DEAR FRIENDS,
DEAR FRIENDS,
2016 marked a historic milestone in the life of Meritus College Fund— we turned 20!
Last year Meritus was delighted to celebrate 20 years of service to ambitious young people from underserved communities across the Bay Area. Since 1996, Meritus has awarded $ 9.5 million in scholarship assistance alone and supported more than 700 Scholars on their college journeys. But we are wasting no time in looking ahead.
Beyond just financial support, we recognize the need to help our Scholars succeed in an ever-changing world. Our goal is to create long-term impact that positions our Scholars to be competitive in the workforce and provides them with opportunities for socioeconomic mobility. In the years to come, we seek to empower even more Scholars to achieve their aspirations. In 2016, we welcomed our first class of Scholars from the South Bay through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. This exciting step was part of a five-year strategic plan to serve more students regionally.
In 2017, we will continue to ensure that our Scholars have the most robust college experiences possible. Over the past 20 years, Meritus’ program has grown from supporting one student to helping more than 250 Scholars annually with a comprehensive program that includes a financial award, individualized advising, and career development. Notably, 88 % of Meritus Scholars achieve a college degree, compared to just 26 % of their peers nationally.
We celebrate your commitment to our Scholars and recognize that our work is not possible without the generosity of our supporters. Together we can profoundly impact the lives of many more deserving students.
On behalf of our Board, staff, and— most importantly— our Scholars, thank you for your support! Best regards,
Diana M. Wolf Executive Director
Mary Wolfe Chair, Board of Directors