Gifts to the Cuesta Fund allow the Cuesta College Foundation to meet the pressing needs of our students, faculty, programs, and facilities.
Each year, the Foundation Board of Directors carefully distributes these funds to bridge gaps in financial resources that might otherwise impede students from receiving an exceptional educational experience. These gaps include upgrading equipment and technology, implementing initiatives for student success and retention expanding outreach and recruitment efforts, and more.
The Cuesta Fund empowers the Foundation to promptly address the college's needs and provide immediate assistance where it matters most. When you contribute to the Cuesta Fund, you actively shape the future of education by enriching students' lives and fortifying the community through equitable access to a high quality education for all.
Impact from the Cuesta Fund
Reserve Textbooks
Textbooks can cost up to $1,000 per semester, which is not feasible for many students. Therefore, the libraries on both the San Luis Obispo and North County Campuses have textbooks available for students on reserve. With your support, the Foundation is able to assist the libraries in updating their reserve with the most current materials in order to ensure student success.
Cougar Career Closet
The Cougar Career Closet is located on both the San Luis Obispo and North County Campuses and provides gently used professional clothing for all current students. Access to the Cougar Career Closet ensures that students have professional attire for their interviews and internships, helping them feel confident as they pursue their academic and career goals.
University Bound Program
The University Bound Program is designed to support students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in education as they seek to transfer from Cuesta College to a four-year university. The program was started in Fall 2021 through support from the Cuesta Fund with 63 students in the initial cohort. The Cuesta Fund will continue to support students from the first cohort as they continue in the program as well as aid in establishing a new cohort this fall.
STEM Outreach to Local Schools
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Physical Sciences outreach efforts were put on pause.
Support from the Cuesta Fund will allow them to purchase new equipment and replace
expired materials so they can resume their outreach efforts. These demonstrations
take place within the community, at local elementary, middle, and high schools, and
on the college campuses.