Search Anything

Search Icon

Petersen Scholars

Petersen Scholars Program supports transition-age foster youth (TAY) as they pursue career and technical education in the Pasadena and Los Angeles regions. It provides financial and emotional support to help students overcome barriers and achieve long-term success.

Three female college students stand together in front of windows and a banner

Overview

About Petersen Scholars

In early 2022, a $10 million gift to PCF from the Petersen Foundation established The Margie and Robert E. Petersen Scholarship Endowment for Transition Age Foster Youth (commonly known as TAY). With that generous support, PCF created the Petersen Scholars Program.

The program addresses the unique challenges faced by TAY between the ages of 18 and 26. Despite access to financial aid and free tuition, many TAY students still face significant funding gaps that hinder college completion. The Petersen Scholars Program offers monthly stipends, materials and equipment, career counseling, and social-emotional support to help students in the Los Angeles City College District stay enrolled and succeed.

 

Three young women walk together outdoors along a sidewalk with a brown building to their left

Program Details

Eligibility

To qualify for the Petersen Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Transition Age Youth (TAY) between the ages of 18-26, with a history of foster care at any point in their life (there is no age limit for when they were in care).
  • Be enrolled in a career, technical, or vocational program at any college within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).
  • Demonstrate financial need and show a strong commitment to completing their educational program.
Participating Colleges

Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) schools: 

  • Los Angeles City College (LACC) -Los Angeles, CA
  • East Los Angeles College (ELAC) -Monterey Park, CA
  • Los Angeles Harbor College (LAHC) -Wilmington, CA
  • Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) -Sylmar, CA
  • Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) -Woodland Hills, CA
  • Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) -Los Angeles, CA
  • Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) -Los Angeles, CA
  • Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) -Valley Glen, CA
  • West Los Angeles College (WLAC) -Culver City, CA.
Application Requirements
  • Receive an invitation to apply from the LACCD college in which a student is currently enrolled and have begun coursework in an approved career or technical education pathway, typically a two-year program designed to lead to gainful employment.
  • Provide documentation confirming their history in foster care and outlining their educational and career plans.
  • Maintain continuous enrollment throughout the two-year duration of the scholarship program.

Program Details

Two young adults stand together in front of an office window

Two young adults stand together in front of an office window

Two young adults stand together in front of an office window

Two young adults stand together in front of an office window

Invest in Important Futures

Support This Scholarship

Our Petersen Scholars Program is just one way that PCF is committed to the well-being of Transition Age Foster Youth (“TAY”). Our work with TAY is made possible by our generous donors who have a passion for advancing both educational and personal pathways for TAY. Be part of our donor family that uplifts these important youth. 

Donate Now