Anjolie shares her appreciation for being selected one of only twelve 2020 PCF scholars.
For college-bound Anjolie, facing difficult challenges with determination and resiliency is a family trait. When her mother recently had to take a leave from her job for health reasons, the family banded together and made the reduced finances work. “We relied on our brother to help make ends meet,” says Anjolie who also has two younger sisters. “It was tough, but we did it.”
As the first one in her family to attend college, Anjolie is preparing for “a new experience and new things — even the challenging ones. I am ready for this new chapter in my life and it’s great to know that I’m not alone and that there are people who care about me and can help me.”
That extra support is because Anjolie was named one of this year’s 12 Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) Scholars. A graduate of John Muir High School, she started her academic career at Pasadena City College this fall. Since most courses are offered virtually, Anjolie needed technological help to connect remotely from her home. PCF funds were used to help her purchase a new laptop, and counselors guided her on accessing Wi-Fi.
Anjolie’s goal is to obtain a degree in criminal justice; she’s done informal research and talked with local law enforcement officers about their careers. “I really like to listen to people when they have problems and helping them as best I can,” she says calling herself a “problem-solver.”
Because of her PCF Scholar status, specialized academic counselors will help Anjolie formulate an educational plan to make sure she stays on track during her time at PCC.
Looking ahead, Anjolie knows that the PCF support will help her make good decisions. “I am so grateful for this scholarship and I can’t wait for the day I graduate to make everyone proud — my family and those connected to this scholarship.”
PCF Scholars is a Collaborative Partnership
Established in the 2019 academic school year, PCF Scholars is an education grant program to assist Pasadena students who are graduating from high school and enrolling in Pasadena City College (PCC). Combining need-based financial assistance and long-term support from counselors and mentors, the program relies on local partnerships to help worthy Pasadena students achieve their college education dreams.
PCF Scholar partners include:
The College Access Plan (CAP) provides the framework that recruits and helps select PCF Scholar participants. CAP coordinators are a vital and ongoing contact for the scholars during their college career, offering resources and opportunity advice.
PCC Foundation process flexible emergency funds and connects students with additional scholarship opportunities.
PCC Pathways ensures that PCF Scholars receive priority registration and are placed in career communities along with guidance with their educational plan. The Pathways program provides students with counselors who can offer critical support in and out of the classroom, helping them choose a path and stay on it to graduate and complete their academic goals.