(Santa Ana, CA) - The Santa Ana College Foundation (SACF) proudly introduces the first cohort of students to ever be selected to participate in its prestigious President’s Scholars Program. This scholarship program provides strategic financial, academic, and additional support services that are proven to ensure success for students who are carrying significantly high GPAs and are early on their educational journeys. As we look toward the future, the Foundation (SACF) team is committed to serving students during these unprecedented times, and anticipates a long, successful future for this program and for future cohorts of Scholars.
"The SACF President’s Scholars program will help cultivate my personal and professional development as a student, community worker, and leader," said Alexis Gaspar, SACF President's Scholar and aspiring physician. "The program is more than just an opportunity. It’s a catalyst to serve and succeed. It’s a sign that I am part of something much bigger than myself and a reminder that I am supported through my boldest endeavors."
The program, a unique partnership between SAC’s competitive Honors program, Honors Societies, the President’s office, the SAC Foundation Board of Directors, and industry experts, enables the college to identify high-merit, exemplary students who are just beginning at SAC and are headed for successful careers in the field of their choice. "With this scholarship, I can focus on my school work and my community contributions without worrying about expenses and tuition," said Phuong 'Katy' Ho, SACF Scholar and future civil rights lawyer.
“The Santa Ana College Foundation President’s Scholars Program aims to identify, support, cultivate, and encourage high-achieving students early on their transfer path so that they not only succeed at SAC, but have the ability to successfully transfer to a four-year institution. The financial barriers for many students, even with financial aid packages, are steep. The SAC Foundation and President’s Scholars donors play a critical role in helping to get these students across the finish line," Christina Romero, M.A., Executive Director, Santa Ana College Foundation.
With a long-term goal of addressing the importance of mentorship and cultivating all-round personal and professional development, the President’s Scholar program invests in students to better ensure their successful futures at SAC and beyond. "If we want to see Santa Ana College thrive and be the best of the best, we need to rise to the challenge of investing and creating a strong foundation for its future. That’s why giving to SAC is so important. It is an investment that lives on in the students you support, in the lives of their children, in the friends they inspire, and in the life of the community that is lifted up by their success," Rossina Gallegos, President, Santa Ana College Foundation Board of Directors.
The President’s Scholars Program benefits include:
- $1,000 per year renewable textbook stipend upon entering the program
- Exclusive access to the College President’s Roundtable, SAC Foundation Board of Directors, and industry experts
- Payment of up to 50% of registration and application fees for the Honors Program and Honors Societies, including Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Gamma Sigma, or any other honor society of the student’s choice
- $5,000 on transfer to a four-year institution
- Financial literacy training and soft skills training upon transfer
The President’s Scholars Program invites students who have completed no more than 18 units at SAC as a full-time student to apply. Students are required to be enrolled in 12 units or more each semester and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
"In times of uncertainty, we need to hone in on what really matters in life, rather than losing heart," said Roberto Arellano, SACF President's Scholar and future professional writer. "It is a privilege to be a part of the first cohort of SACF President’s Scholar program. I have confidence that, with the support of the Foundation, I will achieve my hopes and dreams, as will future students."
For more information, visit
www.sac.edu/scholarships.
First Cohort of the SAC Foundation President's Scholars Program: Phuong (Katy) Ho, Nelly Nguyen, Alexis Gaspar, Roberto Arellano.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, and provides invaluable workforce training and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
