Mission Statement
The mission of the West Contra Costa Retired Educators Scholarship Fund (WCCRESF) is to raise funds to provide post-secondary scholarships to students graduating from the following schools of the West Contra Costa Unified School District: DeAnza High, El Cerrito High, Sylvester Greenwood Academy, Hercules High, Kennedy High, Middle College High, Pinole Valley High, Richmond High, Vista High, and Adult Education.
Our Scholarships
Each year the WCCRESF accepts applications from students who have:
- Ranked in the upper half of their graduating class
- Described the long-term educational and career paths in a personal statement
- Presented letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated leadership qualities both at school and in the community
A panel of retired educators discusses each applicant, and awards the scholarships based on a vote.
Our History
For the past 40+ years, the WCCRESF has given scholarships funded through memorials, fundraisers, the retired and active employee benefit raffle, and direct donations. The organization is run completely by volunteers — all donations go directly to scholarships.
In 1977, the California Retired Teachers Association began awarding college scholarships to high school graduates. To date, 807 scholarships totaling $1,227,750have been awarded. In the spring of 2023, 43 graduating seniors received scholarships of $2,500 each.
In 1998, the California Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Committee gained independence from the parent organization through incorporation as the WCCRESF. In 2001, the Fund was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax exempt status.
For a more detailed history of the Scholarship Fund, please click here to view the February 2022 Scholarship Fund history presentation to Division #58.
Our School District
- 27,000+ students from preschool through grade 12
- 60% qualified for free or reduced lunch
- 80+ languages spoken
- 65 square mile jurisdiction serving the cities of Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, Richmond, El Sobrante, El Cerrito, Kensington, and unincorporated areas
- 37 Elementary Schools
- 6 Middle Schools
- 7 High Schools
- 3 Alternative High Schools
- Adult Education