Reedley Seniors, College Students Can Apply for Iglesia Scholarships by March 16

The Community Foundation for Monterey County announced Jan. 17 that Reedley seniors and Reedley College students are eligible to apply for the Judge Efren & Lite Iglesia scholarships, with applications due March 16. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,000 and are intended to support students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to continued education.

To qualify, applicants must document financial need, intend to pursue postsecondary education, maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, show involvement in extracurricular service, and submit two recommendation letters. The criteria prioritize both academic performance and community engagement, signaling an emphasis on students who combine classroom achievement with local service.

The scholarships were established by Judge Efren and Lite Iglesia, whose family has long-standing ties to local education leadership. That connection underscores a local philanthropic pattern in which families with institutional influence seed targeted funding to supplement gaps in state and federal aid. For Reedley, a community with a sizable population of college-bound students who often balance work and family responsibilities, smaller awards like these can cover books, fees, transportation, or living expenses that otherwise derail persistence.

Administration by the Community Foundation for Monterey County means the selection and distribution process will run through an established philanthropy infrastructure. That can benefit applicants through a centralized scholarship portal and standardized review, but it also requires clear outreach so eligible Reedley students learn about and complete applications in time. School counselors and Reedley College advisors typically play a key role in that outreach, helping students assemble transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of need.

Beyond individual awards, the scholarships contribute to broader civic priorities: supporting first-generation college entrants, promoting community service as part of higher education pathways, and strengthening local ties between civic leaders and educational institutions. For local policymakers and education officials, the awards offer an example of private funding filling specific needs while prompting questions about longer-term equity and access across the region.

Students and families should prepare application materials early, secure recommendation letters from teachers or community supervisors, and consult Reedley College financial aid staff or local school counselors for assistance. The Community Foundation for Monterey County is the administering body for applications and additional logistical details; interested applicants should contact the foundation or their campus advisers for submission instructions.

This round of Iglesia scholarships gives Reedley-area students modest but practical support for persistence in higher education, and it highlights the ongoing role of local philanthropy in shaping postsecondary opportunities for residents.