September 2024

Progress Newsletter

By Savannah Lira, PVF Program Manager and Andrea Smith, Program and Communications Associate

Education has always been a core pillar of PVF's work. In addition to our Teacher Grant Programs, we administer many types of fellowships and scholarship programs, all designed by donors who have an idea that we help formulate into a giving program.

We believe that the potential for impact is related to the ability to venture, try new approaches, and take risks. By supporting young adults in their continued education, we do just that.

In 2001, PVF designed a philanthropy fellowship program in partnership with Stanford University’s Haas Center for Public Service and Susan Ford Dorsey’s Sand Hill Foundation to help recent graduates enter foundation work and find meaningful positions in the service sector.

The Tom Ford Fellowship Program provides Stanford graduating seniors with full-time one-year internships (related to the fellows’ interests and experiences) in philanthropic foundations across the country. Not only do the Fellows have positive and enriching experiences, but many go on to continue a career in public service and over the years several have been offered positions at their foundations once their fellowship is over. 23 years later and this program continues to be incredibly popular!

2023-24 Fellows Olivia Fu, Gabrielle Crooks, and Gabriela Escobar - Photo courtesy of the Haas Center

In 2006, a donor came to us with an idea to support bright Zimbabwean students admitted to US universities as part of the US Achievers Program (USAP).

The Grace Scholarship Program was established, providing the critical gap funding necessary for these select students to afford the costs associating with attending university, even after receiving generous (and sometimes full) scholarships from their admitted schools. These students are supported through their full undergraduate career and often keep in touch long after, sharing their successes and achievements made possible by their Grace Scholarship.

"This has been the most amazing experience in my life, and I cannot thank you enough. The Grace Scholarship changed my life and made my dream a reality. I no longer have any limit of what I can achieve now."



- Hellen Jumo, Former Grace Scholar

When long-time volunteer, advocate, and supporter of the Coastside community Judy Macias passed away in 2020, the Judy Macias' Young Leaders College Fund was established at PVF in her legacy.

The Fund, created by The Rev. Julia McKeon (former Executive Director at Sonrisas Dental Health where Judy served as Board Chair), Julia O’Daly, and Maureen Perron (both former Sonrisas Board members) aims to recognize Half Moon Bay High School female graduates with a passion for community leadership and service and support their college educations.

Most recently, the Childress Family Foundation established a new scholarship for student athletes at Mayfair High School where Josh Childress attended.

Since it launched in 2022, The Childress Family Foundation Scholarship has provided scholarships to 11 graduating seniors to support their college education.

2024 awardees (w/ Josh Childress) Bella Ochoa, Grace Cummins, Stella Lynch, Harshpreet Kaur and Tyzer Handy

"Through family, my commitment to education, and athletics, I was able to live out my dreams and create new opportunities. A child cannot help the circumstances into which they are born, but a community can help uplift and encourage a child to become the best version of themselves. I want students to know that anything is possible and I believe that I have a civic and social responsibility to utilize my resources and influence to make the world a better place for the youth. The Childress Family Foundation Scholarship was created to empower Mayfair High School student athletes to continue to strive for excellence on and off the court or field." 



– Josh Childress, Founder

PVF is proud to support these programs and our next generation of leaders!

Read More About These Programs on our Blog

Reflections from a Grace Scholar: Dana Mandebvu (pictured above) shares about her decision to study outside of Zimbabwe, her experience at college so far, and the impact the Grace Scholarship had on her future.

The First Judy Macias Scholarship Awardees were announced as five young women were selected to receive college financial assistance for each year of college, as well as experienced mentors to assist them throughout their college experience.

Announcing the Third Childress Family Scholarship Recipients who received college scholarships of up to $10,000 in recognition student athletes and support their college education.

Meet the 2020-2021 Tom Ford Fellows as they describe their experience working full-time in philanthropy at placements such as the East Bay Community Foundation, the Ballmer Group, and the Ford Foundation.

Savannah Lira, Program Manager, is responsible for program management and development, as well as communication materials at PVF. She is an AmeriCorps Alum and has a background in economic development and grantwriting.