Pasadena’s historic University Club will be the inaugural community partner for Pasadena Community Foundation’s PCF Scholars program, with a major gift from the newly formed University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation.
Almost 100 years ago, the Founders of the University Club of Pasadena cited the advancement of higher education as one of the principle objectives for its formation. Keeping to this tradition as their centennial year 2022 approaches, they are pleased to announce the University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation (UCPEF), an endowed fund of the Pasadena Community Foundation, created to support Pasadena’s youth in perpetuity. The fund will grow with contributions from the University Club’s members and community to provide scholarships for local students and support programs such as PCF Scholars, a collaboration between Pasadena Community Foundation, College Access Plan, and PCC Pathways.
Within the PCF Scholars program, Pasadena Community Foundation provides need-based, multi-year financial assistance to each participating student while College Access Plan and Pathways offer counseling, guidance, and assistance to help local students from low-income backgrounds successfully complete their studies at PCC. The first group of PCF Scholars – eight students representing all six of Pasadena Unified School District’s high schools – matriculated at Pasadena City College this fall. The program will add more students each year for the next four years and support all Scholars for up to four years.
“The University Club’s philanthropy reflects our long history in Pasadena and contributes to our community’s education,” said Mark Baratta, President of the University Club of Pasadena. “Supporting local students is an investment in the future leaders of our community, who we hope to see gathered at our Club in the years to come. “
“Pasadena City College is an invaluable resource, but we have learned that without the financial, academic, and emotional support they need, far too many promising students become discouraged and drop out,” said Jennifer DeVoll, CEO of Pasadena Community Foundation. “With the support of the University Club, the PCF Scholars program provides powerful tools to help vulnerable students achieve their academic goals.”