This year, we reached a milestone worth celebrating: Napa Valley Community Foundation awarded $516,078 in scholarships to 113 students—the largest amount in our history. From first-generation college students to future engineers, nurses, and business leaders, these scholarships are helping local students take their next big step at community colleges, universities, and vocational programs across the country.
We distributed a total of 124 scholarships, with 80% of recipients identifying as First-Generation College Students—meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree.
By the Numbers:
- 124 scholarships totaling $516,078
- 113 students supported
- 80% are First-Generation College Students
- 36% of scholarships awarded to students attending community colleges
- 72% of students speak a language other than English at home
Our students are enrolling at a wide range of institutions, including local schools like Napa Valley College, Solano Community College, and Pacific Union College, University of California campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz, California State Universities such as Chico, Fresno, Sacramento, San Marcos, and San Jose, and private and out-of-state schools including Santa Clara University, Spelman College, and the University of Washington.
“Our scholarship program keeps growing, and this year marks our biggest investment yet,” said Lupe Reyes, Director of Grants and Scholarships for NVCF “Behind every award is a student with a story of determination and hope—and all too often, hardship—and they inspire us every day. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, whose partnership ensures that more students each year have the chance to pursue their dreams.”
We’re proud to offer 18 different scholarship opportunities support students pursuing degrees and certificates in fields such as nursing, electrical engineering, computer science, music, viticulture, and enology. Additional scholarships help local high school students participate in study abroad programs, while others are dedicated to veterans or their families, and those pursuing careers in education. Several scholarships also provide opportunities for vineyard or winery workers and their families to further their education and advance their careers.
Meet a few of our recipients:
Briana Rubio graduated from UC Merced this spring with a B.A. in Psychology. A Fruit of the Vine Scholarship recipient for all four years of her college journey, Briana plans to return home to Calistoga. She shared, “[The scholarship] was of immense help to me throughout my UC Merced journey. I am extremely grateful at having had the opportunity to win this scholarship as it made it possible for me to stand here today, so close to achieving my dreams and making my parents proud.”
Evan Smith is attending Solano Community College’s Automotive Technology program with support from NVCF’s Skilled Trades Scholarship. He hopes to one day open his own shop.
Arisbeth Lopez, a graduate of American Canyon High School and recipient of the Daisy Cavalli Scholarship, is enrolled at Santa Clara University, where she will study International Business.