Scholarships
SPSCC Foundation scholarships make tuition affordable and college accessible for students.
With an SPSCC Foundation scholarship, I'm able to attend college full-time.
Crystal Hearitige
Francis Naomi Wilson Endowed Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Basics
The SPSCC Foundation proudly awards more than 400 scholarships every academic year, helping students pursue their educational dreams. Scholarships help cover a student’s tuition and fees and are awarded through an open application process. We award two types of scholarships:
Annual Scholarships – funded by annual donations, these scholarships vary in amount based on the donation and are awarded annually as funds are available. Scholarships may be one-time offerings or renewed and awarded annually; and
Endowed Scholarships – sustained by earnings from an invested (endowed) donation. Once fully funded and matured, a scholarship is awarded every academic year, with amounts adjusted based on the account’s value.
Annual Scholarships are a way to make an immediate difference in a student’s life. They are fully awarded each year based on donor contributions and provide critical support to students. Whether you want to renew your support annually, offer a one-time scholarship to honor a special occasion, memorialize a loved one or to supplement a scholarship endowment while it matures, annual scholarships give you the flexibility to make an impact right away.
Starting an Annual Scholarship
It takes a minimum contribution of $1,500 to establish a stand-alone scholarship. For smaller donations, you can contribute to our Student Success Scholarship fund, which pools donations to award larger scholarships for students.
All Foundation scholarships are awarded via an open application process and a standard set of criteria. You may choose to designate your scholarship for a particular field or area of study.
Annual Scholarship Awarding Practices
Contributions to an annual scholarship incur a Processing Fee of 5% at the time the donation is received. All remaining funds will be fully spent as one or more scholarships (per your preferences) in the same fiscal year that we receive them.
Scholarship endowments are significant contributions that are invested, generating earnings. Endowed gifts can be donated all at once or in multiple installments over a few years. Once the endowment is fully-funded and has had time to mature (typically 3-5 years), a portion of the earnings is utilized each year to award one or more scholarships.
Unspent earnings remain in the endowment to foster continued growth. The original donated amount, known as the corpus, remains intact and can continue to grow through additional contributions.
Starting a Scholarship Endowment
Scholarship endowments require a minimum contribution of $25,000, payable either in a lump sum or spread over a period of up to five years. After reaching full funding, it typically takes 3-5 years for the endowment to mature and generate enough earnings to fund a scholarship. Once the endowment is mature, a portion of the earnings is withdrawn each year to award as you have directed.
If you want to begin awarding a scholarship right away, you can choose to make an additional contribution to fund annual scholarships while your endowment matures. These additional funds are fully awarded each year and do not contribute to the corpus of your endowment.
Endowment Spending Policies
Once an endowment is mature, our Finance Committee (made up of Foundation Board members) can elect to withdraw up to 5% of the 3-year rolling average of the endowment’s market value for scholarship awarding.
Contributions to an endowment do not incur a fee at the time of the donation. However, endowments incur an annual fee of up to 5% of the 3-year rolling average of the endowment’s earnings.
Join us in Making the Sound!
Your scholarship can make an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of SPSCC students. Whether you're honoring a loved one or creating a legacy of support, your contribution helps build a stronger Puget Sound community.
Connect with us to learn more about how you can establish a scholarship and make a difference in the future of our students and the region. Contact us at foundation@spscc.edu or call 360-596-5430.
If you are interested in supporting SPSCC scholarships without creating a new scholarship, you can also consider giving to the general Student Success Scholarship Fund.
Support Student Success!
Give NowAll Available Scholarships Listed by Pathway
Our scholarship opportunities are made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, community supporters, and local businesses. Your contributions help amplify student success, turning dreams into reality and creating a lasting impact in our region. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to empowering the next generation and making the sound of success resonate throughout our community. Together, we are building brighter futures.
