The Honorable Kathleen Akao Memorial Scholarship Application
To honor the work and memory of Kathleen Akao, a highly respected, dedicated dependency
judge for Santa Cruz County, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County
established The Kathleen Akao Education Fund. The Fund supports CASA’s extensive education
work which includes a scholarship program in her memory.
Scholarships are awarded annually to former foster youth or youth about to emancipate.
Scholarships are $500/year and continue for up to four years, as long as the student is enrolled at
least 9 units, based on an annual review. The scholarship may be for college, vocational training,
or other educational pursuits. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited
program/institution and be enrolled and carrying a minimum of 9 units.
High School seniors are eligible to apply and can list the probable college(s) or program. If a
senior is awarded a scholarship and does not yet have an acceptance letter, the scholarship is
issued when the student submits her/his acceptance letter to CASA.
Please return application and supporting materials to Cynthia Druley Executive Director. Once all
materials are received, you will be notified of a decision within 30 days.
Please type or print clearly.
1. Name: _____________________________________________________________
2. Birth Date: ________________
Date of Application: __________________
3. Address, City, Zip at time of Application:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Phone: ________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________
5. Will attend/Currently attending: ___________________________________________________________
List school or vocational institution
1. Please attach two letters of recommendation from: a foster parent, your CASA advocate,
a social worker, a teacher, or an employer.
2. Attach a statement of 300-500 words on “Why I Want to Further My Education & Why I
Should Be Considered for a Kathleen Akao Memorial Scholarship.”
3. Please attach a copy of an acceptance letter from an accredited college, university, or
vocational training program. You must be accepted into an accredited program or
institution and be enrolled in 9 units before scholarships will be paid.
Thank you! We salute you for pursuing a promising future and look forward to reviewing your
information. Please contact Cynthia Druley, CASA Executive Director, at 831-761-2956, ext. 101 or
cynthia@casaofsantacruz.org with any questions.
813 Freedom Boulevard – Watsonville, CA 95076 – 831.761.2956 ext. 101 – Fax 831.761.2913