Scholarships - Connecting Students with Opportunity

Connecting Students with Opportunity

Scholarships

Jay Zavala-Albor is a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Environmental Engineering. A recipient of two CFMC scholarships, Jay (who goes by gender neutral pronouns they/them) is interested in studying methods of reducing damaging pollutants in our oceans.

“Oh my gosh,” Jay said about the Monica Abbott and College Futures scholarships she received, “These scholarships have made a HUGE difference for me. They have lifted such a weight [off my shoulders], so I can just focus on my studies.”

Jay’s studies are ambitious. They are primarily interested in remediation – cleaning up after disaster zones, pollution – and specifically, researching eliminating harmful microplastics from the oceans and water waste management.

“The environment is super, super important,” Jay told us. “The ocean is one of the world’s most important ecosystems, since most of the world is ocean, so taking care of the oceans helps take care of us.”

Jay’s broad perspective leads to a deep interest in small details, especially the mathematics involved in their major. “I’m finding at this point that my math classes are hugely relevant to real-world changes – for example, I can use this type of math to determine the amount of water that will fit in a tank. I really enjoy all of my classes.”

Jay also shared that, in their free time, they spend most of their energy with Cal Poly’s Society of Environmental Engineers, who meet twice a month making connections within the professional field. Jay said it helps them to have a better understanding of the possible careers they could have in the future.

“Knowing that I don’t have to worry about paying for books, and can be involved in activities like this in my spare time, is so amazing,“ said Jay. “It's definitely been a blessing. I feel scared when I think about the future, but knowing that I can make a difference is comforting. Whatever work I end up doing will be passed on to the next generation.”

The CFMC is proud to support Jay and students like them. The CFMC manages 65 named funds established by individuals, families and businesses who recognize the value of education and want to create opportunity for local students.

KNOWING THAT I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PAYING FOR BOOKS, AND CAN BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES LIKE THIS IN MY SPARE TIME, IS SO AMAZING. IT’S DEFINITELY BEEN A BLESSING. – Jay Zavala-Albor

$1,580,017

Total amount awarded

390

Total number of scholarships

FAST FACTS

65

Total number of scholarship funds