Support student success with The DVC Foundation, empowering lives online since 1974. HOME You Make More Possible Since 1974, the DVC Foundation has been a heartfelt partner in the lives of Diablo Valley College students. As a nonprofit organization, we’re here to uplift students not just in the classroom, but in every part of their journey — from basic needs to big dreams. With the support of our generous community, we provide scholarships, emergency aid, and resources that make a real difference. Together, we’re helping students thrive, one story at a time. Featured Stories From Syllabi to Service: How One Semester Can Launch a Legacy Read More From an Idea to International Attention Read More Campus Corners: The Student Veteran's Resource Center (SVRC) Read More Fall Giving: A Season of Momentum and Meaning Read More “I work two jobs and go to school full-time. This scholarship gave me the chance to take a breath—and keep going.” “I used to wonder if I belonged here. Now I know I do—and I have a whole community cheering me on.” “I’m the first in my family to go to college. Thanks to this support, I won’t be the last.” “This scholarship reminded me that someone believes in me, even when I have a hard time believing in myself.” Upcoming Events DVC Alumni After-Hours Mixer March 19, 2026 at 11:00:00 PM Read More A Legacy That Lives in Creativity: Read More Alere: Food and Wine Symposium April 25, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Read More Looking Ahead: Building Momentum for 2026–27 June 23, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Read More Slice of Success: Scholarship event April 27, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Read More Scholarship Awards Ceremony & Reception May 8, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM Read More Presidents Circle Breakfast May 8, 2026 at 2:45:00 PM Read More Student Success Programs You make it possible for students from historically underrepresented communities to connect, belong, and thrive. From college to throughout careers, programs like Diamante, EOPS, and Puente are changing paths and opening up possibilites Experimental Learning From Project-Based Learning to the Viking Ensemble and paid internships, your support brings learning to life. It prepares our students not just for graduation, but for the world beyond it. Scholarships Because of you, more than 225 students received scholarships this year. These awards do more than ease the burden- they tell students that someone believes in them. Basic & Emergency Needs Gas, groceries, rent, child care- your generosity helps students stay in school when life tries to pull them away. This year, over $35,000 in emergency grants provided immediate help when it mattered most! Empower Dreams. Bridge Gaps. Create Opportunity. Change Lives. Every donation helps us empower students at Diablo Valley College to stay in school, access vital resources, and build brighter futures. Whether it’s helping with tuition, textbooks, transportation, or emergency support, your gift directly bridges the gaps that hold students back. Together, we can create opportunity, inspire hope, and most of all --- change lives . Donate Connecting Retirees Supporting Students The DVC Retirees Association connects a vibrant community of retired faculty, staff, and administrators dedicated to lifelong learning, mentorship, and unwavering support for our students. Through fellowship, advocacy, and scholarship-building, we empower current and former DVC members to continue transforming lives—inside and beyond the classroom. Check out the Retirees Association!

< Back A Legacy That Lives in Creativity: There are many ways to remember someone. Some are quiet. Some are personal. And sometimes, a legacy becomes something that keeps moving—something that creates opportunity for others. This year, the Diablo Valley College Foundation is proud to announce the Eva Cohen Endowed Memorial Internship in Digital Arts —a tribute that does exactly that. Made possible through a $130,000 gift from Eva’s family , this endowment will fund a paid internship every semester for a DVC student pursuing digital arts. Each student selected will have the chance to create, design, and tell stories through their work—building real-world experience while carrying forward the creative energy that defined Eva. What makes this especially meaningful is that this is the first time the Foundation has endowed a student position , not just a scholarship. It’s a simple but powerful shift—from supporting access to education, to supporting the experience of it. And in that shift, something special happens. A student isn’t just helped—they’re given a role. A chance to contribute. A chance to create something that didn’t exist before. That vision was brought to life in partnership with Joann Denning, Area Chair of DVC Art & Photography , whose leadership helped shape an internship that is rooted in both artistic exploration and career readiness. Together with Eva’s family, this effort reflects a shared belief: that creativity matters, that opportunity matters, and that both can live on long after we’re gone. Because this is an endowed fund, the impact doesn’t fade. Each semester, a new student will step into this internship. Each semester, new ideas will take shape. Each semester, Eva’s legacy will continue—quietly, powerfully—through the work of students discovering their own voice. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful legacies aren’t just remembered. They’re lived. Previous Next

