The Peninsula College Fund

I have been a mentor with PCF for 5+ years now and have been so impressed with the organization and its support of first generation students on their college journey. My first mentee graduated with honors, had an engaging career-oriented summer internship and landed her first job seamlessly after she graduated and even got promoted a few months into her new job. She's now thinking about graduate school. My second mentee is a sophmore now and with PCF's support successfully navigated a difficult first year of remote online classes and is now excited to be on campus for her second year. PCF covers all the bases to help first generation students succeed--financial help, mentor support, internships and career guidance--a winning combination!

The Peninsula College Fund organization has been impressive from the start. As a Mentor to a College Student I have been so impressed by the support, resources, and passion that the organization has towards the success of their recipients to help them succeed in college and beyond. I have personally enjoyed mentoring my mentee, and believe this is a meaningful experience for students, along with the career exploration, financial, and community resources offered to help with the challenges students face. The joy and stories from the graduates is inspiring and I am glad to be a part of such a well run organization!

I have been a mentor for one of the PCF mentors and came to know what a wonderful organization. Its commitment to its students, not only providing a monetary scholarship and a mentor but help with gaining internships and instruction about finding and applying for a job when they graduate. And it has been successful with 90% of PCF students graduating from college compared to approximately 30% of first generation students in the general college population.

PCF's faith in US education and college system and in its scholars - generates the energy to ensure every scholar succeeds.

This passion is displayed by everyone PCF touches - PCF mentors, PCF community, PCF donors, PCF team and PCF scholars. I wish I had known them even earlier.

An amazing group of passionate people all with one goal in mind - mentoring 1st generation kids in our community go through the college adminission process. I highly recommend spending time getting to know this organization.

Fantastic organization! 90%+ graduation rate, within 4 years! Make sure your high school student takes advantage of the application process, for those participating high school.

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PCF, thanks to a great number of staff and volunteers, has exceeded my wildest expectations in helping first generation college go to and successfully graduate ! The combination of money, mentoring, internships and classes has had a wonderful impact on our community.
Thanks to all who have helped with our success!

Fantastic organization, with an incredibly high acceptance rate for 1st Time Generation College Students. I highly recommend high school students applying to this fine non-profit!

This organization is truly amazing. I'm a mentor of a student and they really have helped prepare me to help my student in the best way possible. We have a great relationship and I'm lucky to be a part of this group.

My husband and I just made the decision to fund a scholarship through Peninsula College Fund. When we learned that the students were first generation in their family to go to college we quickly realized this is the greatest gift we could ever make to ensure we change the lives of these families for ever. What better gift to give than ensuring a college degree and we also learned that statistically from that student on their children will also not only graduate high school but graduate from college.

Peninsula College Fund takes a holistic approach to supporting students, providing not just scholarship funds but a personal mentor and career coaching/prep. They set students up for success not just in college but in the transition to a successful, meaningful career.

Peninsula College Fund serves an important function in our community. Rather than simply providing just scholarships, PCF also provides mentoring and job readiness programs that help its students reach the finish line and graduate. The vast majority of first-generation college students do not graduate even if they've enrolled in college. I have volunteered as a scholarship application reader twice now and it's a very rewarding experience. I highly recommend supporting PCF if you believe a college education sets young people and their families on the road toward success. It's the American Dream!

The staff are nice and friendly, and they really care about what they're doing.

Peninsula College Fund is very helpful and motivational. They provide their students with several resources as well as mentors and financial support.

PCF has not only provided me with financial support for my college , but has also given me the appropriate guidance and mentor that has allowed me to achieve my academic and personal goals. without PCF I would be lost. It has allowed to to have an extra support system in my life, and has allowed me to exceed my expectations as a student.

PCF is a blessing organization, that has walked into my life. A thank you will never be enough to repay what they are going for me. Without them I wouldn't be able to pay for college, nor learn valuable lesson of life. I'm a incoming PCF Freshman that won't take there help for granted. I've made so many friends that are in the same grade and upper level, in which I would cherish for the rest of my life. THANK YOU PCF, for now and for ever.

