Each year, Stanislaus Community Foundation and its partners award over $300,000 in scholarships to over 150 local students through its Scholarship Program. The program offers financial assistance to Stanislaus County residents pursuing higher education at an accredited college, university, or vocational college through multiple scholarship funds. These scholarships have been established by generous donors, including individuals, families, organizations, and businesses from our community.

The 2024 scholarship period is open now through March 1 with awards ranging from $500 to $3,500. Through Stanislaus Community Foundation’s online application system, eligible applicants are matched with available scholarships, providing a centralized process for students seeking financial aid. Only one online application is required to apply for all scholarships. In general, students qualify if they:

·         Are a Stanislaus County resident;

·         Are currently enrolled or plan to attend an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational college; and

·         Plan to be a full-time student.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on multiple factors, including their Student Aid Index, family history and merit, with certain scholarships targeting students with specific interests and/or areas of study.

“Scholarship support helps students start and finish college,” said Marian Kaanon, President and CEO of Stanislaus Community Foundation. “Investing in their potential not only transforms their lives – it also strengthens our community.”

Since 2002, Stanislaus Community Foundation has awarded more than $2 million to 1,700 local students.

Interested students can apply online by visiting stanislauscf.org. Applicants may review eligibility criteria for each award before they apply. For more information, email Jessica Tapia at jtapia@stanislauscf.org.

Individuals and companies interested in opening a scholarship fund to support local students can contact Melissa Van Diepen, Chief Philanthropy Officer at mvandiepen@stanislauscf.org.

Columbia College presents gateway to healthcare careers and brings phlebotomy training to the Mother Lode

Thanks to funding and partnerships from Mother Lode Job Training and the Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership grants, Sierra K16 (part of the statewide Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grant Program) and Adult Education, Columbia College is moving quickly to improve access to career pathways in healthcare.

Beginning in this month, Columbia is launching Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Access Representative, and now, Phlebotomy Training. These skill-based certificates provide the certifications that students and healthcare providers need to be qualified members of the healthcare workforce.

Nursing Assistants begin training on Jan. 19, and finish by taking California state tests in April. Patient Access Representatives begin Jan. 16 and complete Skills Attainment Certificates in April. Phlebotomists begin training on Feb. 23 and are ready to take the national exam and start the 40-hour externships required by the State of California by the end of May.

Applications are being taken now for Phlebotomy Training, and two opportunities for students to attend required information sessions are being offered: the first at 4 p.m. Jan. 17 and the second at 6 p.m. Jan. 18. Anyone interested in signing up or finding out more information should contact Emily Graham, Program Specialist at Columbia College at 209-588-5341 or grahame@yosemite.edu.

Twenty students will be admitted to the program that prepares students to take and successfully pass the National Phlebotomy Certification Exam. The program is offered at no cost to the student. Grant funds will cover the charges for instruction, scrubs and shoes, CAEP textbooks, drug and background screening, liability insurance, CPR certification, NHA Exam and Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 Application fees.

“This is the first time we have a phlebotomy training in Tuolumne County” said Tyler Newton, Operations Executive for Adventist Health Sonora, which will host the 40-hour externships for the students.

Applications must be completed and turned in by Jan. 24, with classes held on Fridays promptly from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 23 and ending May 24, with no classes held on March 29 and April 5. California Public Health regulations require a specific number of hours per subject, so prompt and complete attendance is required at all training sessions.

“Any students who feel they need some extra time to prepare for the exam can do so,” said Kim Bohannon, Program Manager.

Students must take and pass the exam within six months of completing their classwork, and must pass the exam before being eligible to do their 40-hour externships.

The RERP initiative is funded by the California Workforce Development Board through Mother Lode Job Training ($143,700) and California Community Colleges, ($194,000). $337,700 is funded from non-federal sources. The Phlebotomy program is funded by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP).