The Thurmond family, Fullerton community philanthropists, established this college scholarship fund more than 20 years ago through the YWCA of Orange County to assist female students with their educational expenses. It was created to recognize and support women returning to college and more recently women majoring in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
The Thurmond Scholarship was established in 2003. To date over $145,000 has been distributed to adult reentry women, 24 years or older, attending Fullerton College or California State University.