It is a great organization with an inspiring motive. I, being the first in my family to attend a four year institution have lacked the academic guidance because my mother doesn't have the experience to attempt to support me in that way. The mentors that are provided are there to help their students with that transition and answer those nerving questions.

When I decided that I wanted to go to college, I had the passion, but not the means. I had no idea who would help me reach my goals, but Peninsula College Fund stepped up to the plate.

They gave me resources, support, and what I needed most, support.

I am so grateful for all that they have done for me. Without them, I would not be where I am now-of this I am sure.

Peninsula College Fund is more than a scholarship-it is a helping hand, a pat on the back, and a loving smile. PCF has changed my life and, for that, I am forever grateful.

As a recipient of this scholarship, I can honestly say that this sets the standard for what other scholarships should be structured like. College is not all about going into financial debt, you should be able to explore your interests and skills in a safe academic environment without the constant worry that you wont be able to pay back your college loans. To avoid going into debt, students apply to scholarships. However, most scholarships don't bother to go any further than to write a check. However, it's not the financial support that puts students though college, its the moral support. PCF does an amazing job in that it pairs with an amazing mentor to help you through the lows that you will have in college. They also provide several excellent and well organized events during the summer in which you get to meet many of the other clients.

I highly recommend supporting this organization

-E

You get so much more from PCF than just money for college. The program provides you with the essentials needed to succeed in college, mentors, work shops, internship opportunities and so much more. The board is full of such amazing people who want to help you and see you succeed in college.

To simply put it, I would not be able to attend my top school Boston College without the support of PCF. As an incoming freshman this fall, I have experience just the tip of all the support PCF gives and will help me graduate within four years. The people here and fellow scholars are so motivated for each other to succeed and support obstacles that we may face in the future.

PCF is AWESOME!! A family who loves, supports, guides, and teaches how to get through college and much more!

I am a PCF scholar, class of 2017. PCF is an AMAZING program. It exceeds the expectations a person may have on a scholarship. PCF is way more than a scholarship, it not only helps you with college tuition, it provides you with many opportunities such as networking, career exploration, mentorship, career preparation, education planning, and a supportive system. PCF at first was just another scholarship, but then I heard Charles (founder) call it a team but now I consider it my family. PCF's staff is great they make sure you be successful. I am truly grateful to be part of this amazing scholarship.

Peninsula College Fund made it possible for me to attend college. They not only provide funding, but provide additional resources to their students. They have made my life easier and I am very grateful for their services.

Peninsula College Fund has given me the opportunity to go to college and follow my passion. I'm very grateful for them to help me financially but by also offering me mentoring services throughout my college experience. No other scholarship offers there students mentoring and aid throughout college. This is a great program designed to help passionate and motivated students to reach theirs dreams. I am very proud to be apart of the PCF family.

PCF has helped me a lot during this short time. PCF staff always puts us first and makes sure we are getting the best out of things. PCF is like a family rather than just a simple scholarship. I love how many activities and events we have to get to know each other and the staff.

This program not only has provided me with financial assistance but has also given me support during the college transition fcae. I have been appointed an mentor who helps me with any struggles i am facing in college. Networking is very important and this program makes sure that the doors to networking are wide open. Over all it is a great program that offers a massive amount of support.

PCF has made it possible for me to dream big. Thanks to their donations I am determined to achieve my goals.

I am a first generation college student. This scholarship helps me not only with monetary help but also with mentors and help me get internships that will help me a lot when I am out of college. I have been in this great organization for the past 4 years and I will never be able to repay PCF for everything they have done for me and I am sure many of the students in this organization feel the same.

I am a first year student at PCF and it has been one of the best experiences for me. I appreciate that not only does it provide you funding for college but the support and guidance to be successful beyond college. PCF is truly a family and is very comforting. The college process and college itself is not a crystal clear process, their will always be many highs and lows and through that roller coaster PCF is always there.

Peninsula College Fund, helped me get into the college of my dreams. I know without the guidance from them as well as the motivation to keep moving forward during my college years, that I wouldn't be going to the college I am going to. My mentors are great, the staff is tremendously helpful whenever and with what ever I need, I know I can count on them.

