Our education award recipients amaze us with their tenacity, perseverance and, most of all, with their incredible achievements.
FEATURED RECIPIENT: erika V.
"Dear Rask Family Memorial Fund,
I wanted to thank you so much for this scholarship I have received! The scholarship will help me cover some of the 2018-2019 school year tuition, as well as help me pay for books and school supplies.
My name is Erika V. and I am a first-generation college student. I am the oldest of three siblings, whom I am dedicated to being a good role model for. I want to show them what having a higher education can accomplish later in life. I am also a DREAMer and because of this I want to take every opportunity I am given and work hard to do my best in school for those who are not as lucky as I am.
I am interested in studying Human-Development and Family Studies because topics about human development really interest me and I would love to work with small children.
Again, thank you for giving me a scholarship that will be so beneficial, not just now, but also for my future.
~Erika, RFMF Scholarship Recipient 2018
“This scholarship will not just contribute to my extended education but will enable me to continue to pursue my dream career in engineering. As a full-time freshman just starting my second term at Clackamas Community College in the Mechanical Engineering program, I have many new interesting classes to take until my intended transfer to Portland State University in 2019. Upon the completion of my undergraduate journey, I plan to apply my new-found engineering skills
towards ways humans can improve their interactions with the earth, such as improving or inventing new ways to utilize renewable energy.
Your generous support is appreciated beyond its monetary value and is recognized for what it will contribute to my future as well as the future of the planet. Thank you again for your support towards the education of students at Clackamas Community College like me.”
“I just completed my first year at Clackamas Community College studying chemical engineering. I hope that what I learn will allow me to move the world toward progress. I wont to innovate. I want to create and discover and figure things out so that the world can become a more powerful, efficient place.
For me, this isn’t just a financial opportunity, this is hope. Being awarded this scholarship tells me that all the work I’ve done hasn’t been for nothing. It tells me that there are people who believe in me. You have no idea what you’ve really done.
Whether your funds were directed towards scholarships, program support events or greatest need, please know that our students are grateful. You are making a difference.”
“ I am truly grateful and do not find that words can express the gratitude I have for your support towards my education.Thank you for your support and keeping dreams alive in people like me.”
Watch the story of RFMF recipient Nicole Jordan's journey from living on the streets to pursuing a career in counseling.
“I was raised in Guinea-Bisseu, West Africa with my three siblings. My parents did not have a lot of money. We sometimes lacked electricity and clean running water. The lack of these basic human needs made me realize the value of a college education...By awarding me the Rask Family Memorial Fund Scholarship, you have eased my financial load, which allows me to focus more on learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.”
“Thanks to this scholarship, I can devote more time to studies. Above all, I have got another reason to attain the goal in my life. I am so encouraged and inspired to move forward to make my dreams come true, and later I will pay what I have got now back to somebody who needs help to keep studying just like me.”