CGAEF Funded Scholarships

CGA Educational Foundation Scholarships are funded by the Foundation and are offered to full-time students who are also CGA member company employees.

Don C. Beaver Memorial Scholarship

$2,500

Established in recognition of the contributions made to the retail grocery industry by Don C. Beaver, former CGA President from 1979 to 1996. This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in the grocery industry.

Jim & Judy Van Gorkom Heritage Scholarship

$2,000

Established in 2022 as recognition of Jim & Judy Van Gorkom’s continuous support for educational opportunities for the grocery industry community. Jim served on the CGAEF Board of Trustees from 2010-2021 and was the Board Chair from 2011-2016. This scholarship is awarded to a supplier member employee pursing a career in the grocery industry.

CGAEF College Scholarships

Six @ $2,000

These scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who are CGA member company employees.

CGAEF Graduate Scholarships

Two @ $2,000

These scholarships are divided between CGA retail member employees and supply/wholesale member employees pursuing a career in the grocery industry.

CGA Independent Operators Scholarships

Four @ $2,500

These scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who are themselves employed by, or have a parent who is employed by, an independent grocery operator.

"The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation has been an active participant in my educational journey. From Junior College to Graduate School, the CGAEF has been there every semester to assist me with tuition reimbursement. Although I took a slight turn from retail management to supply chain management, the CGAEF was still there for my family. My family and I are very grateful to CGAEF and the assistance the foundation has provided."

Scott Moye Costco Wholesale

“The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation played an immense role in helping me achieve my WAFC Retail Management Certificate. Knowing that CGAEF would reimburse me for the qualifying classes was a huge factor in motivating me to attend. The knowledge that I obtained from each of the classes has been invaluable and has provided me with many more skills to be successful at my job. I appreciate the opportunity CGAEF has provided me and others in pursuing our educational goals!”

Kim Gothier Stater Bros. Markets

“The Tuition Reimbursement Program has helped me financially during these tough times in our economy. If it was not for them reimbursing me, I probably would not be able to take these classes. I am very thankful for the Tuition Reimbursement Program.”

Thomas Wright Albertsons

“I am so passionate about education and I love school. Education can be expensive! The Foundation reimbursement program affords me the opportunity to take the classes I need in my current field, creating greater opportunities and options. I am an advocate for education that is why I constantly promote the CGAEF Program to my peers within our organization. Thank you for all you have done to help me achieve my goals.”

Sandy Martinez Food 4 Less