Las Positas College Foundation

The Foundation believes that affordable, high-quality education and career training are critical to the success of the Tri-Valley and its residents. Unfortunately, state funding often falls short of meeting critical student and program needs. Accordingly, the Members of the Board are dedicated to pursuing alternative support for the College through gifts, bequests, grants, and strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations.The basic cost of a California community college education is a remarkable bargain for students wishing to prepare for transfer to a four-year institution or for those who want career technical instruction. Class fees for residents are just $46 per credit. However, the true actual and emotional costs of higher education must also include childcare, transportation, and lost work and family time. Far and away, the most easily quantified additional costs are for supplies, principally textbooks. A single textbook can cost over$100 and often exceeds $400. Sadly, these "extra" costs can force some students to attempt to take classes without a textbook or, worse, drop out of college. Making scholarships available to Las Positas College students is critical to their success. Each year, the Las Positas College Foundation makes grants available to students based on need and/or academic achievement. Scholarships are most often offered to any student who qualifies, but some are focused on special types of students. This includes re-entry, first-generation, STEM, and Veteran cohort groups.Beyond direct aid to students in the form of scholarships, The Las Positas College Foundation supports a broad array of programs that enhance the learning and collegiate experience of its students and the ability of faculty to be more effective. Examples of these other types of support are:Scholarships: One of the primary missions of the Foundation is to provide scholarships. To date almost $2 million has been awarded to deserving students. The largest endowed fund is comprised of the Mertes Scholarships for Performing Arts, Transfer, Allied Health, and Athletics. Teaching and Learning Initiatives:-Staff Development -Faculty Enriched Programs -Student Government Textbook Loaner Program-Continued support for Math Jam, Sandia Science Bowl, and collaboration with Umoja and Puente learning communities.Emerging Science Programs: -Sandia Science Bowl -Collaboration with Puente program STEM projects-Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories Internship Program for LPC Veteran StudentsAthletics:-Awarded $10,000 in scholarship awards to deserving male & female student-athletes on LPC Basketball teams Performing Arts: The Performing Arts Program and Las Positas College is supported by the Foundation through Cycle Grants and special fundraising, including a dedicated campaign for the college's All Steinway designation and assistance with a gala fundraising event. Scholarships are provided for performing arts students continuing their studies at LPC or transferring to a four-year college. Veteran Student Support: The Foundation strongly supports veterans enrolled at LPC. The Veterans Resource Center provides wrap-around services such as textbook and laptop programs, tutoring, scholarship assistance, counseling and help with jobs and housing. The Foundation assists with the coordination of the Cycling 4 Veterans event, raising over $60,000 for campus and community veteran support programs.Literary and Performing Arts:-LPC Express student newspaper -Campus and Community focused Literary Magazine, Anthology and Naked Magazine-Literary Arts Festival-Las Po Film Festival-Theater Performances of Drama, Dance and Music -Black History Month Programming and Activities-Award-winning Speech and Debate TeamTutoring: The award-winning LPC Math Jam program helps students reach their goals and is offered at no cost. The Foundation also supports the RAW Center, for student assistance in reading and writing. Textbook Assistance: The Foundation supports a free textbook rental program to help students reduce the cost of college attendance. Athletics: Two scholarships are designated for male and female students in the basketball program. The Foundation also assists the department with fundraising infrastructure needs.Teaching and Learning Initiatives: The Foundation provides funding for innovative teaching and learning projects to the faculty and staff of Las Positas College. These Grants provide support for student success, teaching and learning effectiveness, and campus community development.Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Efforts:The Foundation continues to partner with the College President's Office on the President's Speaker Series. In 2023/24, the series served as an integral part of the campus' strategic efforts related to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and caring campus initiatives. Support for Students with Children: The Foundation provides scholarships for children of Las Positas College students to attend the LPC Early Childhood Development Center. Parents can reach their educational goals knowing their children are in a high-quality preschool program.