Peninsula College Fund has helped me with my college journey and they have been amazing moral and finical support. They have helped me achieve my dreams of attending a 4 year college and are always there for me with whatever obstacle comes my way. Along with their amazing financial support, they provide students with mentors who are available to students throughout their 4 years or however many years a student attends college.

My mentor has made a huge impact on my life because I know that I will always have someone to support me throughout my college journey. She is almost like my big sister!

PCF is a great organization aimed at helping young students achieve their lifelong dreams and are always changing lives one student at a time.

I am a first generation female student and a recipient from Peninsula College Fund. Peninsula College Fund gave me a reliable source of financial aid to continue and pursue my education at a higher institution. I was also given a mentor who was able to guide me and provide me with the basic needs that my parents couldn't afford. Thanks to their College Success Weekends, I am able to know what I must do before I graduate to go into the next stage of my life which is finding a job and applying to graduate programs. Peninsula College Fund is really a program that understands the needs of minority students that go beyond financial assistance in the Mid-Peninsula.

Peninsula College Fund has made it possible for all of us Low Income & First Generation students to have all the support needed to attend college and make a positive change.

PCF has provided me with great opportunities when it comes to financial aid, academics, and experience support in my field of interest!

PCF is a great organization. They have so many resources and tips that reach out to all first generation students, as well to all students. They put in the time and effort to get peopel to succeed.

I enjoy the relationship that we are able to have with our mentor's that we were given by PCF. I may only be a freshman, but I plan on using all the resources that PCF has to offer and take advantage of it. I know that college may be difficult, but with the help of PCF I am going to be motivated and mindset for graduation. Thank you for all the help.

I will never be able to repay the Peninsula College Fund for everything they have done for me. The Peninsula College Fund made it possible for me to attend my dream school, UCLA. They provided me with the financial support I needed to bridge the financial aid gap. Besides making it possible for me to attend my top choice, they also provided mentors that helped me overcome social, financial and academic challenges. As the first person in my family to attend college I greatly appreciated having someone I could call and ask for help. PCF also helped me land an internship at the Ronald McDonald House in Palo Alto, which definitely influenced the path I want to take in my career. They also offered college success workshops and seminars that helped us stay on track and focussed. I am now a proud PCF Alumna and I look forward to all of the great work PCF will continue to do in our communities.

I have been associated with Peninsula College Fund for over four years: as a reader, mentor, and now a Board member. Being a mentor to a first generation college student hooked me. My mentee has been an inspiration with the way she made the most of her college experience by getting involved and becoming a campus leader. She now works as a college counselor to first generation students with a local non-profit. PCF provided me and my mentee with tools and training to make sure we had the resources to develop our relationship and to ensure she graduated in four years.

PCF enjoys an extraordinary success rate with 95% of our students graduating from college job ready. We are led by a very talented Executive Director who has been instrumental in helping us achieve these results. The passion of our Founder and Board Chair continues to inspire the entire PCF family. We feel very proud to be associated with an organization that focuses on closing the opportunity gap for our talented and inspiring college students.

Peninsula College Fund is a phenomenal organization. I was PCF's Program Coordinator from 2011-2013, and in my time there I had the great privilege of getting to know all the students in the program as well as the staff and volunteers who make it all happen. I am 100% confident that PCF is changing lives for the better and doing it in a strategic, efficient way. The students build strong relationship with their volunteer mentors, the staff of the organization, and their fellow students. It is a rich, closely knit community where everyone has a home. PCF is there to celebrate student success and provide personalized, compassionate support in hard times. In a world where low-income, first-generation students often don't have the support necessary to persist in college, PCF is unfaltering in its commitment to college completion for its incredibly deserving students.

"PCF scholars are full of life, energy, and ideas. Over the past 6 years, I have seen firsthand how the PCF has directly improved the lives of these talented students and their entire families. Volunteering as a mentor has been an incredibly rewarding experience."

