GETTING TO KNOW COC FOUNDATION

by | Jun 24, 2024 | Nonprofit Spotlight, Spotlight

ABOUT US
The College of the Canyons (COC) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit auxiliary organization formed to generate philanthropic support for College of the Canyons. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who are an enthusiastic and committed group of volunteer business and community leaders who donate their time, resources and energy to positively impact educational access in the Santa Clarita Valley. The board’s mission is to provide an affordable and accessible college education for all having the desire to succeed.
Like other educational institutions, our college needs charitable gifts to endow scholarships and to support educational programs and capital improvements, which can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary programs and services for student success. Through annual giving, special events and scholarship programs, the foundation provides the college with crucial private financial resources.
Contributions of cash, real estate, bequests and other legacy gifts enable the college to provide specialized educational programs and perform beyond the achievement level that tax dollars alone can support. Each year, the foundation grants funds to support college programs. It has granted as much as $2.9 million back to the college.
The Foundation encourages inquiries about the wide variety of college programs and opportunities supported through generous donations.

Governance

The foundation is guided by a Board of Directors composed of community and college leaders who meet regularly to ensure the foundation is fulfilling its mission.

Board of Directors
Fred Arnold
Jeff Thomas
Joyce Carson
Sharlene Johnson
Bruce Fortine
Arnoldo Jaquez
Jenny Ketchepaw
Jill Mellady
Randy Moberg
Doreen Shine
Matt Sreden
Jerry De Felice
Gary Horton
Dawn Abasta
Steve Corn
Dr. Diane Fiero
Tamara Gurney
Mark Jenkins
Brian Koegle
Leticia Meza-Guerrero
George Reyes
Dr. Joyce Shulman
Dr. Ryan Theule
Mike Lebecki
Sharlene Coleal
Lisa Burke
Tom Dierckman
Shawn Fonder
William Harwood
Taylor Kellstrom
Ed Masterson
Terrence “T” Meyer Jr., CLTC
Jim Schrage
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook
Dr. Omar Torres
Shawna Mann

Making a Difference

Established in 1987, the Foundation is designated to receive gifts for the college from individuals, corporations and foundations. Just as it is with other educational institutions, our college needs charitable gifts to endow scholarships and support educational programs and capital improvements that can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary programs and services for student success.

Maintaining Excellence

It is vital that we maintain our high standard of excellence in education. Over 70 percent of all public higher education enrollment in the state is in community colleges, yet they receive much lower funding per full-time-equivalent student than the UC, and CSU systems.[1] Your generosity has never been more important. With the help of our contributors and our continued success, College of the Canyons will remain a pillar in the community, educating everyone interested in learning, and supporting programs that enhance the education process.

Our Mission

The College of the Canyons Foundation provides financial support for the Santa Clarita Community College District. This allows College of the Canyons to perform beyond the achievement level that tax dollars alone can support and to strive for the highest levels of excellence in teaching, scholarship, vocational training and innovation. The Foundation believes that public educational institutions and private enterprise must work together to provide an affordable and accessible college education for all who have the desire to succeed.

Contact Us

Phone: 661.362.3434
Email: cocfoundation@canyons.edu

For more information go to www.cocfoundation.com.

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