Over 600 Scholarships Available to Marin Students

Financial Support Will Aid Students in Need

SAN RAFAEL, CA (JANUARY 12, 2006) – Made possible by the generosity of its donors, Marin Education Fund announced today the availability of as many as 600 undergraduate scholarships for Marin students with demonstrated financial need. Qualified students can receive up to $5,000 to begin or complete his or her academic dreams in the 2006-2007 academic year.

In addition to scholarships, Marin Education Fund offers a number of workshops to help students and their families complete the scholarship application. January workshops include an application clinic on January 30, Desperately Seeking Scholarships on January 19 and 31, Essay Essentials on January 24, and Money for College on January 26.

Scholarships and workshops are a key part of Marin Education Fund’s mission to create educational equity in Marin by providing scholarships to students who traditionally lack access to the necessary resources to get to college.

“There is a huge gap in Marin between those who can afford to go to college and those who can’t,” says Kim Mazzuca, Marin Education Fund President. “Yet educational opportunity is an important civic value for the people who live here. Our scholarships are made possible by the Marin Community Foundation and by the generosity of donors in Marin who believe that everyone should have a chance at college. Marin Education Fund is working to open the door to college opportunity and give all students in Marin access to education after high school.”

Historically many of the students who receive the Marin Education Fund scholarships have been the first generation in their family to attend college. The average award is approximately $2,500 plus access to mentors and other support for applying to and succeeding in college.

Each scholarship is renewable annually for students who maintain educational progress. Marin Education Fund is committed to supporting students throughout their education. Past recipients are encouraged to apply.

Students can apply online or via mail. Information about the scholarships is available at www.MarinEducationFund.org or by calling (415) 459-4240. The deadline for applying for the 2006–2007 academic year is March 2, 2006.

About Marin Education Fund

Marin Education Fund is a non-profit organization that believes everyone should have a chance at college. Marin Education Fund provides college access programs, scholarships and support to students in need of all ages. The low-income and traditionally underrepresented students who receive support from Marin Education Fund are frequently in the first generation of their family to go to college. Marin Education Fund is affiliated with and receives major funding from the Marin Community Foundation. Marin Education Fund was founded in 1981.