Weyerhaeuser Foundation donates $5,000 to the SPHS ASA Scholarship Fund

The Santa Paula High School (SPHS) national and state awarding winning Agriculture-Science Academy (ASA) received a generous donation of $5,000.00 from the Weyerhaeuser Foundation for the second consecutive year. This donation will help this year’s graduating class afford college, every amount they receive for college is supportive and appreciated. It’s not only the award of $5,000.00 that will affect the students’ lives, but also the message that it sends that they are worth it, this is a powerful message that empowers students. This school year 2002-2003 SPHS will graduate it’s third ASA class. These students have currently been applying for college and as to date 25 of the students have applied to numerous Universities of California and the California State Universities. The ASA is a rigorous hands-on applied curriculum that meets all CSU and UC admission requirements. With donations from the business community, fundraisers, and state grants the graduates of the ASA have the bridge they need to earn a college degree and return to this community as well trained leaders and professionals. Weyerhaeuser is one of the leaders in building this “bridge of success,” for students in our community. Doug Stiglmeier, General Manager, and Janet Campbell, Administrative Support, of Weyerhaeuser were instrumental again this year for the SPHS ASA receiving this award. They made the recommendation to the Weyerhaeuser Foundation to make this donation. Weyerhaeuser is a caring company and they extend their support to the community, it is evident by the donation received at SPHS ASA.Weyerhaeuser under the direction of Stiglmeier supports the ASA in many ways. They currently have scheduled mentoring sessions for the students in the academy. Employees are encouraged to have a student come in with them and the Weyerhaeuser employee mentors the student. Among other things they explain what they do in the company and what education and/or experience they have that makes them qualified for the position they hold. The student has the opportunity of making the connection between the real world and high school. It becomes evident to the student that the college preparatory program they are in has a purpose; it isn’t their teachers and parents trying to make their life uncomfortable. The mentors have a positive impact on the minds of the students at a pivotal time in the student’s lives when they are in high school, making decisions to go to college and picking a major.This is another example of “the power of partnership,” it is through these partnerships that students, communities, and individuals unite and accomplish goals that otherwise may not be attainable. Thank you Weyerhaeuser Foundation.