CGA Ed Foundation Tops $3M in Scholarships

California Grocers Association Educational Foundation is giving nearly 300 of California’s grocery industry employees and their dependents college scholarships, as part of a program it started 21 years ago.

The CGA Educational Foundation College Scholarship Program will offer 291 deserving students a record $359,750 in financial relief from ever-rising costs that prevent many from completing their education -- an $18,500 increase over last year’s award total.

“The significance of this scholarship program and the grocery industry’s generosity cannot be overstated; this program has been indispensable to countless individuals,” said Jim Van Gorkom, CGAEF chairman of the board of trustees. “At a time when students struggle to continue their education while lessening their financial burden, this program ensures that hundreds of students every year will receive the financial support they need.”

Beginning with a single scholarship in 1992, the Foundation has grown exponentially over the last 21 years to bestow more than 2,600 worthy college students with awards totaling more than $3 million -- ensuring that California’s grocery employees and their dependents have the resources necessary to start or complete their higher education. The program includes four types of scholarships: CGAEF funded, Legacy, Donor and Piggyback.

CGA Educational Foundation college scholarships are open to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who are dependents of employees or are themselves employed by a California Grocers Association member company.

“Education and training represent essential tools to the future prosperity of our industry,” noted CGAEF executive director Shiloh London. “In these uncertain economic times, providing opportunities for individuals to enhance job skills and further educational goals is more important than ever.”