PCF is helping shape our future by giving kids who want to make a difference actually achieve their goals.
I volunteered for their career workshops and was thoroughly impressed by the staff, the organization of the event and how well prepared the kids were as they interviewed us. They are successfully empowering students who need some assistance to achieve their dreams. Their program is clearly effective as majority of their students graduate. I hope to volunteer for their career workshops again and/or help PCF in many more ways. Kudos to PCF!!!

PCF is comprised of amazing staff that go above and beyond so that students can succeed academically and in their respective careers. Every year they bring excellent professionals to practice mock interviews, they provide networks to obtain summer internships, and they have set up a great mentoring program. This is an amazing organization that has helped many students, including myself, continue their education and to develop into the great leaders of tomorrow.

I started volunteering with PCF earlier this summer, and have been extremely impressed by the organization. They have strong leadership and a focused vision/mission. With a small staff, they seem to be doing a great job of dedicating their time and resources in the right places. They have outstanding results (almost 100% of their students graduate college, which is really extraordinary) and are in the process of expanding to meet the growing demand for their program. I highly recommend this organization as a place to make considerable impact - whether as a mentor, a volunteer, board member or donor.

PCF is a fantastic resource that smiles on the world and empowers students to achieve their dreams. I had the privilege of meeting and working with the leadership, as well as the students at a recent workshop, and I was impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of everyone I encountered. I feel proud to be associated with this wonderful group of people. I hope to be able to contribute my time and talents to this worthwhile nonprofit again in the future.

I just recently attended my second PCF award ceremony and had a grand time! It's wonderful to see the dedication and commitment PCF has in our young future leaders. My daughter was a PCF scholarship recipient. The Scholarship made the difference of her ability to afford to attend college. The staff is a "Dream Team" they provide a wonderful support system for the students to help them have some skills to make their college experience a little smoother. My daughter was paired with the perfect mentor that gave an ear, and a hand when needed and went above the call of duty. The organization is showing by example the power of giving young people a hand up, teaching them how important it is to invest in education, serve and give back. Thank you PCF for your commitment to make this world a better place one student at a time and stressing the value of education.

I've had the pleasure to serve as a PCF mentor for the past year. This organization does so much for our young leaders. PCF provides the services and support necessary for student success - mentorship, training, internships, support, community, and a scholarship. I'm constantly impressed by our scholars - they are so driven, mature, and inspiring. Alumni continue to be involved with the program, which says a lot about the value and quality of PCF.

PCF also provides training and support to volunteers. We receive updates from program staff about the organization and our students, guidance if there are any questions about our students, tips on how to best help the students based on their year in college, and we are involved in organization events and celebrations.

I had the wonderful opportunity to experience an amazing ceremony with PCF! It was lovely and very inspiring! PCF is an amazing organization with true impact in our community.

I have had an unbelievable experience while serving on the Board of PCF. Extremely rewarding opportunity for anyone that believes in extending the same opportunities they have had with a college education. The students we touch with our program are incredible. Being first in their family to go to college, you can just imagine the excitement and appreciation for being one of the selected for a PCF Scholarship. I highly recommend the experience of volunteering for this fantastic organization, we need mentors, committee and Board members and of course donors. Please contact us if interested in getting involved, we'd love to have you!

As a scholar for PCF, I am so grateful for everything they have provided me with. The assistance, the comfort, the solidarity, everything has truly inspired me to proceed with my success. The Peninsula College fund has pushed me to my limits in order to better myself. A truly phenomenal organization. I would be lost without them to this day. It has been a privilege to continue with the organization even after my time in college. From the bottom of my heart, thank you PCF for everything you continue to do for all the students!

First of all, I want to thank PCF for all the amazing hard work and interest they put in to help students like me achieve their goals. I am a PCF scholar myself, and I feel very honored to be part of this new family. I am lucky to be part of the PCF family because we support one another and we always know how to have fun and enjoy the activities we do. They offer many things like support, financial help, mentoring, advising, and so much love! Thanks to this organization I am attending college and continuing my education!

I started out as a reader of applications and interviewer for selecting new scholars. I was so inspired by the students that I became a mentor. My mentee is now a senior and we have become friends. I am so proud of her and how she has grown as a student and as a person who gives so generously of her time to others on campus. I became a Board member two years ago and can't say enough about the dedication and commitment of those on the Board as well as all our amazing students and volunteers who make up the Peninsula College Fund family.