< Back Presidents Circle Breakfast Each semester at Diablo Valley College begins with a familiar rhythm—new classes, new faces, new possibilities. But behind that first day of class is something quieter and far more enduring: a community of donors whose generosity ensures that learning at DVC doesn’t stall when life gets complicated. That community is the President’s Circle . Each spring, the Diablo Valley College Foundation proudly gathers President’s Circle members for a Recognition Breakfast—not simply to say thank you, but to reflect on the long arc of impact their leadership gifts make possible. While the event takes place on a single morning, the impact of these gifts stretches across semesters, programs, and generations of students. President’s Circle members make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more annually , providing the Foundation with the flexibility to respond where support is needed most—often in moments that define a student’s learning journey. These gifts help bridge the gap between intention and opportunity, funding scholarships, experiential learning, emergency assistance, and program enhancements as needs arise. This flexibility matters. It allows the Foundation to act quickly when a student faces an unexpected barrier, when a hands-on learning opportunity emerges mid-semester, or when a program needs immediate support to keep momentum moving forward. In many cases, President’s Circle support is the difference between a student pressing pause and a student pressing on. Just as importantly, President’s Circle giving creates a lasting legacy of learning at DVC. These leadership gifts don’t just solve today’s challenges—they strengthen the systems that support students year after year. They help ensure that education at DVC remains accessible, responsive, and rooted in real-world success. As a President’s Circle member, you are part of a close-knit group of donors who: Receive invitations to special Foundation and campus events Gain early insight into the students and programs their support impacts Connect with fellow supporters committed to student success and opportunity And each May, members are invited to gather for the President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast—a moment to hear student stories, celebrate collective impact, and look ahead to what’s possible when generosity meets purpose. We look forward to seeing you on 7:45am on Friday May 8th, 2025 in the Norseman at DVC Not Yet a Member? There’s Still Time to Join If you’ve been considering a leadership gift to DVC, now is a meaningful time to step forward. A gift of $1,000 or more qualifies you as a 2024–25 President’s Circle member and includes an invitation to this special celebration. More than that, it places you at the heart of a legacy—one that ensures learning at DVC doesn’t begin and end with a semester, but continues to shape lives long after graduation. Previous Next

<- Back to News & Articles See How Your Help has Affected DVC! News DVC Alumni After-Hours Mixer Read More March 19, 2026 at 11:00:00 PM Alere: Food and Wine Symposium Alere is the food and wine symposium for Diablo Valley College. It raises funds for culinary arts students while providing them with networking opportunities with professionals from a variety of sectors in the culinary industry Read More April 25, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Slice of Success: Scholarship event Read More April 27, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Scholarship Awards Ceremony & Reception An inspiring morning celebrating student success and donor impact Read More May 8, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM Presidents Circle Breakfast Recognition Breakfast : Norseman at DVC Read More May 8, 2026 at 2:45:00 PM A Legacy That Lives in Creativity: The Eva Cohen Endowed Memorial Internship in Digital Arts Read More Looking Ahead: Building Momentum for 2026–27 More Students. More Opportunity. More Possibility. Read More June 23, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM

< Back DVC Alumni After-Hours Mixer The Concord Chamber of Commerce invites you to a networking event on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Diablo Valley College Alumni Association co-host the gathering. The event runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Diablo Valley College Bistro. The address is 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill. Participants will meet Chamber staff, board members, and local business leaders. You will share ideas with colleagues and build valuable contacts. This welcoming environment helps you find new career opportunities. Event Details Requirements: You must bring a business card to the event. Registration: fill out this form . Direct your questions to Alumni Manager Charley Daly. Previous Next

