Annual Scholarship Index

AESL Program Scholarship

Students who enroll in AESL classes are often recent immigrants to the United States who are learning English in order to create lives for themselves in their new country. This scholarship was created to support them while they are in the program and encourage them to continue their education once they become fluent enough to do so.

Alfonso Mendoza Memorial Scholarship

Phillip George established this scholarship in memory of his friend Alfonso Mendoza. Phillip and Alfonso attended IVC together and were good friends. Tragically, Alfonso died in a motorcycle accident while still a student at IVC. While Alfonso was not able to complete his education and secure a job in IT, Phillip hopes that this scholarship will enable other students to achieve that goal.

Amon Pandher Memorial Scholarship

During Amon Pandher's time as a scholar of History at IVC, she made a tremendous and long-lasting impact on her peers, professors, advisors, and mentors. She spoke fondly of IVC and cherished her time there, as it nurtured her passions and fostered her growth as a student. In honor of Amon's passion for the study of history, this scholarship was created by Amon's friends and family for the purpose of providing support to History students whose academic pursuits center justice, resilience, and meaningful change in the face of difficult circumstances. While Amon is no longer with us, she left a tremendous impact on the IVC community, and her loved ones believe this scholarship is an everlasting reminder of her legacy, passion, and spirit.

Assistance League of Irvine Certificate Program

Since 1993, the Assistance League of Irvine has been dedicated to advancing education and strengthening the community. In 2022, the organization expanded its impact by establishing a scholarship program to support students who are pursuing certificate programs which provide job skills and enhance employability.

Assistance League of Irvine Certificate Program Scholarship

This scholarship is a philanthropic program designed by Assistance League of Irvine to provide scholarship funds to students enrolled in certificate programs.

Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC) Scholarships

ASIVC is proud of the diversity of Irvine Valley College. Therefore, they provide a large variety of scholarships to support students for academic achievement, overcoming financial barriers, participation in college programs and so much more. They are proud to support their peers along their educational journeys.

Bob Deegan Endowed Scholarship

Counselors play a vital role in the educational experience of IVC students. Bob Deegan was hired in the early years of the college to lead the department and invested his time in creating a helpful, caring and highly productive department. While Bob’s number one priority was the students, he was also known to invest in the success of his colleagues. This scholarship was created to honor the incredible impact Bob had on the college.

Brooke Bui Scholarship

Dr. Brooke Bui joined IVC as a faculty member in 2010. During the time she spent in the English department and Student Success Center, and later as Dean of Liberal Arts, her admiration for IVC students and deep appreciation of a liberal arts education strengthened. She created this scholarship to support students along their educational journeys.

California Retired Teachers Association, Harbor Beach Division 77 Scholarship

In 1995, the California Retired Teachers Association – Harbor Beach Division #77 made their first scholarship gift to invest in a future teacher. They hope that through this scholarship, they will encourage and support students working successfully toward a career in public education.

Cambridge West Partnership, LLC Scholarship

In 2022, Irvine Valley College was selected as one of 20 California community colleges to receive scholarship funds from Cambridge West Partnership, LLC. Their generous support will be invested in the future of IVC students.

Charter 100 Scholarship

Charter 100 members know that single parents and Guardian Scholars face unique financial obstacles, especially when they are college students. By providing these scholarships, the members aim to alleviate these struggles and to let students know they believe in their ability to succeed.

Chemistry Department Scholarship

Having witnessed the powerful role scholarships play in shaping students’ educational journeys, an anonymous donor established this scholarship to champion those pursuing the study of chemistry. Through this gift and additional support from the chemistry faculty, the contributors seek to remove barriers, inspire perseverance, and empower students to continue exploring the field, supporting their curiosity, ambition, and potential to make meaningful contributions through science.

Chris and Kaye McDonald Scholarship

Chris and Kaye McDonald know the impact that community colleges have on their students firsthand as they started their journeys into higher education at community colleges. The interactions they had with their professors literally changed their professional goals, which ultimately led them to join the South Orange County Community College family in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Since then, they have dedicated their careers to supporting students in our District.

City of Irvine Educational Partnership Fund Scholarship

The City of Irvine strongly believes in education and supporting their students throughout their educational careers. They contribute money annually to Irvine Valley College to use for scholarships for incoming freshmen students who graduated from the Irvine Unified School District.

