Granada Hills : Scholarship Drive Moves Into High Gear

Patricia Franco, a youth authority parole agent, has a dream. She wants to see some of the youngsters she’s worked with wearing tuxedos at a fancy scholarship awards ceremony.

“I’m hoping that through attending this event that [they] will be inspired to strive for a better life,” said Franco, who started the San Fernando Valley Opportunity Through Education Scholarship Fund in May with a $500 award she received from the American Justice Institute.

Now, after raising $4,500 more, she’s closer to realizing her dream.

With her initial $500, she organized a committee and set a goal of raising $15,000 of scholarship money.

With help from the Miller Brewing Company, which will sponsor an awards banquet in March, Franco is now so confident she will raise the remaining $10,000 that she is inviting Valley students to apply for the scholarships. The awards are meant for students with at least a C average who are active in community work.

Application packets have been sent to Valley high schools, Franco said.

She said she hopes the scholarships will inspire students to pursue an education as well as to get involved in their community.

To raise the money, Franco and her committee have organized carwashes and solicited local businesses.

To reward the volunteers for their hard work, they will be wearing tuxedos paid for by Miller at the banquet.

Franco said she expected most of the remaining $10,000 to be raised by the banquet, to be held March 2 at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.

Application forms are available at area high schools or Franco’s office at the California Youth Authority, 8737 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City. The application deadline is Jan. 12.

Those who attend a two-year college or vocational/trade school are eligible for a $500 scholarship. Four-year university students are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.