INSIGHTS FROM FIRST FOUNDATION

A First Foundation Blog

The Role of Scholarships in Creating a More Prepared and Diverse Workforce

Education remains critical for economic mobility and career success in the ever-evolving job market. However, the rising cost of education can pose a significant barrier for many aspiring students. Non-profit scholarship programs alleviate financial burdens for tuition, books, and other associated expenses. Many of these programs have extended their support through mentorship and programs that help prepare a more competent and diverse workforce.

At First Foundation, we take pride in supporting impactful organizations that work towards reducing financial barriers to education and provide supportive services to ensure that all students, irrespective of their economic background, can achieve their goals. By increasing access to higher education and providing a holistic support system to enhance work readiness and professional skills, we aim to strengthen the broader economy by preparing a diverse, creative, and experienced workforce.

The Assistance League of Greater Placer County, Auburn, California, offers scholarships to students graduating from alternative high school programs in the area. The scholarships are renewable and support students' pursuit of higher education at community colleges, four-year universities, or vocational training programs. The program recognizes that students from non-traditional backgrounds have different resources and less opportunity for traditional scholarship opportunities.

Similarly, in Lucerne Valley, California, locals and community businesses contribute to scholarship funds for Lucerne Valley High School graduates. These funds help reduce costs for various educational paths, including college and vocational training, supporting students with diverse academic interests and needs. 

The Los Angeles, California-based Bridge Builders Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for underrepresented minorities by offering scholarships that open doors to higher education. Their approach goes beyond financial aid, including mentorship and career guidance, which are crucial for students lacking professional networks. This approach prepares students for the academic challenges of college and equips them with the skills necessary for career success after graduation. 

The College of the Desert, in Palm Desert, California, offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support students in a broad range of academic disciplines. Located in a region with diverse economic needs, the college is pivotal in preparing students for industries crucial to local and national economies. College of the Desert's scholarships reduce the financial barriers to education, allowing a more diverse group of students to attain their educational goals and contribute to a dynamic workforce. 

In Immokalee, Florida, Taste of Immokalee is a student-created and student-operated Benefit Corporation that provides students with hands-on, real-world experience while operating a culinary business under the guidance of professional mentors in all facets of business. A non-profit organization named Taste of Impact was established to raise funds for the youth Entrepreneurship Program behind Taste of Immokalee. As part of its initiatives, Taste of Impact has launched the Taste the Impact Scholarship program to identify and recognize exceptional interns who exhibit outstanding commitment, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Unlike conventional scholarships that primarily cover educational expenses, the Taste of Immokalee scholarship goes beyond providing students with the necessary funds for additional needs like laptops, books, and even moving into dorms. This comprehensive support significantly impacts the recipients, many of whom would have faced financial challenges without it. Ultimately, Taste the Impact contributes directly to a more skilled and creative workforce.

In a world where education and economic success are intertwined, the work of these non-profits is more important than ever First Foundation’s consistent support to our community partners is instrumental in our efforts to promote education and workforce readiness, thereby fostering the growth and prosperity of the economy within our communities.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION    

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by First Foundation Advisors), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from First Foundation Advisors. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. First Foundation Advisors is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the First Foundation Advisors’ current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request. Please Note: First Foundation Advisors does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to First Foundation Advisors’ web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefore. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

Emily Sukman, Community Engagement Officer
About the Author
Emily Sukman, Community Engagement Officer

Stay Informed