Scholarships
California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)
Memorial Scholarship Program
CAPPS has offered a number of different scholarship programs over the last 20 years, primarily working with High School counselors and graduating seniors. As K-12 education in California began to reduce the number of counselors and deemphasize career training for graduating seniors, CAPPS began to seek other ways to offer Scholarship opportunities to the students who attend our member Institutions.
In 2004, former CAPPS President Bonnie Manley (Poway Beauty Academy) died suddenly as did Sue Fleming, a school Director at Western Career College. Both women left behind many shocked and saddened students, staff and colleagues. The CAPPS Board sought to find a way to keep their spirit and what they stood for alive and remembered as the kind of persons who's caring and passion has made our sector strong in California.
Starting with an Initial contribution from Pearson Education, Western Career College, Poway Academy and CAPPS members, we were able to offer $5,000 scholarships to deserving students. These awards are made at the CAPPS Annual Conference.
Award recipients receive their awards based on a combination of academic excellence and financial need. CAPPS Board members who participate in the selection process have related that often it is difficult to recommend a winner based on the large number of deserving students who apply.
In 2009 CAPPS lost another giant who has influenced hundreds of students, faculty, professional and Institution in her long and illustrious career. Norma Ford, CAPPS Board Member and long-time financial aid trainer as well as a key member of the management team at American Career College, passed away after a long and valiant fight against ovarian cancer.
For 2010, CAPPS has created another Scholarship opportunity in Norma's name for a deserving student and will be adding her name in the CAPPS Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In addition, CAPPS has created the Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional of the Year Award to be given out at the opening general session of the Association's Annual Conference each year. "The Norma" as the award in called will be given to the Financial Aid professional who has best emulated the spirit of generosity and intelligence that Norma was so well known for.
Additional information on Institutional Eligibility and Student Eligibility to participate in the CAPPS Memorial Scholarship Program are available on separated drop down menus in this website.