Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, its Foundation and TELACU (The East Los Angeles Community Union) have pooled their efforts to create 10 new scholarships for deserving students.

The agreement adds Mission College to a growing list of colleges and universities that TELACU has endowed with scholarships. The condition is that the college or university match the TELACU funds. The Mission College Foundation ­ the college’s community support arm ­ is meeting the challenge by providing the matching money to fund 10 scholarships of $500 each.

"For a community college student, a $500 scholarship is huge, even if the student eventually uses it at a four-year college," said Dr. Adriana Barrera, college president. "Mission College and its students are fortunate to have such great friends and supporters as our Foundation and TELACU."

TELACU has been providing scholarships to qualified students seeking a college education since 1983. Since the start of the program, TELACU has awarded approximately $4 million in scholarships. Mission College becomes TELACU’s 23rd partnering college, and only the second community college to receive the organization’s endowment.

"We are so pleased to have Mission College join us in providing an opportunity for young people to continue their education," said David C. Lizárraga, president and chief executive officer of TELACU. "Los Angeles Mission College offers a broad range of classes, and now with scholarship assistance, students who could not afford to attend before can attain a college education.

"Dr. Barrera praised the efforts of the Mission College Foundation and its president, Gary Bombalicki, vice president, sales and marketing with Hamilton Associates. The Foundation was able to match the TELACU funds from its fundraising activities in support of Mission College.

Scholarship winners will be selected in the Spring based on their academic potential, their commitment to their communities and financial need. To insure academic success, TELACU requires its recipients to attend support seminars in time management, study skills and leadership training.

# # #