RSF History
Helping Students Towards a Better Future
In 1965, a group of 15 Rossmoor residents met to create the Rossmoor Residents Scholarship Foundation of Walnut Creek, later simplified to the Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation (RSF). Just two years later, 50 students applied from Las Lomas and Del Valle High Schools, and Diablo Valley College. The foundation's first scholarships, $300 apiece, were awarded to five of these applicants.
Over the following 54 years, the amount and number of scholarships has gradually increased due both to the generosity of our donors and the success of our investment account. Recipients are now awarded $3,000 rather than $300, in keeping with the rising cost of college. By the spring of 2021, RSF was able to assist 56 students from seven local high schools and Diablo Valley College, and 2 students from the Golden Rain Foundation family.
Over the years, RSF has partnered with Rossmoor clubs and residents. Some underwrite the basic $3,000 scholarship; for example, the Rotary Club donates $12,000 for four basic scholarships, while individuals donate (often anonymously) the cost for one. Other residents and clubs contribute "add-on” scholarships to the basic RSF award. Recipients of add-ons meet special additional requirements in order to qualify for another $2,500 in scholarship money, making their total award $5,500.
Clubs contributing "add-an· scholarships include the Chinese American Club of Rossmoor, the Rossmoor Chamber Music Society, and the Computer Club of Rossmoor. Examples of resident-sponsored scholarships indude the Kaplan Community Service award, the Hagstrom award for students pursuing pre. medical studies, the Peratis scholarship for a woman majoring in a STEM field, and the Eleanor Knapp award which goes to a DVC student who is a single mother.
Beginning in 2012, Waterford residents have donated funds every year for a partner program granting scholarships to students employed at Waterford. As of 2020, RSF also designates two scholarships each year for a Rossmoor employee or employee's child.
RSF trustees are awed by the determination, hard work, and accomplishments of our scholarship recipients. It continues to be our privilege to assist them in financing their higher education and to let them know in a tangible way that we believe in them and their dreams.