For more information contact the Foundation Office at
(661) 362-3434.

The College of the Canyons (COC) Foundation began as an independent public corporation and was reclassified in September 1987 to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit auxiliary organization of the College.  The Board of Directors consists of volunteer business and community leaders from the Santa Clarita Valley. While governing the Foundation, the Board works to generate funds for COC in order to provide an affordable and accessible college education for all having the desire to succeed. Like other educational institutions, our college needs charitable gifts to endow scholarships and to support educational programs and capital improvements, which can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary programs and services for student success. Through the support of Corporate Sponsors, Patrons and Friends, COC continues to build strong partnerships with private enterprise and the Santa Clarita Valley.

Through annual giving, special events and endowment programs, the Foundation provides the College with crucial private financial resources. These funds enable the College to perform beyond the achievement level that tax dollars can support and to strive for the highest levels of excellence in teaching, scholarship, vocational training and innovation. Each year the Foundation grants more than $500,000 back to the College in various forms of support.

Scholarships are vital for students in the community who want to attend college but simply cannot afford it. The Foundation sponsors endowed and expendable scholarship programs in a variety of areas, including the Awarding Excellence Scholarship for honors students; and the SCV Boys and Girls Club Scholarship for at risk students.

The Foundation supports groups, such as the Library Associates which supports books, reading and high-quality library services at College of the Canyons Library;  Friends of the Fine Arts and the Center for Early Childhood Education Circle of Friends.

The Alumni & Friends, established in 1986, is responsible for the organization and coordination of all student/alumni activities sponsored by the COC Foundation. The committee operates in conjunction with the Foundation’s Board of Directors to enhance the educational programs at the College, and to strengthen the relationship between alumni and their alma mater.

The President’s Circle is comprised of prominent community leaders, alumni members and corporations that are dedicated to the success of College of the Canyons. As the premier support group at COC, members contribute $1,500 or more annually. Legacy Society members have made a planned gift to the College of the Canyons Foundation to support the future.

The Athletics Department continues its dramatic expansion, as 1998 marked the return of the football team, and the addition of women’s soccer, golf and water polo. The Cougar Club, a support group for the different athletic programs on campus, holds various benefits and activities to raise funds. The Cougar Den, named to honor the competitive sports teams fielded by the college, is a newly created facility featuring three barbecue stations, ample seating for 175 to 200, grassy areas and a fabulous water feature. The Cougar Den is available for community events on a limited basis. Contact the Alumni office.

With the help of our contributors and our continued success, College of the Canyons will remain a pillar in the community, educating everyone interested in learning, and supporting programs that enhance the education process.