Scholarships

PCF Scholars

The PCF Scholars Program empowers Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) graduates to succeed at Pasadena City College (PCC) through financial aid and personalized support. It’s more than a scholarship; it’s a pathway to college success.

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Overview

About the Scholarship

Funded by the Pasadena Community Foundation and supported by College Access Plan (CAP) and PCC Pathways, the PCF Scholars Program offers need-based financial assistance and long-term mentoring. Scholars receive help with tuition-related expenses, access to emergency funds, and guidance from counselors and coaches. Success is defined not only by timely graduation or transfer, but also by persistence, progression, and motivation to set and meet goals.

“PCF Scholars helped me feel less alone as a first-generation student navigating the challenges of college, and provided me with resources to reach my goals.” ~ Ximena, program participant

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Program Successes

In Fall 2025, 12 new Scholars joined the program
As of Spring 2025, 15 PCF Scholars had successfully graduated from PCC, with many of them going on to enroll in a four-year college.
As of Summer 2025, 76 students have enrolled in the program since its inception in 2019.

Application Details

Eligibility

To be considered for the PCF Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a graduating senior at a PUSD high school
Be an active participant in College Access Plan or MPYD
Planning to enroll full-time at PCC in the fall
Have a minimum overall high school GPA of 2.0 or higher

Application Requirements

Receive an invitation to apply from College Access Plan or MPYD
Complete the PCF Scholars application
Commit to full-time enrollment at PCC
Participate in support services through CAP/MPYD and PCC Pathways

Application Details

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A Wrap-Around Scholarship Program

Our PCF Scholars have found the program incredibly helpful for many reasons, including the financial aid, course materials support, and caring adults to guide their academic journeys. Listen to what they’re saying about the program:

PCF has helped me grow as a student and meet my educational goals by knowing that I have the resources around me to succeed. The Ipad PCF helped purchase for me has been extremely helpful, especially in taking notes and studying. Thank you so much!

Annalise, PCF scholar

PCF Scholars participants work together on an activity during a September 2025 meet-up.

“Beyond financial assistance, the program has also helped me gather essential materials for class, like textbooks, allowing me to focus on my studies. As well, PCF has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve gained the confidence to seek support when needed, whether it’s reaching out to my counselor for guidance on updating my educational plan or communicating with professors.”

marcus, PCF Scholar

Invest in Important Futures

Support the PCF Scholars Program

Our PCF Scholars Program is made possible by our generous donors who have a passion for advancing educational pathways for all students. Be part of our donor family that uplifts learning and future successes.

Donate Now

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