Beth Rich
Cuyamaca College - Center for Water Studies
An adult re-entry student, Beth chose to make a career shift to something more stable after the pandemic. She discovered Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water studies program after attending a Women in Water event and decided to pursue a career in the water industry. In order to start taking classes, she needed to use her savings to cover tuition and class supplies. After receiving the Watton Scholarship for the Center for Water Studies, Beth was relieved to have some financial support that allowed her to continue her studies without worrying about how to pay for school.
"Receiving a scholarship takes the financial burden off and gives me some breathing room, enabling me to avoid dipping into my depleting savings to pay for school and books. It also is a really nice recognition that I'm doing the right things to get into this industry – an industry I feel very passionate about."
Isla Moss
Grossmont College - Theatre Arts
During the pandemic, Isla lost one of her two jobs, forcing her to rethink her career choices and reconsider her life dreams. Losing a job ended up being a blessing in disguise as it gave her an opportunity to pursue her passion in Theatre Arts. An aspiring performer enrolled in the Theatre Arts program at Grossmont College, Isla hopes to bring a positive impact to the arts community in San Diego. Still, it’s been difficult for Isla to pay for school, so receiving a Friends of the East County Arts scholarship isn’t something she takes lightly.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship. It's because of generous donors like you that I am able to pursue a college degree. With this scholarship, I know I am supported by my community and it truly means the world to me.”
Claudette Clark
Cuyamaca College - Music
It's taken a while for Claudette to get where she is now, but she feels she is exactly where she needs to be at this very moment in her life. A music major at Cuyamaca College, Claudette hopes to transfer to a four-year college and earn a degree as a Music Therapist. She aspires to create a space that allows people to heal, learn, and practice through the art of music. Claudette faced financial and personal difficulties that caused her to fall behind in school, but since returning with a renewed sense of focus, she felt some relief and support after receiving her first scholarship - The Promise Plus scholarship - from the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges.
“Being seen as a student worthy of a scholarship means everything. Receiving a scholarship is validation that my efforts are worthwhile and supported. It also gives me the confidence to keep moving forward because I know I am on the right path.”
Jason Bell
Grossmont College - Respiratory Therapy
Jason knows that being a father, a small business owner and a full-time student is no easy task. Out of high school, Jason did not want to go to college, so he joined the Army. Following his service, he worked odd jobs but once he started having children, going back to school became more of a priority. He started going to college part-time for about six years at Grossmont College, chipping away at prerequisites for the Respiratory Therapy Program before finally being accepted. Jason was awarded a San Diego Dietschman Fund Scholarship for his accomplishments on campus and the respiratory therapy program.
"Being selected to receive a scholarship means that someone sees potential in you. Someone is willing to invest in you because they see that you might do something great, and that support from the community feels incredible."
Desiree Krupenkin
Cuyamaca College - Psychology
An immigrant from Mexico and a first-generation college student, Desiree felt lost after graduating from high school. But after discovering Cuyamaca College, she knew it was the place she was meant to be. She found support from Together We Rise Center's peer mentors and was grateful for everyone on campus who helped her ease into college from high school. She was also grateful for her Tommy Hill Scholarship which she used to fund high transportation costs to get to school. Desiree dreams of being a high school teacher and plans on getting her psychology degree for transfer, then getting her teaching credentials at a four-year university.
“Thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my goals. Being a first-generation college student, this scholarship is a huge boost to my confidence. It will also help pay for gas to I can get to and from school, which is a huge help.”
Shaquita Martinez
Grossmont College - Business
Shaquita came to Grossmont College in the fall of 2022 in search of completely starting over. Overcoming many adversities and hardships in life, Shaquita is putting in the hard work to improve her life for her and her family. With support from professors, counselors, and programs like Justice Scholars and Umoja, Shaquita is building the solid foundation she needs to keep going and reach higher in life. And with the community support she received through the Glaske Family Scholarship, Shaquita feels confident and motivated. Pursuing a career in business, she hopes to one day work as a Human Resources professional.
“To donors that make scholarships possible, I want to say thank you very much. Thank you for caring about other people in the world like me. This scholarship means that my actions to improve are being recognized and it's very motivating. I will make you proud!”
Dominic Campos
Cuyamaca College - Center for Water Studies
Dominic Campos is a student in the Center for Water Studies program at Cuyamaca College. Currently working and going to school full-time, Dominic is spending the majority of his income on food and gas. With gas prices rising and commuting from Chula Vista to Rancho San Diego for school and Poway for work, Dominic was worried about how he would continue to afford the significant expense. After receiving the Watton Scholarship for the Center for Water Studies this spring, Dominic felt a sense of relief to his budget, lifting the worry of whether he’d be able to continue his studies at Cuyamaca College.
"I was very excited when I was notified that I received a scholarship. It hasn't been the easiest for me financially, so I am very thankful for the support. I am definitely going make the most of my scholarship funds to achieve my career goals."
Roxio Pina
Grossmont College - Culinary Arts
After her life shifted during the pandemic, Roxio decided to return college to pursue her passion in Culinary Arts, specifically in the baking and pastry field. After researching the different culinary programs in San Diego, she landed on Grossmont College and is loving learning from renowned industry professionals. Her goals are to open her own bakery one day, creating pastries and sweet treats that reflect her Dominican heritage. Receiving a Friendly Feast scholarship is helping her reach her educational goals by allowing her to work less and put more of a focus on finishing her program.
“I want to thank members of my community for being so generous. It’s incredible to see leaders being so giving to others so that they can pursue their dreams and hopefully one day give back to the community as well.”
Keanu Huezo
Cuyamaca College - Music
A music major at Cuyamaca College, Keanu is studying to pursue a career as a music teacher. Though he’s employed by his family’s restaurant, Keanu had to cut his hours during the semester due to his demanding course load, making it difficult to afford his classes and the required music lessons needed for a music degree. Keanu found some relief after receiving a $1,000 Cuyamaca College Music Majors Promise Plus scholarship from the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges to help cover his classes and music lessons.
“It is really exciting to receive a scholarship! It definitely lifts some weight off my shoulders and encourages me to keep moving forward to complete my associate's degree. I feel empowered and I’m extremely humbled to receive such an award.”
Slomith Castellon
Grossmont College - Psychology
A Grossmont College Psychology major, Slomith is currently working as a Special Education Classroom Assistant and plans to pursue a career in developmental psychology, helping children who have witnessed or have been part of a crime. Transferring to San Diego State University, her goal is to obtain her bachelor’s in degree in psychology with a minor in criminology, then pursue her master’s. Thanks to earning a generous Peggy Gray Spanninga Transfer scholarship, Slomith is able to worry less about her financial situation and focus on her studies.
“Receiving this scholarship feels like a huge achievement for me and my family. Being a first-generation college student, I want to sincerely thank donors for allowing me to continue by education and for demonstrating that it is possible to achieve big things if one puts in the hard work and determination.”