CAPPS Memorial Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools

What is the role of the California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools?

The California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools, a 501c3 Corporation, was set up by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) to manage a Scholarship Program for students attending Private Postsecondary Institutions in the state of California.

From the mid-2000s, the Foundation has been appealing to donors to fund scholarships named after individuals who made substantial contributions to our Education Sector in California. These individuals were united in their goal of assisting students to realize their dreams.

CAPPS is indebted to those who have made tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation. We are committed to continuing our work to help students reach their vocational goals.

An eligible candidate for a CAPPS Scholarship must be presently enrolled in a CAPPS Member School, receive a nomination from a faculty or staff member from that school, and submit a fully completed student application.

School Nomination Forms are due by Friday, July 18, 2025.

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and given a link to the Student Application form that needs to be submitted by Monday, August 4, 2025. The email in the "Nominated By" section of this form will be included in the student notification email.

This year, CAPPS will grant 10 scholarships, each valued at $5,000, divided into three memorial scholarships and seven general CAPPS Scholarships. The funds will be transferred to the school and applied to the student’s account, not exceeding $5,000 or the cost of the program, whichever is less.

CAPPS Scholarships

Norma Ford Memorial Scholarship for Nursing

This is for students enrolled in a Nursing program.

Norma Ford was a dedicated CAPPS Financial Aid Trainer, a board member and one of the original inductees into the CAPPS Hall of Fame in 2009.

Norma's achievements were surpassed only by the bonds she forged along her journey. Norma served the private career school sector for more than 28 years and was the primary trainer for CAPPS financial aid workshops over the last two decades. Norma Ford passed away in 2010 after a long fight with cancer.

Marsha Fuerst Memorial Scholarship for Women in Medical Assisting

This is for women enrolled in a Medical Assistant program

In 1965, Marsha’s mother, Ann Kalsman, envisioned opening a college to train allied health professionals. She bought a piece of land along Interstate 10 in West Covina and began building a small structure.

As the foundation for the campus was being laid, Marsha’s mother fell sick and was hospitalized. Marsha visited her bedside, where her mother guided her about the future of the College in the event of her not recovering. She urged Marsha to carry out her dream and open the College.

Despite having minimal knowledge of business or running a school, Marsha took the plunge to make her mother’s dream a reality. As President of North-West College for over forty years, Marsha influenced thousands of students’ lives by preparing them to enter and progress in the healthcare field. Marsha passed away in 2016.

Mike Mikhail Memorial Scholarship for Recent Immigrants & First-Generation Americans

This is for students who have recently immigrated to the United States or are first-generation Americans.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mohsen Aziz Mikhail, fondly known as Mike, held a bachelor’s degree from Cairo University. In 1966, Mike flew to America with a dream and just $11 in his pocket.

After arriving in America, Mike worked as a CPA and held Controller-like positions at both public and proprietary educational institutions. In 1983, Mike co-founded Western Career College with Dick Nathanson.

Mike later owned four schools, which he sold to Gryphon Colleges in 2004. He returned to career education in 2007, when he bought Advanced Training Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike Mikhail passed away in 2010.