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Vineyard Team's Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship
The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship provides multi-year financial support and mentorship to the children of California vineyard and winery workers as they pursue higher education.
98% of our scholars are the first in their family to attend college. Your donation helps them get there and graduate.
My parents are agricultural workers with rigid schedules and couldn’t drive us to school. While they woke at 6 a.m. to prepare for long days in the fields, I spent early mornings in empty classrooms finishing homework and staying committed.Erid Garcia Vazquez, Biomedical Engineering, Cal Poly SLO
For students like Erid, getting to college takes more than hard work; it takes opportunity.
The Challenge Beyond Tuition
Students in this program are often the first in their family to go to college. They figure it out on their own: how to apply, how to pay, how to stay enrolled.
They balance school with jobs, contribute to their families, and navigate systems their parents never had access to. And too often, the path stops short.
One in three first-generation college students leaves within the first three years.
More than Financial Support
We invest in students for the long term. Each scholar receives multi-year financial support to help cover tuition, books, and transportation.
Just as important, each student is paired with a dedicated mentor. Because getting into college is only the beginning. Finishing is what changes a life.
My goal is to help each student with their biggest challenge including transitioning from high school to college, reviewing a college budget, and updating resumes.Alex Gonzalez, Scholarship Mentor
Lizbeth's Path
When Lizbeth didn’t get into the highly impacted nursing program, she didn’t step back — she built a plan.
Working closely with her mentor, she took part-time courses, earned her phlebotomy certification, and gained hospital experience to strengthen her application.
Now she has been accepted into Cuesta College’s nursing program and she’s one step closer to becoming a nurse.
Help Us Reach More Students
To continue growing this program and support more students each year, we must raise $140,000 by June 30, 2027.
This funding also helps secure a major multi-year investment from Must! Charities, multiplying the impact of every donation.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
$20,000
4-year degree
$4,000
1 semester of
college tuition
$500
1 semester
worth of books
Why This Scholarship Matters
Since 2015, Vineyard Team has awarded over $436,000 in scholarships to the children of California vineyard and winery workers.
This scholarship honors Juan Nevarez, a vineyard leader who believed every child should have the opportunity to earn a college degree.
But this is about more than financial support. It helps students stay enrolled, graduate, and build careers that strengthen their families and communities.
A student is ready to take the next step. With your support, they can finish it.