The Peninsula College Fund has aided me in so many ways through college. One of the most significant being the mentor program and the support I received during stressful times in school. PCF matched me with a mentor who I felt I could talk to openly. My mentor did not judge me for my choices and opinions, and rarely told me what to do. Instead my mentor advised me on asked me questions that I was unable to ask myself. Because of this I experienced tremendous personal growth by getting to the core of problems. My freshman year after a dismal first semester I felt out of place to say the least. However after talking through my concerns with my mentor I was able to not only understand what I needed to do, but what I was capable of doing. And that has made all the difference. I have gained confidence and a true understanding of my place. This means a lot to me because the answers that I found, I was allowed to come to through my own reflection of my choices, rather than simply being told what I did wrong and right. Since graduating I look back on my experience and wonder how I succeeded where so many have either not had the opportunity to venture or have tried and failed. I thank PCF everyday for not allowing me to fail. For keeping me focused on my goals and for making me a priority. What they have given me is priceless.

As a PCF scholar myself, I know first hand how helpful this organization is to many people. Not only do they offer financial help, they also set us up with a personal mentor to guide us and help us out through out our education journey. This organization gives underprivileged high school kids a chance to get an education that other we would not be able to get. This program is truly life changing.

The Peninsula College Fund was one of the most amazing opportunities I had that enable me to attend college. Winning this $12,000 scholarship that would break down into $3,000/year was definitely the reason why I was able to pay for college. But this isn't it, PFC supported me all throughout college, not only financially but also personally, they provided me with two amazing tutors, they helped get internships during the summers and I was also given an amazing opportunity to work with PCF last Spring. One of the things that most amazes me is their passion and their commitment, I might not attend every one of their events, but I will always keep PCF in my heart. Thanks to their support and constant communication I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish and a minor in Education. Despite the obstacles i faced, I didn't want to let them down, because they showed me they really cared about me. I would give them 10 stars if possible!

The Peninsula College Fund is essentially an organization that has a mission and actually achieves that mission. Their mission is that through financial and mental support, they help achieve individual's dreams. Most of these individuals are first generation college students, as I am. They not only know how to pick their scholars, but they know that they pick the right ones because they are givers. All of the scholars are strong passionate individuals who do have a desire to succeed. PCF would love to assist every individual in need, but because of financial situations many students are being denied from obtaining this scholarship as the organization gradually grows. PCF also creates a family setting welcoming every new scholar while achieving success or struggling in school. That is the reason why our mentors are also there for. Sometimes students need that extra support and having someone who believes in them.

From my experience, the Peninsula College Fund is an exceptional organization for its mentors and students alike. I initially got involved with PCF at the beginning of 2012 as an application reader and interviewer for the scholarship program. After being incredibly inspired by the students being considered for awards, I applied to be a mentor for the program. Serving as a mentor to such a bright and dedicated college freshman has already been a great joy as well as a valuable learning experience. I am really looking forward to the next four years of working with PCF and being motivated by all that this non-profit does.

I volunteer proudly as a mentor with Peninsula College Fund because of the organization's mission to help ensure that bright and determined students can achieve their education and career goals. We are all fortunate that the wonderful staff at PCF and its generous donors are dedicated to providing the much needed resources to PCF's talented scholars, not only in the form of scholarships but also in the equally important personal support that comes with those scholarships.

I am student and have been a member since 2010. Since my time with PCF I have grown academically and personally. Through this truly dedicated program I have met the most diligent and passionate students and advisors who share a common goal and together to strive toward success. Every minute that I have shared with the program has become extremely beneficial to my academic and personal success. PCF has proven to be much more than an anonymous program, PCF is a life long friend to my family and I. I would strongly recommend anyone who is able to participate in this organization to do so.

Being a mentor for PCF has been a very fulfilling experience. It's a two-way street...I feel as if I am able to help a young college student while simultaneously gaining knowledge and insight into the world of a young adult. PCF provides great training for those who mentor and invaluable scholarships and guidance to students in need. It is an incredibly worthwhile organization.

