Scholarship forms from PG&E blast: Foundation launches financial aid for students with deep ties to San Bruno

The San Bruno Community Foundation announced Wednesday, Feb. 3, it will soon begin accepting applications for the Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship Program, serving those enrolled at community colleges and four-year universities.

Patricia Bohm, a board member responsible for crafting the scholarship program, said the financial assistance service is designed as an ongoing tribute to those in the 2010 explosion, which killed eight and injured 66 residents of the Crestmoor neighborhood.

“We felt it was really important this be a living memorial to the people who suffered through the devastation of the blast, and this would be honoring them with a lasting tribute in their memory,” she said.

The scholarship marks one of the first substantial investments the foundation is able to make with the nearly $70 million paid by the utility company to benefit the San Bruno community.

Students interested in pursuing the scholarship do not necessarily have to be San Bruno natives, but must be able to prove a deep connection to the city’s community, per the criteria for being considered.

College enrollment in the coming fall, a track record of community service, financial need, a history of leadership and extracurricular activities, academic record as well as standardized test scores will also be considered when selecting recipients.

Not all members of the board though were satisfied with the selection criteria, and urged doing away with the consideration of standardized test scores.

Regina Stanback Stroud, president of Skyline College in San Bruno and also a board member, called SAT and ACT scores a “false meritocracy,” and considered them an inaccurate gauge of who should receive the scholarship.

She said standardized test scores frequently are biased according to race and class, and in her career frequently encounters students who do not test well but have the drive and desire to be successful.

Students who may not be considered for more traditional scholarship programs based on scholastic experience could be those who stand to gain the most from the community foundation’s financial assistance, said Stanback Stroud.

Board member Emily Roberts said she agreed with many of her colleague’s concerns.

“I feel very strongly that we err on the side of inclusion,” said Roberts.

Bohm though said many of the issues raised regarding test scores and academic track record when judging applicants were considered when the selection criteria was established.

Leslie Hatamiya, executive director of the foundation, added the selection criteria was developed to consider a variety of factors, and scholastic history would not be the sole determinant in who receives the scholarship.

“Academic record should be a factor that is considered, but one of many factors,” she said.

Board member John McGlothlin added considering academic performance and test scores can be an effective way to reward students who have worked hard and are seeking financial assistance as recognition.

Ultimately, Stanback Stroud acknowledged the thoughtfulness that went into developing the criteria, despite some of her reservations.

“I really commend you for thinking through that because this is a hard nut to crack,” she said.

Applications for the scholarship will be available on the foundation’s website, and the deadline to express interest is Friday, March 18. Winners will be announced Friday, April 29.

In others news, board member Ben Cohn said the foundation is narrowing down firms to hire which will be responsible for investing $15 million of the restitution fund.

The preferred investment fund will be identified in March, which will pave the way for the community foundation taking control of the entire $68.5 million fund from the city in May, said Cohn.

The foundation board is still eyeing larger capital projects to finance with the remaining roughly $54 million in the fund.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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