Gentrain Scholarship Fund
The Gentrain Society Scholarship Committee is chaired by Vikki Logan and includes Linda Cruzan, Rene Kimzey and Lyndy Bullock.
The success of the program speaks for itself. From 1991 through 2021 we have given over $420,750 (need update) to 425 deserving students, $14,000 this year to the deserving students listed below. Many thanks to all of those who have served on the Scholarship Committee.
A Brief History:
The Gentrain Society Scholarship Fund of the Monterey Peninsula College was started in 1991 with seed money from an anonymous donor. This donor liked the idea of lifelong learning and felt that the society should encourage "older returning students" by offering scholarships.
- Student must be 25 years of age or older.
- Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Student must be enrolled at least 6 units.
- Student must have a minimum of one recommendation by an MPC instructor.
- Financial need is taken into consideration.
These guidelines are custom fitted to our community and our local junior college. Over 60% of all students at Monterey Peninsula College are over the age of 30; over 40% are re-entry. Most of these students come back to college for retraining so they can get better jobs.
These re-entry students really appreciate the difference that education can make in their lives. Many of them have children; they are enthusiastic and committed and overcome huge obstacles to better themselves. They appreciate the money that they receive and also the recognition. Time and time again, they write us letters saying that what made the difference was the fact that we recognized and validated them, that if they failed, they failed not only themselves but also the organization that placed its confidence in them. None of them have failed; on the contrary, they have all made great achievements.
Every penny of every dollar donated to our scholarship fund reaches the students, as the program is fully run by volunteers. In the spring we receive the applications which have been screened by the financial aid office of the College. A committee of six Society Members then conducts the student interviews and selects the final winners. Most of the scholarships awarded are for $1,000.00, although we also give as little as $500 or as much as $2,000.00.
2022-2023 ... Scholarship Winners ($1,000 each):
BCHARA, KHLOUD (Early Childhood Education)
BENITEZ BONNE, CARLOS, (Engineering) In memory of Chuck Kimzey
BUGAYONG, KASSANDRA (teacher)
CLEM, LILLY, (Biological Science) In memory of Jack and Isalene Sedan
DIAZ MENDEZ, KRISANDRA (Nursing)
ESTRADA, LUZ MARIE (paralegal and Spanish Translator)
FERNANDEZ, , MARLAINA, (Nursing) In memory of Lynn Swerrie
FISH, HAILEY (nursing)
KIMBROUGH, CHARLES (Business)
OLVERA, ANGELICA MARIA, (early childhood education) In memory of Anne Flynn
RILEY, EMMA, (Marine Science)
RYAN, TREVOR, (Certified Financial Planner) In memory of Jack and Isalene Sedan
SACKS, ALLISON (Psychology)
Total awarded this year, $13,000
Total awarded since 1991, $415,750