2022 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 CGA Educational Foundation College Scholarship recipients. This year, 354 scholarships totaling $780,000 were awarded to deserving students attending college this fall.

In honor of the CGAEF’s past and future Hall of Achievement Inductees, the CGA Educational Foundation established the Legends of the Industry Scholarship as part of the Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship is an annual $10,000 scholarship awarded to one applicant who is pursuing a career in the grocery and/or grocery-related manufacturing industries.

Jennifer Pelayo

Legends of the Industry Scholarship Recipient
Employed by Smart & Final In Commerce, CA
University of Southern California; Human Resources

Read Jennifer’s story in California Grocer magazine

2022-23 Scholarship Recipients

Beginning with a single $2,000 scholarship, the Foundation has grown exponentially over the last 30 years to bestow nearly 5,900 worthy college students with awards totaling in excess of $8.9 million—ensuring that California’s grocery employees and their dependents have the resources necessary to start or complete their higher education. To view this year’s scholarship recipients, click here.

"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