Castro Valley Educational Foundation Scholarships

The Castro Valley Educational Foundation is offering some 65 scholarships this year to Castro Valley Unified School District seniors planning to attend college—or perhaps just hoping to.

"They're not just for academic superstars," said foundation President Suresh Bhat. "They're also for athletes, students with particular interests, or members of particular ethnic groups."

Among the larger scholarships are ones for students participating in leadership, swimming, water polo, and for musicians. Some scholarships target vocational programs, while others are for two- or four-year colleges.

While deadlines for most of this year's scholarships have passed, others are still available on the Castro Valley High School's College and Career Center website, https://sites.google.com/cv.k12.ca.us/cvhs-college-career-center 

Scholarships range from $500 to $5,500 a year for four years, Bhat said. 

"People sometimes think that some nearby communities are where all the financial need is," he said. "But there are many families in Castro Valley that are really struggling and could really use some help sending their children to college."

The foundation has tried to simplify pursuing scholarships by offering a single application for all scholarships offered to high school seniors in Castro Valley schools. This year 201 students applied for 65 scholarships worth an estimated $110,000 as fundraising continues.

"We have a few endowments, but mostly we have loyal donors who contribute yearly," Bhat said. He said that someone who'd like something good to live on after they do could consider a bequest to start a new endowment.

The foundation's big annual fundraiser, Spring for Education, will be held May 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Adobe Art Center and Gallery at 20395 San Miguel Ave. in Castro Valley. Proceeds from the event will go toward new program materials at the Wellness Centers across Castro Valley schools to help address the physical and mental challenges students have faced over the past few years.

For more information about scholarships or events, contact the Castro Valley Educational Foundation at info@cvef.org or 510-397-4095.