Craig and Sheila Grossman Forensic Award

Craig and Sheila Grossman are woven into the intricate tapestry of IVC. As one of the original faculty members on campus, Craig built the Communications program at the college. Through his years of teaching, he helped change students’ lives through their experiences with Speech and Debate. Sheila also became an integral part of the program when she joined Craig in the department. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the Forensics program

Crossing the Finish Line Scholarship

As students pursue their educational goals at IVC, they often pour their hearts and souls into their studies, embracing every opportunity to learn, grow and develop their skills. Some students get very close to the end only to realize that they are suddenly faced with a financial barrier and cannot afford to take the last few classes to earn their degree. These students may feel like they have come so far, only to be stopped short of the finish line. This is where the scholarship comes in, providing a lifeline to students in need, helping them to overcome their financial challenges and cross the finish line.

Delgado Family International Scholarship

Christina Delgado has devoted her career to supporting international students to achieve their educational goals. Their dedication to their studies in pursuit of an American degree is inspiring. International students have limited access to financial aid in the U.S. and it is hoped this award will help a deserving IVC student continue their studies. This scholarship is established in memory of Christina’s wonderful mother, Sharon Delgado, who shared a love of learning about cultures and valued the importance of education.

Edison International STEM Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to IVC students who are STEM majors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Edward Woo Wong Memorial Scholarship

Edward Woo Wong lived a life of integrity, strong work ethic, and faithful generosity, with a fervent desire to serve the community with humility. This scholarship is awarded to a student who exemplifies these characteristics and is seeking a future in business.

Gabriel Mascardo Memorial Scholarship

The Marquez-Mascardo Family Foundation established this scholarship to honor Gabriel Mascardo, whose journey from humble beginnings to a successful engineering career was made possible through education. Known for his resilience, determination, and passion for problem-solving, he exemplified perseverance and innovation. This scholarship supports students in STEM fields who demonstrate ambition, grit, and a commitment to excellence. It aims to inspire future leaders to overcome challenges and create meaningful impact.

ICARE Scholarship

Caren Ware, 12-time National Track & Field Champion and 2-time World Champion, has a passion for inspiring active living by offering fun fitness for all abilities and bodies. Her company, Caren Ware Events, coordinates two races at IVC annually. Members of the college’s Circle K Club volunteer and they are instrumental in ensuring that the events go off without a hitch. This scholarship is to give back to a student who shows they CARE through their volunteering.

Irvine Forward Foundation Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Wall Scholarship

Coordinated and supported by the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is awarded to a veteran or child of a veteran with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who has financial need and is pursuing a career path in science, business or law enforcement at IVC.

Irvine Forward Foundation Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Wall Scholarship

The Irvine Forward Foundation established this scholarship in honor of longtime Irvine Chamber member Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Wall. Prior to his passing, Lt. Col. Wall was an active member of the association who strongly believed in the transformative power of education and the impact of scholarships. This scholarship was created to carry forward his commitment and continue the work he so deeply valued.

It’s Never Too Late to Become What You Might Have Been Scholarship

When Sonya Mitchell Winder attended IVC, she was a single mother who had survived a number of challenging events in her life. Determined to create more opportunities for herself, she was committed to earning her associate degree. Receiving scholarships is one of the things that motivated her to continue. She established this scholarship to provide support in the hopes that it will have the same impact on the recipients.

IVC Administrators and Managers Scholarship

The managers at IVC interact with students on a daily basis outside of the classroom. They hear about the successes and failures of their academic careers. Through this, they understand that many of our students face large financial barriers which often stop them from continuing their education. With that in mind, this group created a scholarship to ensure that a student who is continuing their education at IVC with a minimum GPA of 3.5 has the financial resources needed to continue their education.

IVC Honors Program Exemplary Achievement Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member in good standing of the IVC Honors Program.

IVC Honors Program Exemplary Achievement Scholarship

Throughout the year, Honors faculty are continually impressed by the exceptional quality of work produced by Honors students in our enriched courses. Inspired by this level of dedication and achievement, this scholarship was established to recognize and support those who embody our Honors values of intellectual curiosity, collaborative community, and academic integrity.

IVC Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Scholar-Athletes of the Year is the longest standing award presented to IVC student-athletes and was established as a community partnership with the Exchange Club of Irvine in 1999. Award winners epitomize the highest level of achievement in competition, the classroom, and within our community, and embody personal excellence through their skills, commitment, and work ethic.

IVC Spanish Department Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student completing either the AA degree or the AAT degree in Spanish by the end of the spring semester.

IVC Transfer Scholarship

Working in IVC’s Transfer Center, Tuan Nguyen has seen firsthand the challenges that students in the Forgotten Middle face. Their families earn too much for the student to qualify for financial aid, but not enough to pay for college. He established this scholarship to help students in the Forgotten Middle to continue their education.