< Back Alere: Food and Wine Symposium Diablo Valley College invites you to Alere, a unique food and wine symposium. The event takes place on the Pleasant Hill Campus. Unlike a traditional festival, this symposium focuses on interdisciplinary education. Aaron Prater, the Department Chair of Culinary Arts, oversees the program. He states the event provides a unique look at the science and craft of food. You will learn the science behind meals and wine through various educational sessions. Featured Sessions Bivalves and Bacteria: Learn the science behind the shell. Curds and Culture: Explore the science of great cheese. Little Chefs, Big Pizzas: A focus on culinary skills for younger audiences. Spice Odyssey: Take a journey through different flavors. The Future of Food: Gain an inside perspective on upcoming industry trends. Ticket Information $28 General Public: Admission for the community. $19 DVC Students: You must present a valid student ID at check-in to receive this rate. The DVC Culinary Arts program is renowned for being one of the best in the state. Graduates often work at famous restaurants like The French Laundry and Benu. This event demonstrates the hands-on learning and professional standards taught at the college. Previous Next

< Back Looking Ahead: Building Momentum for 2026–27 As Diablo Valley College prepares to welcome more than 40,000 students this fall, the need for Foundation support continues to grow. Each year, students arrive on campus with hopes, ambitions, and the determination to create better futures for themselves and their families. Many also face financial challenges that can stand in the way of their success. Looking ahead, the Foundation remains focused on expanding scholarships, strengthening experiential learning opportunities, supporting emergency assistance programs, and investing in initiatives that help students feel a sense of opportunity and belonging. Help us prepare for the upcoming academic year. New possibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities to make a difference. With your continued support, we will be ready to meet them. Donate Now to THE DVC FOUNDATION Programs like Diamanté Scholars, student emergency grants, internships, leadership development opportunities, and faculty-led experiential learning projects are helping students connect their education to meaningful careers and brighter futures. As enrollment continues to grow, so does the demand for these programs. Students are seeking more opportunities to gain real-world experience, receive financial support, and build connections that help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom. The generosity of our supporters has created tremendous momentum. Together, we have built pathways to success for thousands of students. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for the next generation of Vikings. The new academic year brings new possibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities to make a difference. With your continued support, we will be ready to meet them. Thank you for being part of this work and for helping make more possible every day. Previous Next

< Back Slice of Success: Scholarship event The Diablo Valley College Foundation will host the Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 27, 2026. The event begins at 12:00.P.M. at the Performing Arts Center. Donors will watch students receive awards and see the results of their support. Your attendance shows a commitment to education. After the ceremony, participants will walk to the Main Street Bistro. At the bistro, donors will meet scholarship recipients. You will hear student success stories. Scholars will also meet other recipients to share their journeys and achievements. Foundation staff will express pride in the hard work of these students. The gathering connects scholars with the college community. You will build lasting relationships and find new resources. On April 27th, students will prepare for further ceremony activities. Send an email to the Foundation at dvcfoundation@dvc.edu to reply. Previous Next

< Back Campus Corners: The Brand-New Engineering and Technology Building Let's take a visit to the brand-new ET Building! Just beyond the Veterans Center, where our student veterans find camaraderie, counseling, and a sense of belonging, the fenced-off area ahead marks a different kind of commitment: a new 32,500-square-foot Engineering Technology Building, now officially under construction. I like to stand on the top of the steepest stairs in county each morning and watch the construction unfold. It’s a great view from there and not because I’m winded. The groundbreaking ceremony held on October 15 marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in DVC’s investment in innovation. Funded by the 2014 Measure E bond, this $56.8 million facility is scheduled to open in fall 2027 and will house programs in engineering, construction, architecture, electronics, energy systems, and industrial design. With dedicated labs for 3D printing, CNC and CAD technology, robotics, and more, the building is designed to deliver hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for in-demand careers in automation, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. DVC President Dr. Monica Chahal described the project as a direct investment in California’s innovation economy, supported by key partnerships with employers and industry advisors. If you're interested in seeing the build, you can monitor progress here: Live Cams | Clark/Sullivan Construction . As I continue my walk toward the Student Union, the scene shifts—but the energy doesn’t. Inside the Union, students gather at the Basic Needs Center to access the food pantry, get referrals for housing and transportation assistance, or just find a quiet space to catch their breath. This is where wrap-around support lives—in a place where students don’t just survive college, but are supported in every aspect of it. And in nearby corners of the campus, learning labs continue to come alive—places where students are not just studying, but doing. Whether through music, engineering, or peer mentoring, they’re practicing the skills that will shape their futures. Today’s short stroll—from the place where we honor those who’ve served, to the place where students find daily support, to the structure now rising in between—says a lot about who we are at DVC: a college building strong foundations while helping students launch into what’s next. < Previous Next >

