CAPPS Memorial Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools

Introduction
The California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) to administer a scholarship program for students enrolled at private postsecondary institutions in California. Since the mid-2000s, the Foundation has raised tax-deductible contributions to fund scholarships established in honor of individuals who made lasting contributions to California’s private postsecondary education community. CAPPS and the Foundation appreciate the generosity of donors and remain committed to helping students reach their vocational goals.

Eligibility and Nomination
To qualify for a CAPPS scholarship, a student must:
- Be currently enrolled at a CAPPS member school;
- Be nominated by a faculty or staff member from that school; and
- Complete and submit the student application.

Key deadlines
- School Nomination Forms must be received by Friday, July 18, 2025.
- Students who are nominated will be notified and given a link to the Student Application. The completed student application must be submitted by Monday, August 4, 2025.
- The notification sent to nominated students will also copy the email address entered in the “Nominated By” field on the nomination form.

Scholarship Awards and Distribution
This year CAPPS will award a total of 10 scholarships, each worth $5,000. The awards are comprised of three named memorial scholarships and seven CAPPS General Scholarships. Scholarship funds will be paid to the student’s school and applied to the student’s account for up to $5,000 or the total program cost, whichever amount is less.

Named Memorial Scholarships

Norma Ford Memorial Scholarship for Nursing
- Purpose: For students enrolled in a nursing program.
- About Norma Ford: Norma served for many years as CAPPS’ primary financial aid trainer and was an active CAPPS Board member. She was among the first inductees into the CAPPS Hall of Fame in 2009. With more than 28 years in the private career school field, Norma led CAPPS financial aid workshops for roughly two decades. She passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

Marsha Fuerst Memorial Scholarship for Women in Medical Assisting
- Purpose: For women enrolled in medical assistant programs.
- About Marsha Fuerst: In 1965 Marsha’s mother, Ann Kalsman, envisioned opening a college to train allied health professionals and purchased land along Interstate 10 in West Covina. When Ann became ill as the campus foundation was being poured, she encouraged Marsha to carry out the vision. With limited business experience, Marsha took on that responsibility and served as President of North-West College for more than 40 years, helping thousands enter and progress in healthcare careers. Marsha passed away in 2016.

Mike Mikhail Memorial Scholarship for Recent Immigrants & First-Generation Americans
- Purpose: For students who are recent immigrants to the United States or first-generation Americans.
- About Mohsen “Mike” Aziz Mikhail: Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mike earned a bachelor’s degree from Cairo University and emigrated to the United States in 1966 with just $11 and a dream. He worked as a CPA and held controller-level positions at both public and proprietary educational institutions. In 1983 he co-founded Western Career College with Dick Nathanson. Mike later owned four schools, which were sold to Gryphon Colleges in 2004, and in 2007 he re-entered career education by acquiring Advanced Training Institute in Las Vegas. Mike passed away in 2010.

For more information about the application process or to request forms, contact your CAPPS member school or the CAPPS/Foundation office.