The Kern Community Foundation wants to expand a program that links local students with college scholarships. CEO Kristen Beall says they want to encourage young men of color in particular to apply for their College Success Program because they are the least likely to think about going to a university.

Students applying to the College Success Program fill out one online application that’s matched with over 20 local awards. The Foundation expects to give out more than $600,000 this year.

About 15% of Kern County residents have a college degree or better, but that number is lower for minority populations.

Kelli Pierce