The GROW SFCC Foundation 2011 Scholarship Recipients

Frances Boyd

Frances is a 64-year-old Road to Success and New Mexico Legislative Lottery scholarship recipient. She has overcome significant medical circumstances to attend SFCC and maintain her lottery scholarship requirements. Frances holds a 3.82 GPA and has a 98% completion rate after completing 61 credit hours at SFCC.

"I started out at the community college getting my GED now I am working toward my Associate in Psychology. My own life was difficult but I believe I can use my experiences to help others. I plan to get a Master's Degree in Psychology and become a counselor."

Phaedra Clark

GROW Scholarship recipient Phaedra Clark is a full-time SFCC student and a single mother. When a friend took her to SFCC and walked her through financial aid, she saw her path unfold. She has a 3.59 GPA, is a Student Ambassador, and is close to completing an associate degree in Accounting.

"Because of the GROW scholarship, I was able to go to school full-time and treat it seriously.  Not having to work while I attend classes lets me complete my program much more quickly."

Fred Koch

Contract for a Better Tomorrow student Fred Koch is a single dad who returned to school at a time he thought it was really "too late" to start. He is now in the nursing program and has managed very well. His young sons have continual demands, but Fred has managed to hold it together.

"The extra money in my bank account helps take the edge off the everyday financial needs because it allows me to pay for gas and electric utilities and gas to get to school," says Fred. "It's such a meaningful gift in so many ways. I’m securing my kids' future as much as mine by studying nursing and having a good chance to be employed."

Linda Lucero

GROW SFCC’s Dreamkeeper Scholarship recipient Linda Lucero was one of the first women to enlist in the New Mexico Army National Guard. A Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Army, she has overcome significant obstacles to attend SFCC. Linda has completed 24 credit hours with a 96% completion rate and is pursuing a degree in Human Services. Linda credits Dreamkeepers for giving her hope, determination and perseverance to continue her education.

The Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance Program provides immediate financial support to students who have unforeseen expenses that may prevent them from achieving their educational goals. Dreamkeepers, a national initiative of Scholarship America, will match every dollar raised with a dollar. Your gift helps students keep their eyes on the prize – graduating and making a better life for themselves and their families.

Cesar Pérez

When Contract for a Better Tomorrow student Cesar Pérez was in high school, he was offered a full athletic scholarship. In his senior year, an injury cancelled this opportunity. Raised by a single mom and the first in his family to attend college, he wondered how he was going to become someone. When he heard about Contract for a Better Tomorrow he knew there were ways for him to succeed.

After completing his associate degree at SFCC, he plans to earn a degree in teacher education at the University of New Mexico. Contract for a Better Tomorrow supports working students who are the first in their families to attend college. Established by the Domanica Foundation, every dollar raised will be matched to provide scholarships to financially vulnerable, first-generation college students.