Your Support, Opening Doors

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year at Cuesta College, I find myself reflecting on the community that creates opportunities for our students. Your generosity, partnership, and belief in the power of education foster an environment where access and excellence go hand in hand—and where students are supported not only to enroll, but to thrive.

One of the clearest examples of this shared commitment is The Cuesta Promise. Thanks to a combination of philanthropic investment and public support, students across San Luis Obispo County are starting this semester with the assurance that college is within reach. Last year, 81.7 percent of Cuesta Promise students persisted from fall to spring, a strong indicator of belonging, momentum, and academic engagement. With the recent expansion of the Cuesta Promise to include summer terms, students are even better positioned to stay on track and move confidently toward their educational goals.

What inspires me most is how generosity translates into opportunity. Students tell us that support from the Foundation allows them to focus more fully on their studies, pursue leadership opportunities, and imagine futures they once thought were out of reach.

As we look ahead, the work of the Foundation remains rooted in shared purpose: expanding access, fostering excellence, and stewarding resources with care. I am deeply grateful to our donors, alumni, and community partners who walk alongside us in this work.

Thank you for being part of the Cuesta College community and for all the ways you support our students. I look forward to the year ahead and the impact we will continue to create—together.

With gratitude,

Katie Osman

Executive Director, Cuesta College Foundation

YOUR IMPACT

Scholarships that Open Doors

Scholarships are one of the most direct and meaningful ways to support Cuesta College students. From first gifts to lasting legacies, scholarships create opportunities by helping students stay enrolled, reduce financial stress, and focus on achieving their goals. They also create a powerful connection between donors and the students whose lives they impact.

Establishing a scholarship is more accessible than many people realize. An annual scholarship can be created with a gift of $500, while a $10,000 commitment establishes an endowed scholarship that supports students for generations to come. Donors are invited each fall to attend the Scholarship Reception, where they can meet scholarship recipients and see the impact of their generosity firsthand. Student applications are due by March 2, and the deadline to create or renew a scholarship is April 1.

Whether you are just getting started or continuing a long-standing tradition of giving, your support helps create opportunity and belonging for Cuesta College students.

Learn how you can create a scholarship and open doors for Cuesta College students.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Meet Kelley Abbas '03

Kelley Abbas’ journey reflects the experience of many students balancing education alongside work, family, and public service.

After graduating from Paso Robles High School, Kelley enrolled at Cuesta College while working full time. In 2003, she earned associate degrees in Administration of Justice and General Studies, launching a career in public service that would span emergency dispatch and law enforcement. Like many working adults, she continued taking classes whenever her schedule allowed, navigating pauses along the way.

As online learning expanded, it created new opportunities to keep moving forward. Nearly two decades after her journey began, she completed her bachelor’s degree through an online program.

Today, Kelley has returned to Cuesta College once again, enrolling in a Project Management course through the Ed2Go program as she transitions into a new chapter of her career. Her story underscores why access, flexibility, and clear pathways matter—and how Cuesta College continues to support learners at every stage of life.

Inspired by Kelley’s story? We’d love to hear how your Cuesta College experience shaped your journey.

WHAT'S NEW

Save the Date: A Benefit for Cuesta College Rodeo,
Honoring Clint and Connie Pearce

May 14, 2026

Alex Madonna Expo Center

Join community leaders, alumni, and supporters for a special evening celebrating Cuesta College Rodeo and honoring Clint and Connie Pearce for more than a decade of dedication to the Rodeo Club. Proceeds will support student-athletes, program excellence, and essential travel costs while also establishing the Clint and Connie Pearce Rodeo Endowment to benefit the Rodeo Club for generations to come.

View the Sponsorship Prospectus.

"Cuesta College Rodeo represents grit, commitment, and opportunity for our student-athletes. Help this proud tradition endure while celebrating the legacy of Clint and Connie Pearce."

-Dee Lacey, Lacey Livestock

Sponsorship Inquiries

Students Headed to American College Theatre Festival

Cuesta College’s James and the Giant Peach has been selected as one of only four productions representing Region 8 at the American College Theatre Festival—an incredible honor for our student performers.

We have reached our $5,000 matched donation goal, helping cover travel and production costs so students can take the stage and represent Cuesta College with pride. Additional donations are welcome and will help offset remaining expenses so every student can fully participate.

Support Our Student Performers

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Meathead Movers

We are grateful for the local support of Meathead Movers, a family-founded company based in San Luis Obispo County. Through their sponsorship of the Meathead Mover Wrestling Invitational, they reflect a shared commitment to community partnership and student success.

Support Student Success at Cuesta College

Your gift provides students with essential resources and opportunities that directly impact their education and future. Every contribution helps students stay on track and achieve their goals. Donate now to make a meaningful difference.

DONATE NOW

Behind the Impact

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to to see student successes, scholarship highlights, and the difference your support makes. Get updates on programs, events, and opportunities to engage with our community.