Coming into its fifteenth year, PVF’s Charles and Connie Meng Vocational Grant Program continues to make an impact throughout the community. The scholarship program was established in 1998 to provide financial support to Alameda County community college students who are in the process of pursuing vocational careers. While community college is more affordable than four-year universities, the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses can often be a significant deterrent for people interested in enrolling in a 2 year degree program. The Meng Vocational Grant Program tries to alleviate some of the financial burdens enabling young people to pursue skilled vocations.

Applications have flooded in from students interested in becoming chefs, pharmacy technicians, dental assistants, paralegals, x-ray technicians, welders, and cosmetologists, just to name a few.  Many of these motivated youth have overcome challenges as recently emancipated foster youth, or they are low-income single parents, and the scholarship program provides extra financial support that is needed while students chase their dreams and prepare to join the workforce.

Below are a few excerpts from students who wrote to us about how the scholarship program has positively impacted their lives:

“Your generous support is helping me fulfill a lifelong dream of pursing my AA degree, paving the way to a career in nursing. Growing up in a low-income family where my mom and dad had to work very hard to make ends meet made me realize the value of a college education. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college and I hope to set a fine example for my lovely daughters.”

 “I am a Health Science major and plan to pursue a career in the medical field such as Dentistry or Management at a hospital. That is why I decided to join the Dental Assisting Program. Thanks to the Charles and Connie Meng Scholarship, I am one step closer to my ambition. By awarding me this scholarship, you have lightened my financial load.  It really helped me pay for my tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation expenses. Your bigheartedness has inspired me to help others and give back to the neighborhood. I hope in the future, I will be able to help other students like me to accomplish their ambitions just as you have facilitated me.” 

We are currently accepting applications from students like these! To be eligible, students must be enrolled full time in a 2-year vocational training program at an Alameda County community college, have a career goal and 2.5 minimum GPA, and be a US citizen or permanent resident. Please visit our website to learn more!