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Thank you for your interest in the State Center Community College Foundation. By giving to the SCCCF, you are:
Creating a permanent fund for student scholarships, helping to ensure that more students have the opportunity to realize their potential
Investing in California by supporting an educated workforce, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow
Participating in a historic fundraising campaign that is changing the way Community Colleges raise funds to support students
Student Success: FCC scholarship recipient creates her own scholarship
Cassandra Mendez is well on her way to becoming the person she dreams of being: "a well respected, influential, intelligent university professor with a love for education and a love of giving."
After growing up in a rural area of Fresno with a strong work ethic, Cassandra completed her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts at Fresno City College, graduated magna cum laude for her bachelor's degree in history from CSU, Fresno, and is currently working on her master's degree in history from CSU, East Bay. The recipient of multiple scholarships at FCC, she currently receives the Graduate Equity Fellowship for her master's program.
While attending CSU, Fresno she worked as a high school tutor at her alma mater, Washington Union High School and as a tutor at CSU, Fresno. She didn't work two jobs just to make ends meet as many college students do; Cassandra worked two jobs so she could start giving back to other students in need. "Thanks to the scholarships I received at Fresno City College I knew I wanted to become a scholarship donor myself. I want to help students who have an innate desire to pursue a college education but need that extra assistance to meet their educational goals," said Cassandra.
So while completing her bachelor's program and working two jobs, this dedicated young woman began a scholarship called the Cassandra Mendez Scholarship at Washington High School. This year, two talented female high school students have received $200 from Cassandra's scholarship fund.
"I want to share why I started this scholarship with the younger generation. I want them to know that they too can come from a small town like Fresno and be successful," said Cassandra. "But most importantly, I want them to know that once they're successful it's important to give back and remember where you came from and who helped you along the way."
Founding the scholarship has made a huge impact on Cassandra. She started the scholarship to make a difference in the lives of other students but it has also made a huge difference in her life. "This scholarship experience has humbled me and made me realize that the love of education goes deeper than I expected. I hope my scholarship reflects the giving person that I am, but also the type of person I hope others may become."
Cassandra has plans and dreams to found (fund) scholarships at all the educational institutions she's attended, including Fresno City College, CSU Fresno, CSU East Bay and other schools in her future. She says, "This is my way of saying thank you for giving me a quality education, but at the same time giving future generation peace of mind knowing there will be scholarship funds available."
Donor List
Recognizing the following generous friends, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations who contribute to the Foundations scholarships and programs.
This donor listing reflects gifts to State Center Community College District that were recorded between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy. Please accept our apologies for any incorrect listing or omission, and let us know about the error by calling the Foundation office at 559-244-5990
There are more than 2.6 million students enrolled in California Community Colleges, which is the largest higher education system in the nation.
"Without the generosity of our donors, many students would not be able to achieve their educational goals."
Dr. Deborah G. Blue
Chancellor,
State Center Community College District