- Achievement in the Arts Scholarship
- Anne Sullivan Endowed Scholarship
- Donald V. Rhodes Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
- Frank Family Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
- Greene Family Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
- Jack Perciful Endowed Scholarship in the Fine and Performing Arts
- John and Sally Warjone Family Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
- John S. and Naomi Lynch Endowed Scholarship
- Scott Farman Memorial Scholarship
- Sherman Huffine Endowed Scholarship in the Arts and Humanities
- William and Dorothy Judah Endowed Scholarship in the Arts and Sciences
- William J. Shurgot Memorial Scholarship in Humanities
- "We Build America" Scholarship
- Col. Robert W. & Laura L. Hakala Endowed Scholarship
- Dana Garson Endowed Scholarship
- H.V. "Brew" Brewington Endowed Scholarship in Automotive Technology
- Harold W. and Barbara A. Betaque Simpson Family Endowed Scholarship
- Hartmann and Roberts Family Endowed Scholarship
- Helen C. Shank Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Vocational-Technical Education
- Helen C. Shank Soroptimist International Endowed Scholarship in Vocational Technical Education
- Jim Crabbe Memorial Scholarship
- Joseph A. Martin Memorial Scholarship
- Joseph Bidot Memorial Scholarship
- Martin "Max" Schnarrs Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Matthias Patrick McRavin Memorial Scholarship in Automotive Technology
- Nels and Phyllis Hanson Endowed Scholarship in Trades and Technologies
- SPSCC Automotive Technology Program Scholarship
- Titus-Will Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hyundai Endowed Scholarship in Automotive Technology
- Whit Reading Endowed Scholarship in Automotive Technology Witt Family Scholarship in Automotive
- Charles and Lenora O'Neill Endowed Scholarship in Business, Land Management, and Related Studies
- Diversity in Business Scholarship
- Donald V. Rhodes Endowed Scholarship in Business
- Gateway Rotary "Service Above Self" Scholarship in Business
- Heritage Bank Scholarship in Business
- Mike & Teri Murphy Endowed Scholarship
- Napoleon J. Lucchini Memorial Scholarship
- Nicholas M. Schmidt Endowed Scholarship
- Phyllis Mandel Scholarship in Business and Entrepreneurship
- Sarah Schroeder Dickson Endowed Scholarship
- Wadley Family Endowed Scholarship
- Anne Sullivan Endowed Scholarship
- Anthropology & Cultural Resource Management Endowed Scholarship
- Janice & Earl Kurtis Sharar Memorial Scholarship
- John S. and Naomi Lynch Endowed Scholarship
- Alenka's Kitchen Memorial Scholarship
- America's Credit Union Craft Brewing & Distilling Scholarship
- Ann Reading Scholarship in Culinary Arts
- Anthony's Restaurants Endowed Scholarship in Culinary Arts
- Brewing & Distilling Scholarship
- Col. Robert W. & Laura L. Hakala Endowed Scholarship
- Culinary Arts Program Endowed Scholarship
- Gene Vosberg Legacy Endowed Scholarship
- Goldberg Family Endowed Scholarship in Culinary Arts
- Harold W. and Barbara A. Betaque Simpson Family Endowed Scholarship
- O Bee Brewers & Distillers of Tomorrow Scholarship
- Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation Gene Vosberg Legacy Endowed Scholarship
- "Stand for Something" Scholarship
- "The Experience" Scholarship
- Ability Vocational Consulting Scholarship
- Allen and Lan Phan Jones Scholarship
- Anna Valeos Altrusa Scholarship
- Athletics Scholarships
- Bert A. Deck Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Betty Elford and Stephanie Duryea Scholarship
- Biella Foundation Community and Technical College Scholarship
- Bob and Joan Wubbena Scholarship through the Olympia Rotary Foundation
- Boone Family Endowed Scholarship
- Colin Reese Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- De La Luz Scholarship
- Diana Hanson and Family Scholarship
- Diversity & Equity Scholarship
- Doris Drees Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Kenneth and Elaine Minnaert Presidential Endowed Scholarship
- Egbert and Florence Fell Endowed Scholarship
- Elizabeth and Bayard Dominick & Mary and Bayard Coggeshall Endowed Scholarship
- Elliott Family Next Endeavour Endowed Scholarship
- Em and Ed Odegard New Beginning Endowed Scholarship
- Evalyn Poff Memorial Scholarship Faculty Memorial Scholarship
- FIRE Summit Scholarship
- First-Gen Leading the Way Scholarship
- Friends of the College Foundation Endowed Scholarship
