Letter from Crystal C. Chavez-Jones:

Thank you for coming to our Web site and for your interest in our Foundation. This is a family foundation and our mission is driven by the values of the Chavez family.

In May of 2007 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. College graduation is a milestone for me and my family because I am the first family member to graduate from college. I did it and I believe that every person can do it too with faith in God, family involvement, and a certainty that all things are possible. This is why I started the Crystal C. Chavez Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization: to help and encourage young people in my community who have the motivation but lack the  resources to attend  college.

I know first hand how much scholarships helped me with my college costs. I grew up in South El Monte and experienced the challenges students face. I know that the local public schools are lacking resources, that classrooms are not 21st century ready and the environment is not conducive to learning. The Crystal C. Chavez Foundation aims to provide college scholarships to qualified seniors enrolled in the El Monte Union High School District. The burden of paying for college is a detriment for many students, and since 71% of students in the El Monte Union High School District come from lower income families, I am certain that our scholarships are part of the solution. Look at the District Accountability Report Card at http://www.emuhsd.k12.ca.us/district/resources.htm.

A higher education helps develop a person’s mind, increases wisdom, and raises the likelihood that a person will gain full access to our country’s economic, political and social opportunities.

I am very thankful for my experience at the University of Southern California, which has equipped me with the skills I need to attack life with courage, confidence and conviction. As a result, I am one step closer on my path in reaching my own American Dream. Though there is much to be done to increase the number of today’s youth entering a college or university, the future looks bright. Working together, we can light the way to your American Dream.

Crystal C. Chavez-Jones