Jesus Marquez Memorial Scholarship

The Marquez-Mascardo Family Foundation established this scholarship to honor Jesus Marquez’s legacy of public service and dedication to a more equitable society. It reflects his deep belief that education and ethical leadership are essential to building sustainable, opportunity-rich communities. By supporting future business leaders, the scholarship encourages innovation, integrity, and a commitment to long-term societal impact. Through this investment, the foundation hopes to inspire recipients to carry forward his vision of a just and sustainable future.

Kathy V. and Merle E. Memorial Scholarship

While working at IVC, Brenda Borron saw the impact that scholarships have on their recipients. Upon retiring, she established this scholarship in memory of her parents, who taught her the importance of obtaining an education Brenda believes that IVC is a place of second chances.

Kid's Read! Scholarship

Kids Read! is an organization dedicated to getting books into the hands of as many children in need as possible. Having no employees, Kids Read! runs completely on the generosity of our amazing volunteers. This scholarship honors the incredible number of hours that IVC students help with cleaning, sorting, labeling, boxing, and delivering books.

LGBTQ+ Scholars Scholarship

The Lindley family are proud allies to the LGBTQ+ community. To celebrate this amazing community, this scholarship was created to address the financial barriers that are present in the pursuit of a higher education.

Math Scholarship

These scholarships were established by IVC math faculty in order to support the efforts of our math students. They are honored to acknowledge the dedication of the recipients who continue to pursue their interest in this field.

Matt Wolken School of IDEA Scholarship

Matt Wolken is the department chair of Integrated Design, Engineering and Automation. He is an inspirational engineering faculty member whose classes encourage students to explore and learn through creative, hands-on projects. This scholarship was created by community members who were impressed with the impact he has on his students.

Merced Family Scholarship

The Merced family is an agricultural family from Puerto Rico. Agricultural workers have an invaluable place in our society. For those who work every day to provide America with food, this scholarship is to honor you, your families, and your children.

MESA Scholarship

The MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Scholarship is awarded to highly motivated students pursuing STEM fields, with a special focus on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Applicants must be part of the MESA program and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership skills, and a commitment to community engagement.

MESA Summer Research

The MESA Program at Irvine Valley College propels first generation, economically disadvantaged students toward success in calculus based STEM majors. Undergraduate research transforms theory into practice, builds confidence, and amplifies graduate school or industry prospects. The MESA Research Award lifts financial barriers for IVC MESA students who earn summer research positions, freeing them to focus fully on discovery.

Miranda Family Scholarship

As the Vice President for Instruction, Rick Miranda dedicates his days to ensuring that IVC provides the best educational opportunities for our students. The Miranda family is made up of artists, musicians, writers, scientists, and educators who understand the commitment students make to creating their future. They understand that students can always use a little extra support and for students to know that someone believes in them. By providing this scholarship, the family hopes that the recipient is compelled to keep moving forward in their academic and professional goals.

Oritz Family Scholarship

Desiree Ortiz is a longtime IVC employee who is also an alumna of the college. She started her higher ed journey before starting a family and continued after she became a mother. She is the first person in her immediate family to complete her bachelor’s degree. Her hope is for this scholarship to inspire others to fulfill their educational dreams regardless of the barriers they face.

Orozco Mahaney “ABLE” Scholarship

This scholarship holds deep meaning for the Orozco Mahaney family. Dedicated to honoring and supporting the neurodivergent student community at IVC, this scholarship celebrates Angela Orozco Mahaney’s 30-year legacy at the college. Given by her family, this award carries forward her commitment to “pay it forward” — a reflection of the continued blessings her son has received within the extraordinary world of autism. The family recognizes the strength, encouragement, and perseverance required to help loved ones thrive in inclusive environments. Through this scholarship, the family aims to empower others to be ABLE — to achieve, believe, learn, and excel — in every aspect of their educational journey.

Paralegal Scholarship

This scholarship assists students with good GPAs in achieving their educational goals. Paralegals are important assets to the legal services community and this scholarship was created in the hope of ensuring that financial hardship will not prevent good students from reaching their highest potential.

Physics Scholarship

Inspired by the transformative role scholarships can play in shaping a student’s academic journey, an anonymous donor, together with the continuing support of physics faculty, established this scholarship to encourage and support students pursuing physics. Through this collective commitment, the scholarship seeks to lessen barriers, nurture curiosity and perseverance, and help empower students to continue their studies with confidence as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

Police Department Lost and Found Scholarship

Have you ever wondered what happens to money found on the IVC Campus? When the IVC Police Department receives the funds, they give them to the IVC Foundation, and they are eventually awarded as a scholarship.

