Press Releases 2007

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu
August 23, 2007

COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ RECORD-BREAKING DONATIONS
OF $3,900,000 HELP STUDENTS STAY IN COLLEGE

Aptos, CA—The Cabrillo College Foundation (CCF) announced that during the last school year, community members donated a record breaking $3.9 million dollars to serve the college and its students. The Foundation, working with over 100 committed community volunteers, raised the highest amount in their 47-year history to help students stay in school and receive an education. State funds and student fees cover the essentials, while private donations allow Cabrillo to offer a higher level of excellence to all students.

             “We are very grateful for the generosity of the Santa Cruz community and the individuals who support the educational mission and vision of Cabrillo College for making this a banner year for the Foundation,” said President Brian King. “These funds will be used to support a variety of vital student services at Cabrillo and will ensure that financial and academic assistance can be given to students who require extra support to stay in school and to realize their potential as individuals, professionals, wage earners, employees and breadwinners for their families.”

The bulk of the funds raised will provide assistance to the following groups of students at Cabrillo:

• Fifty students not fully prepared to attend Cabrillo. Cabrillo’s successful model program, DB Academy, accelerates students during their first semester, teaching them skills and strategies through an immersive and comprehensive educational “boot camp.”
• One hundred twenty nursing students. Once trained, these nurses will help combat the shortage of health care professionals in our community.

• Three hundred fifty pre-identified at-risk middle school students. These local students receive mentoring throughout junior and senior high school in addition to scholarship assistance when they enroll at Cabrillo through the Cabrillo Advancement Program.
• One hundred women who are in need of emergency cash grants to stay in school are helped by the Women’s Educational Success Program.
• Fifty-eight minority high school seniors from the local high schools attend Cabrillo as American Dream Scholars, a program sponsored by philanthropist George Ow.
• Six hundred enrolled students who need scholarship assistance to pursue an education.

The funds were received from individuals, families, businesses and foundations that value accessible and relevant education for everyone in the community.  Cabrillo ranks in the top five of all the California community colleges with regard to fundraising efforts in support of student services. For more information on how you can support students call Melinda Silverstein, Executive Director, Cabrillo College Foundation, 831-479-6338.

ABOUT CABRILLO COLLEGE

Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.

ABOUT CABRILLO COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Cabrillo College Foundation was established in 1962 as a private, non-profit organization; its sole mission is to provide support for Cabrillo College, its students and faculty.

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