Cal Coast Cares Foundation Celebrating A Million Dollar Milestone

April 1, 2024

Celebrating A Million Dollar Milestone

Nelson Mandela once said, “Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” That is exactly what students, educators, board members, and supporters did recently at an event celebrating a major milestone reached by the Cal Coast Cares Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides student scholarships and educator grants.

The foundation announced that it has awarded over $1 million dollars in scholarships to local students and grants to local educators since its inception in 2015. California Coast Credit Union established the foundation as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. The milestone celebration was recently held at Cal Coast’s headquarters in Kearny Mesa.

“Year after year we are inspired by, and proud to support, local students who are pursuing their dreams of higher education, and local teachers who are developing projects to enrich classroom engagement and creative learning. We are grateful for every donor and supporter in the community who has made it possible for the foundation to have a positive impact on so many lives,” shared Todd Lane, Cal Coast President and CEO and Foundation Board Member.

In total, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded the following since its inception:

Over $283,000 in student scholarships for local college-bound high school students and university students
Over $237,000 in scholarships for local foster students
Over $225,000 in scholarships for local community college students
Over $260,000 in grants for local educators.

The foundation will award an additional $260,000 in scholarships and grants in 2024.

One recipient of the foundation’s foster scholarship program, Joshua Potgieter, added “This financial support alleviates much of my anxiety. I no longer have to worry about whether or not I can pay rent, but instead I can focus on advancing my education and improving myself. I am profoundly grateful. As the Cal Coast Cares Foundation supports me, I will consider each opportunity to learn as a gift.”

And Tan Huynh, a local educator who received a grant, said, “Financial support like this grant from Cal Coast Cares Foundation makes tremendous differences in student learning. It allows me to enrich my curriculum and engage my students in ways traditional methods cannot. Thank you for your generosity and continuous support of education!”

The non-profit foundation awards student scholarships up to $2,000 per recipient for students who will be pursuing higher education, have proven a commitment to academic excellence and community leadership, and meet the application criteria. Qualifying students include college-bound high school seniors, current college students, and current or former foster students in San Diego or Riverside Counties. Recipients of first-year foster student scholarships who maintain certain minimum academic requirements are eligible for second-year scholarships.

Educator grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are also awarded to local teachers in support of classroom projects that advance any of the STREAM fields intended to promote lifelong learning. Grantees include local teachers in K-12 public, private or charter schools, and professors in community and state colleges/universities.

As the foundation prepares for the road ahead, the sky is the limit, thanks to the continued generosity of financial supporters like California Coast Credit Union, numerous individuals, organizations, and businesses. For more information on the Cal Coast Cares Foundation, visit www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation.