MONTEREY COUNTY — Many Monterey County students aspire to attend college, but the cost of higher education keeps them from achieving that dream.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) works with generous individuals, families and businesses to help close the gap. More than $1.5 million is available for Monterey County students in 2025 from 85 scholarship funds held at the CFMC.
“These dollars represent a recognition by our community that equitable access to higher education is critical to ensuring students reach their potential,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC president/CEO.
One application allows students to be matched with more than 70 potential scholarships they may qualify for. Students can apply through the CFMC’s online scholarship system at cfmco.org/ScholarshipApply. (Separate applications are available for additional scholarships.)
The deadline to complete an application for the 2025-26 academic year is Saturday, March 15, with recipients being announced on May 1. Students can also find scholarship resources at cfmco.org/scholarships.
“These scholarships help create positive change and let students know people believe in them,” said Esther Figueroa, CFMC Scholarships and Community Impact Manager.
Scholarship recipient Jesús Floriano-Ramírez, a CSUMB graduate from Soledad, is now working in Early Education and Support Programs and pursuing his master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership.
“Scholarships like the Raymond H. Costa Family and College Futures Scholarship make an undeniable difference in the lives of students like myself, empowering us to achieve success and work toward social mobility in our communities,” Floriano-Ramírez said.
CFMC scholarship funds are established by people who recognize the value of education and want to support students in achieving their academic goals and dreams. The Community Foundation for Monterey County manages more than 85 named scholarship funds.
In 2024, the Foundation awarded more than $1.8 million to 467 students. Individuals wanting to learn more can call 831-375-9712 or visit cfmco.org/scholarships.
Donors can create their own scholarships or support existing scholarships, such as College Futures Monterey County, where 95% of recipients are the first in their family to attend college. This approach offers needs-based scholarships and student support services to students from 12 local high schools. Studies show that this can have a significant impact on increasing college-going and degree completion for low-income students.
Participating high schools include: Alisal, Everett Alvarez, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, North Monterey County, North Salinas, Rancho San Juan, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad.