I act as a mentor to a student. I have found this organization to be focused on it's goals, dedicated and well run. All of the students and graduates I have talked to have been articulate and thoughtful. The organization is continually improving its information to both students and mentors to facilitate those relationships and overall success of the students and mentors.

I am currently a Senior at CSU Sacramento, and I can truly say that I would not be where I am today without the help of PCF. They're financial contribution to my education has made all the difference. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education, and the support this organization offers me has made this possible. I am blessed and thankful to be part of such a close group of scholars, leaders and mentors.

I come from a low income family, my parents did not get any education and I am also the first one in my family to attend college, and the oldest in my family. PCF basically solved all this problems for me they supported me financially so that I could go to College and make my dreams come true. PCF Gave me a mentor to guide me through college and I would be very lost if it wasn't for my mentor because he is there for me when I need help with something, also he is there for as a friend who helps me when I am feeling down or need someone to talk to.PCF also prepared me for college before I even started college to make sure that I would be successful in college. With out PCF I would not be going to college right now. PCF also makes me feel like I am part of something they come up with events so that we can get to know the other scholars and make us feel like a family and everyone is very nice and friendly . PCF is the best thing that could of had happened to me and I am very grateful for all their help.

I come from a family and community where pretty much I had to do mostly everything on my own. Stress was a vocabulary word I was very familiar with. However, PCF has been one of the greatest things that has ever happend to me. I feel like I am a part of something that is much more than just a program. It's a family. I have met so many people I would have never known existed. Individuals who have inspired me to be more than I believe I can be; be more than just the first to go to college in my family. The help and coaching offered in this program is extrememly helpful and now that I am in college I do not feel alone. A family like PCF is one reason why I am in college and one reason why a lot of my stress about money has been lifted of my shoulders. I am proud to be part of the PCF family. I hope others can see how much a foundation like PCF can change the lives and roads of individuals like myself and give more so that the foundation will only continue to grow.

PCF is one of the only scholarships I have received that makes me feel like part of a family. Everyone is so supportive and friendly, I couldn't ask for anything more. PCF is helping me make my dreams come true. I would delegate a large portion of my success to them. Not only are the main founders of PCF kind and courteous, but the mentors are fantastic as well. I am proud to be a supporting member of Peninsula College Fund.

This is my first experience as a mentor and I am enjoying every minute of it. My mentee is delightful and we have established what I hope will be a long term relationship. It has been challenging at times but what teenager isn't a challenge? I am so glad that I was invited to be a PCF mentor. Karen C

Working with PCF and their scholars has been the highlight of my career. When you get a dedicated organization devoted to the true meaning of success for all then volunteering does not seem to be a hastle. This is a true family and we are happy to support each other. Please consider PCF in your future.

Peninsula College Fund is so much more than a non-profit - it s a dream come true for its almost 100 scholars, it is a family, a community, and finally, it provides financial, mentoring and job coaching to enable its truly remarkable college students achieve their dreams. As a mentor and volunteer it is the most rewarding of all the volunteer work I have done. To witness, coach, cheer, mentor and support a first generation student is an honor and a joy and after our four years together when he walks that stage, I know how thrilled I will be for him and that our friendship will not end as he moves forward to the next stage of hs young adult life. To support these extremely deserving students from under served Peninsula communities, it takes a small village, funds, mentors, internships, academic coaching and role models. Having now graduated the first three years of scholars in the program, it is a thrill not only to see their pride and accomplishments, but to see the almost 100% retention rate and to see the scholars themselves step into leadership roles in the PCF organization. The hardest part of my involvement is the painful first hand awareness of how trully great the need is for this program and others like it. To read over 20 highly qualified applications each year from just one of the six high schools we serve is excruciating because we would like to award all of them, yet limited resources mean only the very top 1-3 get the chance. Finally, PCF has does a great job at strategically partnering with other resources including established high school and college counselors, great schools like Notre Dame De Namur and Loyola Marymount. Now ask yourself, how can I help? I originally started helping PCF to give back as I myself was first generation to college, but it is the students and the organization that keep me coming back.