year fundraising campaign were made possible thanks to the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation. In May 2008, the Osher Foundation made a historic pledge to the California Community Colleges, giving an unprecedented lead gift of $25 million to establish the endowment and committing additional match dollars for amounts raised by the system.

You can contribute to the CCCSE, making the possibility of a better life a reality for generations of students to come.

For Community College students across California, the possibility of a quality life begins with higher education. Yet each year more students are struggling to make ends meet and stay in school as affordability continues to become a growing barrier to student success. Today, approximately half of all Community College students still have unmet financial need after all financial aid is considered.

Beginning in Fall 2009 and continuing annually in perpetuity, scholarships from the CCCSE address this growing need.

Scholarships of up to $1,200 per academic year help students offset educational costs, making it possible for them to stay in school. The scholarships can be applied to textbooks, lab equipment, uniforms, lab fees and other instructional supplies.

These scholarships are intended to support students with the most financial need who have demonstrated success and commitment in their coursework. To qualify, students must have completed 24 units of degree-applicable study, be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) for each term the award is active, and qualify for a California College Promise Grant. Additional criteria may differ between colleges. If you are a student, contact your financial aid office or scholarship office to determine if you are eligible to apply.