The nonprofit organization known for awarding local scholarships for over six decades has rebranded as the Foothills Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge, formerly known as the Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge Inc. Since its inception in 1964, the foundation has been dedicated to providing scholarships to high school seniors in the community.
Expressing pride in the organization, President Trish McRae, who has been involved with the group for about eight years, emphasized the significance of the milestone. Vice President Alice Perez echoed McRae’s sentiments, highlighting the dedication of volunteers who have sustained the foundation’s mission over the years.
The foundation collaborates with six high schools in the Foothills community, including Crescenta Valley High School, La Cañada High, St. Francis, Flintridge Preparatory, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Hillside School and Learning Center, to inform students about scholarship opportunities.
In 2023, the foundation awarded scholarships to deserving students like Jalen Merager, Ava Karapetian, Jeseung Park, Rebecca Gerola, Harry Kominski, Jane Marriot, Siena Urquiza, Claire Robinson, and Cyrus Khaffaji. Perez highlighted the foundation’s efforts to engage with school counselors and principals to ensure students are aware of and apply for scholarships.
The foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate financial need, a commitment to community service, and a desire to pursue higher education. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the foundation expanded its eligibility criteria to include homeschooled students within the attendance area of La Cañada High School and Crescenta Valley High School.
To improve outreach and support for students, the foundation conducts workshops for students and parents to explore various career paths. McRae emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, with the foundation regularly evaluating its processes and making necessary adjustments.
Both McRae and Perez shared their rewarding experiences of witnessing the impact of scholarships on students’ lives. Perez recalled conversations with scholarship recipients expressing gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the foundation’s role in enabling students to pursue their academic aspirations.
Caroline Que Anderson, the foundation’s membership director and La Cañada Unified School District Board of Education clerk, commended the foundation’s approach to supporting students in the community. The foundation raises funds through annual bingo events and community donations to sustain its scholarship programs.
Scholarship applications for the current year are open until March 15. To learn more about the foundation or to get involved, visit fcsflacanada.org.