- Gladys Burns Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Harry B. Lewis Endowed Scholarship
- Heck Family Endowed Scholarship
- Helping Hand Scholarship
- Herman & Marcia Winters Memorial Scholarship
- International Student Legacy Scholarship
- James and Velma Woods Scholarship
- Jan Yoshiwara Scholarship
- Jernigan Foundation Scholarship
- Jim Pitsaroff Memorial Scholarship
- JoAnn Ross Endowed Scholarship
- Junior League of Olympia Legacy Endowed Scholarship
- Kathleen M. Willis Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Kathy Garrett Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Kathryn Kennedy Cooper Endowed Scholarship
- Kathy Wolf Memorial Scholarship
- L & E Bottling Company Pepsi Scholarship
- Larson Family Scholarship
- Latinx Youth Summit Scholarship
- Learning Seed Fountain Endowed Scholarship
- Leonor and Jay Fuller Scholarship
- LGBTQ and Ally Scholarship
- Mabel Burg and Vera Westover Endowed Scholarship
- Margie's Fund Endowed Scholarship
- Mariana Halsan Endowed Scholarship
- Marilyn Zuckerman and Bill Funk Scholarship
- McDonald's Restaurants Endowed Scholarship
- Mell Family Endowed Scholarship MLK Jr. Scholarship
- Nikki Giovanni Poetry Award
- Olympia Brewing Company Employees Beneficial Trust Endowed Scholarship
- Olympia Country & Golf Club Endowed Scholarship
- Ostrom Mushroom Farms Scholarship
- Patricia and Jerry Harper Scholarship
- Phil Weigand Memorial Scholarship
- Rachel Joanne Weiner Memorial Scholarship
- Ralph & Opaline Chase Memorial Scholarship
- Robert G. Smith Memorial Scholarship
- Rotary Club of West Olympia Endowed Scholarship
- Sar Rath Endowed Scholarship
- Second Chance Scholarship
- Second Growth Endowed Scholarship
- Steve and Nancy Bean & Daryl and the Diptones "Rock'n Roll" Endowed
- Scholarship
- Strait Family Endowed Scholarship
- Student Success Advantage Scholarships
- Terry and Claudia Minton Scholarship in memory of OJ and Mary Christine Harvey
- The Athena Group "Authentic Leadership" Scholarship
- The Chehalis Tribes Friendship Scholarship
- Thurston County Chamber & Community Partners Diversity & Equity Scholarship
- Thurston Group Scholarship
- Tom "Gunny" Shirey Memorial Scholarship
- Tom Allen Scholarship
- Vietnamese Community Association of Thurston County Scholarship
- Vo Family Endowed Scholarship
- Zonta Club of South Puget Sound Scholarship
- Albert C. Goerig, DDS, Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- Bertha Schulz Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- Capital Medical Center Endowed Scholarship
- Carolyn and Charlie Keck Endowed Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- Cheryl Sponek-Smith (VanderWal) Memorial Scholarship in Medical Assisting
- Col. Robert W. & Laura L. Hakala Endowed Scholarship
- Coordinated Care Scholarship
- Dennis W. Mahar Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. D. Mark Brown and Olivia Brown Scholarship in Healthcare
- Dr. Thomas Fell Endowed Scholarship in Healthcare
- Edith Arnold Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- H. "Jerry" & Esther C. Maury Endowed Scholarship in Healthcare
- Harold W. and Barbara A. Betaque Simpson Family Endowed Scholarship
- Hartmann and Roberts Scholarship in Nursing
- Helen C. Shank Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Vocational-Technical Education
- Helen C. Shank Soroptimist International Endowed Scholarship in Vocational Technical Education
- Hettinger Family Scholarship in Healthcare
- Jack P. & Evelyn A. Starr Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- Larry and Betty Tucker Endowed Scholarship in Healthcare
- Lynn Matheson Brunton, RHD Endowed Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- Marcus Family Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- Marian H. Seeley Altrusa International of Olympia Scholarship
- Nellie Robertson Memorial Scholarship in Veterinary Science
- Nels and Phyllis Hanson Endowed Scholarship in Trades and Technologies
- Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Scholarship in Healthcare
- Panorama Nursing Scholarship
- Paul A. DiDonato, DDS, Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- Peggy Bernson Scholarship in Nursing
- Providence St. Peter Foundation Scholarship in Certified Nurse Assisting
- Providence St. Peter Foundation Scholarship in Medical Assisting
- Providence St. Peter Foundation Scholarship in Nursing
