With $3.85 million raised, including a landmark $1 million anonymous gift, the Foundation expands scholarships and critical emergency aid.

For many college students, a scholarship is more than financial assistance; it is a vital reminder that their community believes in their ability to succeed. The MiraCosta College Foundation announced a historic year of philanthropy and student impact, raising a total of $3.85 million in combined cash and in-kind donations to support students and campus programs.

This record-setting year was highlighted by an anonymous $1 million donation dedicated to removing obstacles for students pursuing their educational goals. The landmark gift expanded scholarship opportunities, provided critical emergency assistance, and helped more students stay on track toward completing their degrees.

“Behind every scholarship is a student working to build a better future,” explains Dr. Janice Kurth, President of the MiraCosta College Foundation. “This support reflects the generosity of individuals who believe in the value of education and want to help students overcome barriers, stay enrolled, and achieve their goals."

The historic donation helped address one of the Foundation’s most pressing challenges: supporting qualified students who applied for scholarships but were unable to receive awards because of limited funding. Through the creation of “gap scholarships,” the Foundation awarded an additional $86,500 to students who otherwise would have gone without support.

Recognizing that persistence is often one of the greatest challenges students face, the Foundation also launched a new initiative that awarded $200,000 in Persistence Scholarships. These awards encourage recipients to remain enrolled and continue making progress toward their academic goals through the Fall 2026 semester, helping remove financial barriers that too often interrupt academic progress.

The results were seen throughout the college.

During the 2025/26 fiscal year, the MiraCosta College Foundation received $1,340,391 in scholarship support alone. This increase allowed the Foundation to distribute $1.3 million in scholarships and emergency aid to students.

More than 1,300 students received scholarships, while more than 400 students received emergency assistance to help them navigate unexpected financial hardships, including housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other urgent needs. For students balancing coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and rising living expenses, these resources often make the difference between continuing their education and putting their dreams on hold.

The record-setting year reflects the growing commitment of donors, alumni, community members, and partners who recognize MiraCosta College's power to transform lives and communities. Their investment is helping students not only access college, but persist, complete their studies, and contribute to the economic and social vitality of the region.

As MiraCosta College continues preparing the workforce that drives the region forward from healthcare professionals and educators to skilled tradespeople and business leaders, the Foundation's achievements underscore a powerful message: when a community invests in students, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom.

“While the numbers are impressive, the real story is the impact on students," explains Shannon Stubblefield, MiraCosta College Vice President of the Office of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation. "This level of support would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the hard work of the Foundation Board and Advancement team, all working toward a shared goal of helping students thrive.