The Peninsula College Fund celebrates its 20th anniversary

This year, The Peninsula College Fund (PCF) is celebrating 20 years of building pathways for first-generation, low-income college students across the Peninsula.

Founded by Menlo Park educator Charles Schmuck, PCF began as a simple but powerful idea: help promising students who were determined to attend college but lacked the financial resources, professional networks, and guidance many of their peers take for granted.

Troubled by the high college dropout rate among first-generation and low-income students in the Mid-Peninsula, Schmuck (pictured below) brought together friends and community members to help change the trajectory for a small group of students.

What began as a grassroots effort supporting just three students from East Palo Alto with scholarships and mentoring has grown into a highly successful program serving hundreds of students across San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

Today, PCF partners with more than 20 local high schools, working with counselors and administrators to identify motivated students who often fall in the “chunky middle” academically — those with strong potential but who are often overlooked for larger scholarships.

PCF’s approach goes beyond financial aid. Through a comprehensive model that includes scholarships, mentorship, college and career success trainings, and internship support, the organization helps students navigate the critical transitions from high school to college and from college to career. These wraparound services provide the professional exposure, networks, and guidance that many first-generation students lack.

The results speak for themselves. Since its founding, PCF has served more than 700 students and awarded over $12.2 million in scholarships and wraparound services. Thanks to its high-touch support model, PCF scholars achieve an 84% six-year college graduation rate, compared with 21% nationwide for similar students, and most graduate with little or no debt.

To celebrate two decades of impact, PCF will host its 20th Anniversary Gala on April 25 at the Menlo Circus Club, bringing together supporters, alumni, and community members who have helped make this work possible.

Community members are invited to join the celebration and support the next generation of first-generation college graduates. Note: tickets are limited.

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