Pulchra Bellator Scholarship

The Beautiful Warrior scholarship helps first-generation student veterans by providing additional financial support intended to reduce the unique emotional and academic barriers these students face. This scholarship is funded by a group of veterans and grateful allies who understand that transitioning out of the military is difficult but so is asking for help. We hope to support the “whole” person as they work towards personal and professional growth through academic achievement.

Raquel Merced Foundation Scholarship

Raquel Merced was a loving mother and grandmother who worked tirelessly to take care of her family. Raquel was born in Puerto Rico and never finished elementary school in order to work to help her family. After her husband’s death, she raised four children as a single mom and on a small pension. She purchased a piece of farmland in Puerto Rico, and built a humble family home. Despite all of the demands, she never missed an opportunity to help her community and never turned away a person who needed help. Her wise choices allowed her family to always have a safe home to come to and a place where the Merced family could always gather. Raquel’s legacy of generosity to others and in service to her community will be memorialized through the recipient of this scholarship.

Risk Management Association Scholarship

The Orange County Chapter of Risk Management Association (RMA) is dedicated to the advancement of sound risk management practices in business and especially in banking. The local OC Chapter is heavily involved in supporting and exposing business students to the important principles of risk management in banking in our county. Our hope is that scholarship winning students returning to IVC will be interested in learning more about career opportunities in banking.

Saddleback Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students with financial need who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate community or campus service.

Samueli MESA Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through a generous investment by the Samueli Foundation in STEM education at Irvine Valley College. It provides vital financial support to students as they pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By easing financial barriers, the scholarship helps students access the resources they need to succeed while completing their education.

SOCCCD Faculty Association Scholarship

Having dedicated their careers to educating others, the faculty of the South Orange County Community College District are committed to supporting the next generation of teachers. They understand the challenges students face as they pursue the long and demanding path into the profession, and they seek to provide recipients with meaningful support and encouragement along the way. Through this scholarship, they aim to inspire and empower future educators to succeed in their journeys and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

SOCCCD Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue a career in education.

Sociology Student Scholarship

Faculty member Liz Burkhalter established this scholarship to support sociology students during their educational journeys. She hopes that those who receive the scholarship will be inspired to continue their study of the subject and find a meaningful career in the field.

Steve Grant Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship awards either a continuing or transferring student who is actively participating as a member of the Irvine Valley College Circle K Club.

Tammy Livingstone For the Love of Molly Cakes Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor of IVC alumna and her beloved mother (Aline E. Dodson) whose wisdom and encouragement continually provided strength to Tammy while pursuing her professional career goals and higher educational endeavors. It’s a “shout out” to all the Molly Cakes out there who give unconditional love, and strength to their son/daughter every day beyond measure.

Tricia Stewart Scholarship

Tricia Stewart loved to travel and to share information with anyone she met. She took as many trips as she could and never hesitated to bring what she learned back home to everyone. Traveling was about new experiences and exploring new cultures. Each new country and city brought new pictures and sounds to share with others. The world was her oyster. Phillip George established this scholarship in her memory and hopes that the recipient will carry on her love for adventures.

Vega Family Scholarship

Greg Vega, Dean of Enrollment Services at Irvine Valley College, is a proud product of the California Community College system. He and his wife Andrea, a community college faculty member, are strong believers in the opportunities community colleges provide to their students. This scholarship represents their commitment to giving back and ensuring that students are supported throughout their academic journey in pursuit of their goals and dreams.

Veterans Scholarship

IVC is proud to have an active and large population of veteran students. This scholarship was established by contributors who wanted to honor and thank those who served our country.

Waltmar Foundation Scholarship

The Waltmar family understands the incredible impact that community colleges have on their students. They are investing in the education of IVC and our community.

Waltmar Foundation Scholarship

The Waltmar Foundation recognizes the transformative power of community colleges and the vital role they play in changing lives and strengthening communities. Through its generous scholarship support, the Foundation is helping Irvine Valley College students pursue their educational goals, overcome barriers, and realize their full potential. This commitment to expanding access to higher education reflects a deep belief in the promise of every student and an enduring investment in the future of our community. In partnership with IVC, the Waltmar Foundation's generosity opens doors of opportunity and inspires students’ success.

Women Warriors Leadership Scholarship

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and an educator who conducted research on student veterans for her dissertation, Martha McDonald knows that, while the GI Bill is extremely helpful in funding student veterans’ educations, the funds are not enough to live on. In order to minimize the financial burden of attending college, she created a scholarship to support students who are veterans. She recognizes that they transitioned from being warriors in the military to being student warriors.