The Peninsula College Fund

Thank you to our volunteer, Michelle Hoover for inviting PCF to present to Provisors - MTV1 about The Peninsula College Fund and our efforts to support first-generation, low-income students in pursuing their college dreams and career goals. Are you, and your colleagues, inspired to improve our community and learn how volunteering and mentorship can make such a meaningful impact on students’ futures? If you’re passionate about making a difference and helping students succeed, we would love to connect and share more about how you can get involved! Please message us to coordinate a call. #Gratitude #GivingBack #Mentorship #EducationMatters #FirstGenSuccess #ProVisors #VolunteerImpact

?? Exciting news! Applications are now OPEN for the Santa Clara University Transfer Pathway Program in partnership with The Peninsula College Fund! ?? If you're a high school senior from East San Jose planning to attend Evergreen Valley College or San Jose City College, this is your chance to secure a smooth transfer to Santa Clara University—while also becoming a PCF Scholar! ?? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Check out the eligibility requirements and apply today! ?? https://ow.ly/w1p950Vk8iT #CollegeSuccess #TransferPathway #FutureBronco #PCFScholar #EducationMatters

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to spotlight Christina Mireles, our Executive Director at PCF, whose journey is a testament to resilience and leadership. ?? Christina’s roots in San Jose shaped her commitment to serving others. She attended Harker Academy and Presentation High School on academic- and need-based scholarships before earning a B.A. in Political Science with thesis honors from Tufts University. She then went on to Georgetown University for a Master in Public Policy and Northwestern University for her Juris Doctor. With a heart for serving low-income students of color, Christina’s career reflects this passion. She served as the Deputy Director of Escuela Popular, where she led operations for nearly nine years, making a lasting impact in the community. From strategy to legal and finance, Christina’s expertise and dedication have empowered countless students to realize their potential. Now, as the Executive Director of PCF, Christina continues to advocate for students who need just a little extra support to achieve their dreams. ?? Join us in celebrating Christina this Women’s History Month for her tireless dedication to education, justice, and opportunity. #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Empowerment #FirstGen #PCF

?? Internship Opportunities ?? Attention PCF Scholars! Exciting internship opportunities are now available — don’t miss your chance to gain valuable experience and grow your professional network. ? Hands-on Experience – Apply your skills in a real-world setting ? Professional Development – Learn from industry leaders and mentors ? Networking – Connect with professionals and fellow scholars Take the next step in your career journey — apply today and make the most of this incredible opportunity! #Internship #CareerGrowth #PCFScholars #Opportunity

This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to celebrate Brittany Decker, our Director of Operations at PCF, a passionate leader with a heart for education and equity. ???? Hailing from the Bay Area, Brittany’s journey has taken her from Georgia to Mexico, gaining invaluable experience in operations over the past decade. For the last four years, Brittany has dedicated herself to the nonprofit sector, focusing on organizational efficiency and making a meaningful impact. Recently, she earned a Master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in nonprofit management from California State University, Northridge. As a first-generation college graduate, Brittany’s mission is clear: advocate for equitable access to education for all. She continues to push for change, inspired by her own journey and a deep love for learning. Join us in recognizing Brittany this Women’s History Month for her dedication to education, equity, and empowering others to succeed. ??? #WomensHistoryMonth #FirstGen #Leadership #Nonprofit #PCF

This Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Cara Magliaro, our Director of College Services at PCF, whose dedication to education and community has shaped the lives of countless students. ?? With over 15 years of experience as an educator, leader, and community volunteer, Cara brings a wealth of expertise to PCF. A first-generation college graduate from Cornell University with a B.S. in Education, she is deeply connected to our mission and values, advocating for educational equity every day. Cara’s passion for youth development and educational technology has driven her to make lasting impacts in communities, and after over a decade of volunteering with PCF, she now leads our College Services department, supporting students in their academic journeys. Join us in celebrating Cara this Women’s History Month for her unwavering commitment to education, community, and making a difference in the lives of others. ??? #WomensHistoryMonth #FirstGen #Leadership #Education #PCF

?? Happy International Women’s Day! ?? Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women around the world! Let’s honor our mothers, sisters, friends, and all trailblazers who inspire us daily. ??? Embrace diversity and lift each other up! Together we rise! ?? #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen

?? Save the Date: Celebrating 20 Years of The Peninsula College Fund & Honoring Charles Schmuck's Legacy ?? The Peninsula College Fund warmly invites you to join us on October 4th, 2025, as we celebrate 20 years of building pathways for first-generation college scholars. This special occasion will also honor the remarkable legacy of PCF’s Founder, Charles Schmuck, as he transitions into retirement. Founded in 2005 by Charles Schmuck, PCF began as a grassroots initiative to address the high college drop-out rate among low-income, first-generation youth in the Mid-Peninsula/San Mateo County. What started with just three determined students from East Palo Alto grew into a powerful movement. With 672 scholarships awarded and 295 scholars enrolled in over 100 colleges and universities nationwide, PCF made a lasting impact in empowering first-generation college students. Our 87% six-year graduation rate far exceeded the national average of 21% for low-income, first-generation students. As Charles announced his retirement from the PCF Board of Directors, we will honor his incredible vision and dedication. His commitment transformed the lives of our scholars, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Stay tuned for RSVP details! Mark your calendars, and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate Charles for his unwavering leadership and nearly two decades of service to PCF! ?? #SaveTheDate #ThankYouCharles #PCFLegacy #EmpoweringFirstGenScholars #TransformingLives

PCF Scholars: It’s Time to Secure Your Internship! ?? Internship applications are OPEN, and this is your chance to gain real-world experience, build your network, and take a major step toward your career goals. Whether you’re interested in business, tech, marketing, communications, or engineering, there are countless opportunities waiting for you! ?? Why apply now? ? Many top companies have just opened their intern roles ? Early applications increase your chances of getting hired ? Paid internships provide valuable skills and financial support ?? Not sure where to start? Check out these resources to help you craft the perfect application: ?Step by Step Guide to Resume Writing with Examples: https://lnkd.in/e6mSTppY ?? Interview Tips – Ace your conversations: https://lnkd.in/eRHi6TmY ?? Skills Development – Build what employers are looking for https://lnkd.in/eNv_H4np ?? Don’t wait—apply today and take the next step toward your future! Apply here?? for opportunities at Oracle https://lnkd.in/eYDcBzT7 #PCFScholars #Internships #EarlyCareer #Opportunities #FutureLeaders

A huge congratulations to Alicia Aguirre on being recognized as Woman of the Year at the Chamber San Mateo County Annual Awards Luncheon! This well-deserved honor is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. It was an inspiring afternoon celebrating incredible leaders, including the remarkable Alicia Aguirre, whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact. We are so grateful to have Alicia Aguirre as part of the PCF family, championing our mission as one of our Board of Directors. Congratulations again on this well-earned recognition! #Leadership #CommunityImpact #WomenOfTheYear #SanMateoCounty