2025 Scholarship Recipients
It is our honor to share the profiles of post-secondary students who, thanks to our donors, each received a CASA Scholarship in 2025. These resilient students have had previous involvement in either the foster care or juvenile-justice systems of Santa Cruz County and are working toward brighter futures.
Twelve youths were awarded $1,000 each, providing much-needed help with living expenses as they work toward their education and career goals. In addition to financial assistance, these scholarships also serve as a powerful affirmation of their accomplishments and belief in their futures. We maintain regular follow-up with each recipient to provide encouragement and to connect them with resources that can further support their success. Congrats to all of them!
We thank our donors for your continued support and choosing to memorialize your loved ones with such an impactful gift.
Paul Hopper Memorial Scholarship- 5 awards
Awarded a recent high school graduate who unfortunately was moved out of county during her high school years while in foster care. She moved back with her family in middle of her senior school year, and due to her tenacity, didn't fall behind academically. She was determined to show up on time, do her work, and participate fully. She started Cabrillo in the Fall of 2025 and dreams of becoming a nurse. Although she was in the system, she doesn’t let that define her. She told our donors "Thank you guys so much for investing in my future. I hope that I can be successful and help other people like you have.”
Justice-involved youth attending a technical institute for car mechanics. He chose this career because he loves working on cars and because he wants to own a mechanic shop and help others. He currently has earned a B or better in all his classes. He hopes that when he graduates next year, he can find a job here in our community. He currently must pay rent, food, supplies, and tools for working on engines. He is very respectful and has a great attitude toward completing the terms of his probation, graduating from this program, and working hard for a better future.
This is the 3rd year we are honored to award this young person with the Paul Hopper Memorial Scholarship and learn about her growth and accomplishments during her now 3rd year at San Francisco State. She remains a biology major and has her goals set on a career in forensics. She has learned how to ask for help and to reach out to her professors. Reflecting on that has brought her out of her shell to be more outgoing and interactive with her instructors and peers. She “realized the difference between remaining quiet versus speaking up, and it has been night and day. I have been advancing in my classes when I ask more questions, and I can tell the difference in terms of my knowledge retention.” She is on the dean’s list with a 3.6 and is considering medical school upon graduation next year. We are so honored to support this youth as they grow and thrive.
The fourth scholarship went to a new applicant who spent many years in foster care. She is attending Cabrillo and wants to transfer and become a social worker with child protective services. She has her long-term goals set to obtain an associate's degree in human services and then a bachelor's and master's in social work. As a system-impacted student, she worked diligently to develop study skills that many traditional students take for granted. She has an A- grade point average and we are proud to help her in her first degree toward achieving her goals.
- We awarded a dual-status (both in foster care and juvenile court) youth with his first scholarship this year. He has just turned 18 and has been placed out of county for some time, currently living in a group home. He has struggled with mental health issues, however, is now getting the help he needs. He worked hard to graduate high school on time last spring and has been attending college online. However, he does need a laptop to attend online classes. He is a hard worker and obtained no lower than a B in all classes with a long-term goal of becoming a drug counselor “I hope that with my education and lived experience I can help those who are in similar situations like me.”
The Zachary Parrish Memorial Scholarship – 5 Awards
This former foster youth is starting a 2-3 year vocational program at San Francisco City College to increase their working skill set. They have been fabricating and building things for years, including working on theater design sets. This program provides training in metal work and welding, working with more sophisticated materials to obtain higher paying jobs. As students are required to purchase a welder, the funds will go towards this.
This is a renewal scholarship to a former foster youth who was awarded the Zachary Parrish Scholarship last year. She has been able to break her family cycles of substance use disorder and is determined to give back to the community that has supported her. She has become a CASA volunteer Advocate and is working as a SUDs counselor. Her dream is to open a youth inpatient SUDS treatment center in our county. She is in year 3 out of 4 of the program and is on track to graduate Cabrillo with a degree in Human Services - drug and alcohol counseling with a current GPA of over 3.5.
Awarded a former foster youth who just turned 18 and is now living independently. She has endured a lot of trauma in her life and is working on her mental health and trying to get back in regular therapy. This first-year Cabrillo student understands the value of education and feels that it will offer her more opportunities in the future. In spite of having to overcome many challenges, she is attending classes as often as she can, is working hard to stay up with the workload and is learning to ask for help when she struggles.
Awarded a former foster youth who hasn't given up on their dreams and goals. They wanted to share “your belief in my potential has helped me stay persistent through setbacks, restarts, and every "plot twist moment" that comes with being a returning student. Even though I began my academic journey nearly a decade ago, I've stayed committed to earning my degree.” They are currently finishing up an Associate's degree, a design certification, and a digital marketing apprenticeship.
- This Cabrillo student entered foster care in middle school. The eldest of five siblings, she first in her family to attend college. She currently works as Registered Behavior Technicialn in the Santa Cruz City Schools and is exploring careers in healthcare, education, and support services. She wants to make a difference in someone's life to help others feel seen, heard, and valued. Her goal is to transfer to a four-year university.
Bill McCabe Memorial Scholarship- 2 Awards
An incredibly resilient and determined young woman. Going back to school at Cabrillo and is fully committed to earning her degree to open doors to long-term stability and opportunity for her family. She needs a laptop to be able to complete required online coursework. She has not yet decided on a major but thinks maybe she’ll study biology. She wants a career that will make her independent and wants to be a good role model for her daughter.
- This recently turned 18 year old is a first-time college student at Cabrillo interested in the dental hygiene program. She worked hard over the last few years to reach her goal of graduating high school on time. She demonstrated resilience, commitment, and a willingness to reach out to resources when needed. With the support, she would like to get a tutor to help her study and work on communication skills.