< Back President’s Circle: Where Generosity Becomes Momentum for Student Success At Diablo Valley College, student success rarely follows a straight line. Some students balance classes with two jobs. Others are the first in their families to attend college. Many are navigating responsibilities that stretch far beyond campus. And yet, every semester, they show up—ready to keep moving forward. Behind that steady progress is a steady source of support: the President’s Circle of the Diablo Valley College Foundation. President’s Circle members make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more annually. Those gifts provide flexible funding that allows the Foundation to respond quickly and thoughtfully when opportunity—or challenge—arises. And in higher education, timing matters. Flexibility That Changes Trajectories Unlike restricted funding tied to a single purpose, President’s Circle gifts give the Foundation the ability to act where the need is greatest. Sometimes that means helping a student accept a career-building internship. Sometimes it means bridging a short-term financial gap that could otherwise derail enrollment. Sometimes it means strengthening a program that prepares students for real-world work in engineering, digital arts, health sciences, and emerging industries. Because these gifts are flexible, they meet students in real time. A student doesn’t have to wait for the next funding cycle. A faculty partner doesn’t have to scale back a learning experience. An unexpected bill doesn’t automatically become the end of a semester. President’s Circle donors make it possible to respond—not react. “President’s Circle support gives us the ability to step in at critical moments—ensuring a temporary obstacle does not become a permanent setback for a DVC student.” Sustaining the Learning Journey Student success at DVC is not built in a single semester. It unfolds over time. Leadership gifts support scholarships that keep students enrolled. They advance experiential learning that connects classroom knowledge to hands-on practice. They help fund emergency assistance when life takes an unexpected turn. Over time, this layered support creates something powerful: continuity. Students move from classroom to internship. From internship to transfer. From transfer to career. And many return as alumni who mentor, hire, and give back. That is the long arc of learning—and President’s Circle members help sustain it. A Legacy That Extends Beyond Today When donors join the President’s Circle, they are not simply making an annual gift. They are strengthening a culture of responsiveness and opportunity at DVC. Their leadership: Builds institutional resilience Expands access for first-generation and underserved students Ensures the Foundation can move quickly when opportunity appears Reinforces the belief that no student should miss out due to temporary financial hardship Each spring, President’s Circle members gather for a Recognition Breakfast—a moment to hear directly from students, reflect on shared impact, and look ahead to what sustained generosity can accomplish next. But the true celebration happens quietly, semester after semester, as students persist, graduate, transfer, and launch careers. That is the legacy. Join the President’s Circle A leadership gift of $1,000 or more qualifies you as a President’s Circle member for the current giving year. Thank you to those who have already made their leadership gift to become a President’s Circle member. We look forward to celebrating you at our annual President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast on Friday, May 8 at 7:45 a.m. in the Norseman at DVC. If you have not yet joined, we invite you to lead with us. More than recognition, President’s Circle membership is an investment in sustained student success. It ensures that generosity continues to become momentum—semester after semester, student after student. Become a President’s Circle member today. < Previous Next >

