The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation has grown to $4 million in assets, and has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships this academic year. A nonprofit organization, the SBVC Foundation has raised funds since 1973 to support student scholarships and educational programs at SBVC.

Valley Bound luncheon students

“Our whole purpose is philanthropy and to get people to financially support the college so that we can do more,” said Lois Carson, Chair of the Board Development Committee. “If the physical education department or the music department needs equipment, the foundation can help in that regard so that students are exposed to all that we can possibly provide for them.”

The foundation also received a $300,000 donation from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, which has been used to support the school’s Valley-Bound Commitment (VBC). The VBC Recognition of Excellence Luncheon took place in February to welcome new students to the program, which is designed to remove economic barriers for local low-income high school graduates by covering enrollment fees and textbooks for the first year of attendance. The donation will go far toward helping low-income students with tuition and resources if they are dealing with a financial crisis.

Considering about 98 percent of the students at SBVC are eligible for financial aid, most students on campus can benefit from the efforts of the foundation. Karen Childers, SBVC Director of Development and Community Relations, said that serving on the foundation makes education happen for so many students who may not otherwise be able to receive the support they need to succeed.

“What's more worthy than education? To me, education is the ticket for so many,” she said.

The SBVC Foundation will continue its mission to provide high-quality education, innovative instruction, and services to a diverse community of learners. As students continue to earn degrees and certificates, SBVC fosters economic growth and improves quality of life in the Inland Empire and beyond.