- Shirley Wagner Memorial Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- St. Peter Hospital Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- Tammy Strong Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- The Gisela McRavin "Ray of Hope" Scholarship in Nursing
- The Olympia Physicians' Endowed Scholarship in Healthcare
- The Stephanie Todak Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
- Thurston-Mason Counties Medical Society Alliance Scholarship in Healthcare
- Willamette Dental Group Scholarship in Dental Assisting
- Information Processing Management Association Endowed Scholarship in Computer Technology Studies
- Information Technology Pathway Scholarship
- Lexar Homes Scholarship
- Michael Martin Endowed Scholarship in CAD/BIM Technology
- Right! Systems Information Technology Scholarship
- Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technology (AECT) Scholarship
- Benjamin S. Ellwanger Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Amy Fairweather Head Memorial Scholarship
- Puget Sound Energy Foundation "Powerful Scholars" Scholarship
- Science, Engineering and Math Pathway Scholarship
- Dr. Cole and Holly Mason Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood Education
- Frances Naomi Wilson Endowed Scholarship
- Frank W. Foley Endowed Scholarship in Legal and Related Studies
- Hands on Children's Museum Scholarship in Early Learning
- Heidi Hamilton Henderson Memorial Scholarship
- Mayeda Family Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood Education
- Mike & Teri Murphy Endowed Scholarship
- Nancy Allen Scholarship for Language Learners
- Reykdal Family Endowed Scholarship in Education
Student Success
We support the efforts of students to meet their goals, earn their degrees, and be successful contributors to their communities. As the needs and circumstances of students change, we strive to be agile and ready to help them meet those needs so they can continue to focus on their academic success.
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What is Student Success?
Student Success means all SPSCC students receive an education that is innovative, accessible, and affordable. The Student Success Fund provides flexible funding to meet the real-time needs of students. The fund provides direct financial aid to students, supports college opportunity programs in closing equity gaps, and allows the modernization of classroom equipment and curriculum.
How We Support Student Success
- Raise funds to support student scholarships to help students pay tuition costs.
- Raise money for grants to help cover education-related tools and unexpected basic needs expenses.
- Connect individual supporters and business to SPSCC programs that align with their values and community-centered aspirations.
- Create industry connections that can create internship and job opportunities.
- Partner with College departments to create unique fundraising events that are meaningful to supporters.
- Seek large grants and gifts to help the College supplement state funding that is essential for improving facilities and expanding campus spaces to better serve students.
Helping Students Stay on Track
Learn more about Student Success programs that help students stay on track to meet their academic goals.
Support Student Success!
Give NowCentering Student Success
Support for our students comes in many different forms. Student needs are always evolving and so are our approaches.
Sounding Off for Student Success
We work to ensure that unmet student financial needs are identified and equitably met using traditional and innovative strategies that connect student needs to donor goals. Through scholarships, grants, programs, and community events we are working together to sound off for student success!
What We Do
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Student Success Funds
Donations to our Student Success Fund for greatest student needs allows us to be flexible, innovative, and respond quickly to changing college and student needs.
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Scholarships
Covering tuition and fees has always been (and will always be) a barrier for college students. We award more than 400 scholarships every single year to our students.
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Grants
Grants give students just-in-time funds to keep their education on track. We award grants for emergencies, testing, technology, tools, supplies, and tuition.