< Back Legacy Giving: The Charitable Gift Annuity Learn how you can influence DVC for generations to come! This Veterans Month, we’re reminded that service takes many forms. A Charitable Gift Annuity is one way to continue a legacy of giving—offering you lifelong income and tax benefits while ensuring future students at Diablo Valley College have the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve in their own ways. It’s a gift that honors the past and invests in the future. Here's why a Charitable Gift Annuity may be the right giving option for you—and how it helps Diablo Valley College students... What is a Charitable Gift Annuity? A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a simple agreement between you and the Community College League of California. In exchange for your gift of cash, stock, or other assets, you receive fixed payments for life. At the end of the contract, the remaining funds go to the Diablo Valley College Foundation, ensuring your legacy supports local students for years to come. Why Choose a CGA? Income for Life – guaranteed payments for as long as you (or you and a spouse) live. Tax Benefits – a significant portion of your gift qualifies for a charitable deduction, and much of your annuity income may be tax-free. Flexibility in Giving – fund your annuity with cash, CDs, or appreciated securities. Donating stock may allow you to avoid or defer capital gains taxes. Accessible – a CGA can be established with as little as $10,000. Make the Most of your Retirement Funds If you are age 73 or older, you are required to take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA. These withdrawals are taxable and can increase your annual income tax liability. By directing all or part of your RMD to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity, you can: Reduce Your Taxable Income – the charitable deduction from establishing the annuity can offset some of the taxable impact of your RMD. Convert Retirement Assets into Steady Income – instead of a one-time taxable withdrawal, you receive fixed payments for life. Leave a Lasting Legacy – the residual value of your annuity supports Diablo Valley College Foundation programs and scholarships long after your lifetime. Real Benefits at Every Age The payout rate increases with age. For example, a $10,000 gift from a 70-year-old donor could provide $470 annually, with a large portion tax-free, plus an immediate charitable deduction of more than $4,000. Why DVC? By choosing the Diablo Valley College Foundation as the beneficiary of your Charitable Gift Annuity, your generosity directly impacts students in our community. Your support funds scholarships, academic programs, and initiatives that open doors for students of every background. A CGA is more than a donation—it’s a partnership. You gain peace of mind through reliable income and tax advantages, while creating long-term opportunities for DVC students to achieve their educational and career goals. To learn more about establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity that benefits the Diablo Valley College Foundation, please contact DVCFoundation@dvc.edu or visit the Community College League of California at www.ccleague.org . < Previous Next >

< Back This Month in History Black History, Community Colleges, and the Work of Access at DVC February and March invite us to look both backward and forward. Black History Month reminds us that access to education has never been guaranteed. It has been demanded, defended, and built over generations. Community colleges, including Diablo Valley College, are part of that living story—institutions grounded in the belief that opportunity should not depend on zip code, income, or circumstance. The history we reflect on in February and March is not abstract. It shows up on our campus in real and measurable ways From Student Activism to Student Voice When students in Greensboro sat at a segregated lunch counter on February 1, 1960, they demonstrated that students are not passive participants in history. They are authors of it. At DVC today, that same spirit is visible in programs like Umoja. This spring’s Umoja Transfer Panel , held in honor of Black History Month, featured former Umoja students who have successfully transferred and are now completing degrees or graduate programs  . Their stories are more than inspiration. They are proof that structured support, culturally responsive mentorship, and intentional community change outcomes. Your support makes that possible. Programs like Umoja do not simply celebrate history—they extend it. From Reconstruction to Public Education for All The Reconstruction Acts of March 1867 laid the groundwork for public education systems in the South. They reinforced the principle that education is a public good, worthy of public investment. Community colleges were built on that same foundation. At DVC, that commitment is visible in the ways we invest in faculty mentorship and applied learning. Through Foundation-supported initiatives like Project-Based Learning, faculty advisors guide students through structured, real-world projects with supervision and accountability built into the experience  . This is access with intention. It is not enough for doors to be open. Students must also be supported once they walk through them. Preserving and Expanding the Historical Record Black history is not only something to commemorate. It is something to document and preserve. This year, the DVC Library invited students and employees to engage with exhibits highlighting local Black history and civil rights movements, artwork from the African Diaspora, and curated book collections  . The Black History Month Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon offered a hands-on way to improve the public historical record and ensure stories are accurately represented. This matters. The work of equity includes whose stories are told—and who tells them. Why This Work Must Continue to Grow Community colleges were created to expand access. But access alone does not guarantee equity. It requires ongoing investment in transfer pathways, mentorship, culturally grounded programs, and experiential learning. When donors support the DVC Foundation, they are not simply funding events or programs. They are strengthening systems that increase transfer rates, build belonging, and prepare students for leadership beyond our campus. They are helping ensure that the legacy of Black educational advancement continues not just in February, but year-round. The milestones of February and March remind us that educational progress has always required courage and commitment. At DVC, that commitment is visible in Umoja panels, library exhibits, faculty mentorship, and the steady work of access. And with continued partnership from our community, that work will grow. Because history is not only something we remember. It is something we build—together. < Previous Next >