Pedrozzi Foundation Launches New Website

More than a place to discover how to apply for a scholarship, the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation’s new website, PedrozziFoundation.org, highlights how the organization is helping create a career and college bound culture among Livermore students and families – especially those in underrepresented communities. Partnering with the school district to fund PSAT testing for all sophomores, collaborating with Congressman Eric Swalwell to host a free workshop on paying for college, and working with the Livermore Library to present the standing room only But I Don’t Wanna Go to College event are a few of the ways the Foundation is helping students reach their potential. These efforts are in addition to annually awarding scholarships - $2.7 million awarded to 769 Livermore students since 2008.

“Our updated website and logo have a new exciting look that is more recognizable and accessible across multiple platforms. The site is loaded with valuable information about planning and paying for college, apprenticeship programs and our scholars, programs and supporters.” says Bryan Balazs, Board President. “Visit the website to learn how our PSAT Initiative is contributing to an increase number of underrepresented students enrolling in advanced classes and why our supporters believe that investing in local students strengthens our community,” encourages Balazs.

“Scholarship applicants start at our website, and the 2016 application is now open through March 1, 2016,” says Carolyn Siegfried, Executive Director. “We are proud to announce that two new scholarships will be awarded this year. The Paula Orrell Undergraduate Scholarship and the Beth Trutner Undergraduate Scholarship will be awarded to current high school students pursuing degrees in one of the physical sciences,” adds Siegfried. Both $6,000 scholarships are generously funded by Howard and Elaine Storms, longtime Livermore residents, in honor of two founding board members. “As a former Foundation board member, I am grateful for the leadership Paula and Beth provided during the early years. The Foundation developed into a high-impact organization providing tremendously valuable programs to Livermore students and families under the leadership of these talented and dedicated women,” shares Storms.

Scholarships are awarded for community college, undergraduate and graduate studies, and vocational training. Assisting students across all segments of the Livermore community is a priority for the organization. In 2015, 21% of the scholarship recipients were the first in their family to attend college, so all eligible students, including Veterans, are encouraged to apply. All applicants must have one thing in common, however – they must be graduating or have graduated from one of the four high schools within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. High school students, current college students, and re-entry students may be eligible as long as they graduated from Granada, Livermore, Del Valle or Vineyard high schools. Visit the new website, PedrozziFoundation.org, to learn specific details.