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Programs
Academic programs, teams, clubs, and groups can use donated funds to boost learning and create unique experiences for our students
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Events
The Foundation hosts many specials events throughout the year to raise funds and build connections between our campus and our community.
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Contact Us
Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to stay updated, we're happy to help!
Contact
The Foundation team is available to help you easily and effectively make a meaningful difference through charitable giving. Please contact us during office hours us to learn more.
Mailing Address
South Puget Sound Community College Foundation
2011 Mottman Road SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Physical Address
2421 Heritage Ct SW, 4th Floor
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 360-596-5430
Email: foundation@spscc.edu
Get Social
Stay Connected
Staff and Board
Our staff and board members are dedicated to advancing our mission of supporting all students. Through our shared commitment to student success, we work together to maintain our reputation as one of the most trusted charitable organizations in the South Sound region.
SPSCC Foundation Staff
Kelly Green
Vice President for Advancement
Mary Lou Boles
Program Specialist
Katie Everson
Fiscal Analyst
Christine Hoffmann
Director of Development
Sophia Marshall
Executive Assistant, Foundation
Beth Schluter
Director of Finance and Operations
Meranda Shute
Program Specialist
Amber Wetzel
Director of Philanthropy
Ann Rogers Williams
Development Specialist
SPSCC Foundation Board of Directors
Board Leadership
President Marcus Glasper, Washington State Department of Licensing
Vice President Tony Lindgren, KMB Architects
Immediate Past President Annie Iriye
Secretary Timothy Stokes, SPSCC College President
Treasurer Suzanne O'Brien
Trustee Liaison Judith Hartmann
Members
Linda Villegas Bremer
Jeana Callicoat, SPSCC Alumna
F. Marland Chancellor, Optum Care Washington
Brent Dille, Dille Law, PLLC
Daryl Fourtner, Heritage Bank
Tom Henderson
Cindy Hough
Susan Meenk, CommonSpirit Health
Megan Mikkelsen, Red Door Olympia
Omey Nandyal, Entrepreneur
Daniel O'Neill
Paul Orth, J.A. Morris Construction, LLC
Sean Padget, Right!Systems, Inc
Jason Robertson, JRO + CO
Becci Ryder, SPSCC Alumna
Christy Upton, Christy Upton, CPA, P.S., SPSCC Alumna
Carrie Whisler, OlyFed, SPSCC Alumna
Rodney Youckton, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
Emeritus Members
Valerie Fluetsch
Charlie Frank
Dana Garson*
Ray LaForge
Lynette McCarty
*deceased
Kelly Green
Vice President for Advancement
"By bringing together our Public Relations, Events, and Foundation teams under the umbrella of Advancement, I am excited to chart a course that will help our students and the College thrive and continue to be a strong resource and partner for everyone in our community."
Kelly has observed the exponential growth of the Foundation and the College since she began her career at SPSCC 11 years ago. She first served as the Foundation's Events Manager and Foundation Development Manager before transitioning to an executive role in 2015 overseeing SPSCC's College Relations and Events teams. As the Vice President for Advancement, she leads three teams (Public Relations, Events, and the Foundation) to support student success and college advancement.
Mary Lou Boles
Program Specialist
"I love working with an amazing team and helping students access scholarship and grant funding."
Mary Lou is responsible for assisting the Director of Finance and Scholarships with fiscal operations and managing database functions.
Katie Everson
Fiscal Analyst
"I am so excited to be a part of the SPSCC community. I am passionate about higher education and helping students reach their personal and academic goals."
Katie is responsible for supporting the fiscal needs of the Foundation and their related LLCS, including Percival Creek Brewing LLC, Percival Creek Distilling LLC, and the Tumwater Falls Laboratory LLC.
Christine Hoffmann
Director of Development
"1 am delighted to be part of a team that works hard to ensure any student can achieve their personal goals. As an SPSCC alum (c/o 2004), I know first-hand just how much the faculty and staff care about students, meeting them where they're at."
