Mary Bitterman, president of The Bernard Osher Foundation, speaks about the Osher Foundation’s commitment to California Community College students.

In May 2008, the Bernard Osher Foundation made a historic gift of $25 million to the California community college system to fund scholarships throughout the state. California’s 110 community colleges were challenged to raise $50 million in matching funds by June 2011. When accomplished, the Osher Foundation will provide an additional $25 million, bringing the total for endowed scholarships to $100 million.

“The Bernard Osher Foundation’s intention in creating this $50 million endowment was to provide scholarship support to California community college students with the greatest need who have also demonstrated a commitment to their education,” said Mary Bitterman, president of the Osher Foundation. “An investment in our students is an investment in our future.”

“An investment in our students is an investment in our future.”- Mary Bitterman
President, Osher Foundation

The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment is a permanent fund that provides scholarships of up to $1,000 annually to students who have already completed 24 units of study, are enrolled in at least six units for the current semester, and who qualify for a Board of Governors fee waiver. Awards will be adjusted based on enrolled status. Additional criteria could be student hardships or special circumstances.

State Center Community College District has been challenged to raise over $1.1 million by June 30, 2011 towards this largest scholarship program in community college history. This is your opportunity to invest in California by supporting an educated workforce and helping create a permanent fund of scholarships for students who need the most help. You’ll also be participating in a historic fundraising campaign that is changing the way community colleges support students. Your contribution can be applied to any SCCCD campus of your choice. Students attending Fresno City College, Reedley College, and the North Centers—Madera Center, Willow International Center and the Oakhurst Center—can apply for the Bernard Osher Foundation Scholarship online through the respective scholarship websites at the beginning of each award year. For more information, and to donate online, visit the Foundation for California Community Colleges

For every dollar you contribute to the endowment, the Osher Foundation will contribute 50 cents, increasing the impact your contribution has on the lives of California Community College students. For example, a contribution of $13,500, with the Osher Foundation’s match of $6,750, will result in a $1,000 scholarship each year, forever. 
The best part is, 100 percent of your donation directly funds scholarships, ensuring the greatest possible support for students.

Photo Credit: Sharpe Photography

Besides raising funds, the Chancellor’s Circle facilitates important communication between the District and Valley businesses.

The Chancellor’s Circle continues to play an integral roll in the advancement of the District. Besides raising funds, the group facilitates important communication between the District and Valley businesses. Members interact directly with the chancellor to ensure the partnership between education, business, and community is fully realized.

On October 10, 2009, the Chancellor’s Circle Dinner will recognize current members for their invaluable contributions to the ongoing work of SCCCD and the Foundation.

If you would like more information on becoming a member of the Chancellor’s Circle, or the many other ways to give, contact the State Center Community College Foundation at (559) 244-5991 or online.

Chancellor’s Circle members*

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* As of September 15, 2009.

This is the final phase of the OAB: A Legacy Renewed Campaign and your last chance to help finish this extraordinary project. We challenge you to share the legacy of Fresno City College and the Old Administration Building.

For more information, contact the SCCC Foundation Office at 559-244-5991 or visit: www.oabalegacyrenewed.com.

The unique and exciting donation drew attention from other donors, students, staff and the media. Before the home was put up for bid, additional donors provided new carpet installation and paint for the home improvements. The wallpaper removal and painting was done by volunteer students and staff. Horticulture students volunteered their time and did a beautiful job sprucing up the front and back yards. The house was featured on Channel 30 during primetime with a video tour.

SCCCF Executive Director Gurdeep Sihota He’Bert explained that the donors wanted to challenge the community to “pay it forward.” A bid was accepted by the District earlier this month, and escrow is due to close at the end of March 2009.

With the Employer to Employee Scholarship, the SCCC Foundation opens the door for flexibility and creativity in corporate giving. Foundations are typically responsible for determining the criteria, amount, and recipient of the scholarships they manage, but with this innovative new model the employer company defines it, funds it, and invests it in its own people. Interested companies work in partnership with SCCC Foundation to establish the scholarship.

Local auto association gives big

Fresno Clovis New Car Dealers Association gave $50,000 to Fresno City College, creating a partnership with the FCC Automotive Technician Training Program. This educational partnership is part of the SCCC Foundation’s new Employer to Employee Scholarship model. The Fresno Clovis New Car Dealers Association chose to provide scholarships for future automotive technicians by helping students receive the skills needed for employment in the industry. The FCC Automotive Technician Training Program is the proven method for learning the skills needed for long-term employment in the industry. The curriculum was created by FCC and local automotive service facilities. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified School Districts entering the FCC Automotive