CAPPS Memorial Scholarships

What is the California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools?

The California Foundation for Private & Postsecondary Schools is a 501c3 Corporation established by California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) to operate a Scholarship Program for students attending Private Postsecondary Institutions in California.

Since the mid-2000’s, the Foundation has solicited donors to support specific scholarships established in the name of individuals that played a significant role in our Sector of Education in California. These individuals all had a common goal of helping students achieve their dreams.

CAPPS is grateful to those who have contributed their tax-deductible donations to the Foundation. We look forward to continuing our efforts to assist students to achieve their vocational objectives.

To be eligible for a CAPPS Scholarship, a student must currently attend a CAPPS Member School, be nominated by a faculty or staff member from that school, and submit a completed student application.

School Nomination Forms must be received by Friday, July 18, 2025.

Nominated students will receive a notification that they have been nominated and provided a link to the Student Application form that must be submitted by Monday, August 4, 2025. The email in the "Nominated By" section of this form will be copied on the student notification email.

This year, CAPPS will be awarding 10 scholarships, each valued at $5,000. The scholarships are divided into three memorial scholarships and seven CAPPS General Scholarships. The funds will be provided to the school to be applied to the student’s account in the amount of $5,000 or the cost of the program, whichever is less.

CAPPS Scholarships

Norma Ford Memorial Scholarship for Nursing

For students enrolled in a Nursing program.

Norma Ford was a long-time CAPPS Financial Aid Trainer, CAPPS Board Member and one of the original Inductees into the CAPPS Hall of Fame in 2009.

Norma’s accomplishments were only exceeded by the friendships that she made along the way. Norma worked in the private career school sector for over 28 years and, over the last two decades, was the primary trainer for the CAPPS financial aid workshops. Norma Ford passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

Marsha Fuerst Memorial Scholarship for Women in Medical Assisting

For women enrolled in a Medical Assistant program

In 1965, Marsha’s mother, Ann Kalsman, had a dream of opening a college to train allied health professionals. Her mother purchased a piece of property along Interstate 10 in West Covina and started to construct a small building.

While the foundation was being poured for the campus, Marsha’s mother fell ill and was hospitalized. Marsha visited her bedside, and her mother began coaching her as to what was to happen with the College should she not recover. She told Marsha to fulfill her dream….to open the College.

Having very little knowledge about business or operating a school, Marsha jumped in feet first to realize her mother’s dream. Marsha served as President of North-West College for more than four decades—impacting thousands of students’ lives by equipping them to enter and advance in the healthcare field. Marsha passed away in 2016.

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

For students who are recent immigrants to the United States or first-generation Americans.

Mohsen Aziz Mikhail, affectionately named Mike, was born in Cairo, Egypt, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cairo University. In 1966, Mike boarded a plane to America with a dream and $11 in his pocket.

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

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