Christine is responsible for leading fundraising strategies, overseeing events, driving marketing efforts, fostering community engagement, and building connections with supporters.
Sophia Marshall
Executive Assistant, Foundation
Beth Schluter
Director of Finance and Operations
"Being with the Foundation for just over 10 years, I feel honored every day to work at SPSCC with such dedicated groups of people who work hard every day on behalf of students in the South Sound Region!"
Beth is responsible for the fiscal operations of the foundation and ensuring that scholarship money gets to students.
Meranda Shute
Program Specialist
"I graduated from SPSCC in 2020 and knew I had to come back to this amazing community. I am proud to be part of a Foundation that supports student success and a college that advocates for equity."
Meranda is responsible for coordinating development efforts such as events, communications, and donor stewardship.
Amber Wetzel
Director of Philanthropy
"I am thrilled to join the Foundation team and support our local community and students through philanthropy."
Amber is responsible for cultivating and fostering community and major donor relationships, planned giving, and community grants.
Ann Rogers Williams
Development Specialist
"Working with the Foundation team to support the common goal of student success is important to me."
Ann is responsible for implementing Foundation fundraising strategies for annual giving, donor stewardship, communications, and community relationships.
Who We Are
The Foundation exists to support student success and expand access to education at South Puget Sound Community College. Together with our supporters, we're building a stronger, more vibrant future for the South Sound.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to engage the community and build resources to support success for all students.
Through world class fundraising and community engagement, our vision is for every student to receive a high-quality, inclusive education.
Our Strategic Plan
Supporting empowerment, promoting equitable outcomes, and challenging ourselves to embrace a bold vision for world-class fundraising are the three pillars of our commitment to helping students.
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Our Strategic Plan
2024 - 2029 Strategic Plan
Our History
The SPSCC Foundation was offically incorporated in 1982 to build community relationships and create long-term support for students and the college through an endowment. These early efforts, led by SPSCC's president and Foundation staff and board, sparked a legacy of generosity that continues today.
Since then, we've partnered with many generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe in education's power to transform lives. Our story is deeply connected to the growth and evolution of South Puget Sound Community College. Learn more about the college's history.
Our Impact
We continue to help break down barriers and address unmet needs of students through our commitment to student success. Learn more about our impact on students and the community by exploring our recent annual reports.
Annual Reports
More About the Foundation
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News
Read the latest Foundation news and see what's new at SPSCC.
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Our Supporters
Meet the generous individuals and organizations whose committed support makes our mission possible.
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Our Staff and Board
We couldn't do what we do without the support of our incredible staff and amazing Board of Directors.
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Contact Us
Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to stay updated, we're happy to help!
Making the Sound Together
The South Puget Sound Community College Foundation plays a key role in creating opportunities for students by providing financial support through scholarships, grants, and program funds. All of this is made possible by our generous community of supporters. Our mission is simple: to make SPSCC a thriving community where students are empowered to achieve their goals, graduate, and contribute to the local workforce.
With your help in 2024, we:
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Raised $1.77M+
to support SPSCC students through scholarships, emergency grants, and essential programs.
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Awarded 830 Scholarships
to help students stay focused and on track toward graduation.
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Funded 884 Emergency Grants
to support students facing unexpected challenges like tuition gaps, car repairs, and utility bills.
Students - Need Financial Support?
Apply for Scholarships and GrantsJoin Us in Making the Sound
When you give to the SPSCC Foundation, you’re not just making a donation—you’re becoming a Soundmaker. You’re amplifying opportunities, ensuring more students have access to the life-changing power of education.
Connect with us to learn more or donate today to be part of the sound of success.
SPSCC has given me the opportunity to advance my education while also playing a vital role in the community.
SPSCC has given me the opportunity to advance my education while also playing a vital role in the community.
Bryten G.
Associate in Pre Nursing
I truly wouldn't be the person I am today without my time at SPSCC. I am truly humbled to be able to give back to a community that has given so much to me.
Emily Bergkamp
General Manager of Intercity Transit, SPSCC Alumna
