CHALLENGE GRANT APPLICATION
Challenge Grant Scholarships are awarded annually in the amount of $500 each. The scholarship can be applied for only once a year by any one applicant. Applicants must be (discharge status or reserve status) and enrolled full time at Las Positas College in a STEM- based degree major or career certificate program. Former applicants and challenge grant scholarship winners may apply or re-apply in subsequent years as long as they continue to meet the above-listed criteria
- Complete and Submit the Online Scholarship Application Form by February 3, 2020.
- A completed application includes the following:
- Complete answers to the personal information section of the online application form
- Response to the Mandatory Essay Question
Dennis O’Brien (Treasurer) is a Vietnam-era veteran of the US Air Force Strategic Air Command. He went on to receive is BS and MS in Electrical Engineering on the GI Bill from the University of New Hampshire. Now retired after a 35-year career with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, his time is now dedicated to service to veterans and his community.
Sherry Jensen is the current Executive Director of Valley Veterans Foundation. In her role as Executive Director Sherry supports the Foundation’s efforts to provide financial support and resources for military veterans pursuing not only post-secondary education, but life skills during their transition from military to civilian life. Sherry is actively involved in her community as Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer, Toastmasters community activities, and is a full time employee at the VA Palo Alto Office of Facility Planning and Development as a Program Specialist.
Todd Steffan is currently the designated Veterans counselor at Diablo Valley College. He was one of the key individuals who established the Las Positas College Veterans First program 2008/2009 and has served as its coordinator and then promoted to supervisor since inception. . He earned his MA in Career Guidance and Development from California State University – Chico, and a second master’s degree in counseling at San Jose State University. He is well-regarded by the veteran student population, faculty, administration, and community and is well-known among California Community Colleges for his innovative initiatives and tireless advocacy on behalf of our veterans. Mr. Steffan comes from a family of those who served, as his father served in the US Army and his grandfather served in World War I.