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Empowering Students

Scholarships

We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Through a wide range of scholarships, each with its own story and purpose, we help students of all ages pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential.

PCF scholarship programsPCF Scholarship Funds
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Overview

Reflecting Our Community’s Values

Our wide range of scholarships support students from the Greater Pasadena area and beyond. Supporting community college and graduate students to become future professionals, civic leaders, or aspiring artists, each PCF scholarship program reflects a unique legacy and a shared commitment to educational opportunity. These programs are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities.

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Community Investment

Powered by Generosity

Our donors don’t just write checks— they help write the next chapter of our community’s story. Many of our donors have committed their charitable giving to scholarship programs; to date, they have created 24 PCF scholarship funds, which have disbursed approximately $500,000 annually. 

 

Ways to GivePCF Scholarship Funds
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PCF Scholarship Programs

PCF Scholars

Supporting graduates of Pasadena Unified School District who choose to continue their educational pathways at Pasadena City College.

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Petersen Scholars

Supporting the education and lifetime success of transition age youth (“TAY”) — young adults who begin aging out of foster care at 18.

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College Women’s Club

Supporting the educational goals of women in the Greater Pasadena area.

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Josephine de Karman Fellowship

Recognizes and assist students whose scholastic achievements reflect the high standards and academic achievements of Dr. von Karman.

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High School Scholarships

PCF holds a wide ranges of scholarship programs that assist graduating youth in local public and private schools.

PCF Scholarship Impact

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$650,000

Donor contributions to PCF Scholarship programs

97%

Retention Rate for PCF Scholars

The PCF Scholars Program, launched in 2019, has a 97% retention rate of scholars who persisted and enrolled in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

2001

First Scholarship Fund established at PCF – a nursing scholarship for $90,000

36

Number of PCF scholarship funds with over $21 million endowed and non-endowed assets.

106

Women who have received scholarships from College Women’s Scholarship Endowment Fund since 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a PCF scholarship?

Each scholarship has its own application process, timeline, and requirements. Some are managed directly by PCF, while others are administered through partner organizations or schools.

Visit the individual scholarship pages for detailed application instructions.

When is the application period for PCF scholarships?

Application periods vary by scholarship. Some are open annually during specific months, while others follow school or program-specific timelines.

Please refer to the individual scholarship pages for current deadlines and application windows.

Can I apply for more than one PCF scholarship?

Yes, in many cases students may be eligible for and apply for more than one scholarship, depending on the criteria.

Check the eligibility requirements on each scholarship page to see which opportunities may apply to you.

What types of expenses do PCF scholarships cover?

Most scholarships help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses, but coverage varies by scholarship. Some may also support enrichment programs or career training.

Details about what each scholarship covers can be found on the individual scholarship pages.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Selection criteria differ by scholarship and may include academic achievement, financial need, community service, leadership, or personal background.

Each scholarship page outlines the specific selection process and criteria.

Do I need to reapply each year to continue receiving my scholarship?

Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others may be renewable based on academic progress or other conditions.

Visit the individual scholarship pages to learn about renewal policies.

Who can I contact if I have questions about a specific scholarship?

For questions about a particular scholarship, please refer to the contact information listed on that scholarship page.

You can also reach out to PCF directly through our Contact Us page for general inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Students listening in class

Featured News and Stories

We believe strong communities thrive when philanthropy tackles real needs. To create lasting impact in Greater Pasadena, we focus on six key areas that that drive opportunity, build resilience, and improve well-being.

May
31
Seven women stand outdoors on a college campus together in a line. They are smiling and facing the camera. A building behind them reads EQUITY CENTER.

Petersen Scholars Focus on Academic Success

In April, three Pasadena Community Foundation staff members visited four of the seven Petersen Scholars who attend Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac). The students are transition age foster youth (TAY) who have navigated many obstacles to attend college. Over a delightful lunch, we learned that even with those challenges, these students are thriving in […]
Jun
18
A group of college students stand in a line together in front of a sign that reads Pathways Center

PCF Launches Grant Program to Help Local Students Succeed in College

Pasadena Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of PCF Scholars, a new grant program to provide financial assistance and social-emotional support to 32 local students over the next four years. PCF Scholars is a partnership among Pasadena Community Foundation, College Access Plan, and PCC’s Pathways program to create a consistent through-line of support […]
May
11

College Women’s Club Awards Scholarships to 14 Local Women

A festive backyard ice cream social on a recent warm Sunday afternoon was the setting for the College Women’s Club (CWC) Spring Scholars Ceremony. The event honored 14 local young women who are the 2022 recipients of fellowships and scholarships awarded by CWC in partnership with Pasadena Community Foundation. The scholarships ensure continued assistance to […]
May
31
Seven women stand outdoors on a college campus together in a line. They are smiling and facing the camera. A building behind them reads EQUITY CENTER.

Petersen Scholars Focus on Academic Success

In April, three Pasadena Community Foundation staff members visited four of the seven Petersen Scholars who attend Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac). The students are transition age foster youth (TAY) who have navigated many obstacles to attend college. Over a delightful lunch, we learned that even with those challenges, these students are thriving in […]
Jun
18
A group of college students stand in a line together in front of a sign that reads Pathways Center

PCF Launches Grant Program to Help Local Students Succeed in College

Pasadena Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of PCF Scholars, a new grant program to provide financial assistance and social-emotional support to 32 local students over the next four years. PCF Scholars is a partnership among Pasadena Community Foundation, College Access Plan, and PCC’s Pathways program to create a consistent through-line of support […]
May
11

College Women’s Club Awards Scholarships to 14 Local Women

A festive backyard ice cream social on a recent warm Sunday afternoon was the setting for the College Women’s Club (CWC) Spring Scholars Ceremony. The event honored 14 local young women who are the 2022 recipients of fellowships and scholarships awarded by CWC in partnership with Pasadena Community Foundation. The scholarships ensure continued assistance to […]
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