Sonoma State transfer students from regional community colleges can gain assistance to live on campus while they complete their degrees thanks to a $15,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life.
The New York Life Student Housing Scholarships – focused on first-generation and underrepresented students – were established with the support of New York Life agent and SSU alumnus David Felte, '01, Sonoma State University Foundation Board Chair.
By enabling recipients to avoid lengthy commutes, have greater access to academic resources on campus, and participate more fully in student life activities, the scholarships’ goal is to further transfer students' academic and personal success.
“An education is the most valuable thing a person can earn. Not being able to afford an education is heartbreaking,” Felte said.
More than one-third of local high school graduates who pursue higher education begin at the junior college level. SSU transfer students, primarily from the five junior colleges within SSU's six-county service region, are eligible for the New York Life scholarships of $2,000 each to help pay for on-campus housing.
Felte was a member of the SSU Alumni Association Board when it created a scholarship fund for underserved students. Assuming the role of chair of the foundation board, Felte said he was committed to fundraise for more scholarships.
“I give to SSU to support student scholarships to remove financial hurdles so an education is possible for anyone who is willing to work to attain one,” he said.