Guest column by Jaci Muro: Gilroy Foundation supports young people with college scholarships

Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

By Jaci Muro

Jaci Muro

As the executive director of Gilroy Foundation, I am deeply honored to share with you the transformative impact our scholarship program is having on the lives of Gilroy’s students.

As someone born and raised in Gilroy, I am deeply invested in the future of our community and the success of our youth. Stepping into this role in May 2023, I began on a journey fueled by passion and commitment to ensuring every aspiring scholar has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. From our humble beginnings to our present-day efforts, Gilroy Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the aspirations of our youth.

Our foundation’s journey in education empowerment traces back to 1980 when we first embarked on a mission to invest in the future leaders of Gilroy.

During the years, the generous support of our local donors and community members has allowed us to offer about 130 different scholarships to Gilroy’s graduating seniors and community college transfer students, totaling nearly $8 million in contributions.

As stewards of education equity, we recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in our scholarship program. Guided by this ethos, we started on a journey to streamline our application process and ensure equal opportunities for all aspiring scholars.

Last fall, we engaged in collaborative discussions with GUSD guidance counselors at Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, Mt. Madonna Continuation High School, and Gavilan Community College to gain a better understanding of the to identify areas for improvement. Through these dialogues, we gained invaluable insights into the challenges students faced and how we could better support them.

The outcome of these discussions was transformative. Armed with newfound knowledge and a shared commitment to student success, we set out to revamp our scholarship program. This year, we were humbled to receive a record number of scholarship applications — 855 in total, an increase over last year’s total of 467 applications, marking a 40 percent increase from Gilroy High School alone. This surge is a testament to the effectiveness of our enhanced outreach efforts and strengthened collaboration with GUSD and greater presence at Gilroy High School.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated teams of volunteer readers work tirelessly to review each application, guided by principles of fairness and integrity.

To ensure scholarships are awarded equitably, we’ve introduced a rigorous ranking system that considers not only academic achievements but also personal accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and financial need.

Following this process, our Board of Directors Scholarship Equity Committee will review the highest ranked applications to help determine that scholarships are granted fairly and equitably. This is the first year that Gilroy Foundation has implemented this extra layer of review to help ensure that as many Gilroy students as possible are being awarded scholarships.

As we approach the culmination of this year’s scholarship cycle, I extend my deepest gratitude to our GUSD counselors, volunteer readers, and generous donors. Your support empowers us to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers, fostering a brighter future for Gilroy students.

To every aspiring scholar, know that your dreams are within reach. Gilroy Foundation is here to champion your journey. Together, we will continue to build a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

In closing, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Through our scholarship program, we are not just investing in individual students. We are investing in the future of our community. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make dreams a reality for Gilroy’s youth.

Scholarship recipients will be notified and awarded at their respective high school awards ceremonies in May.

Jaci Muro is the executive director of Gilroy Foundation. She wrote this column for Gilroy Life.