Alameda Support Foundation (ASF) has announced its 2015 scholarship award winners. Linnea Arneson, a graduate of Encinal High School, is attending UC Berkeley. Cole Schneider, from Alameda High School, will be attending University of Oregon. Alyssa Manzo, also from Encinal High School, is attending CSU Monterey Bay. Payam Katoozian, a graduate of Alameda Science and Technology Institute, will be attending UC Santa Cruz.

ASF selected these scholarship winners based not only on their excellent academic achievements but also for their strong leadership skills and community involvement, according to Les Hilger of ASF. During their high school careers the students volunteered at numerous Alameda charities and community organizations, such as the Alameda Food Bank, Alameda Parks and Recreation, Freedom Readers Book Club, Girls Who Code and the Pegasus Project.

State tax payers’ contributions to UC and CSU institutions continue to decrease and universities have raised tuition and accompanying fees. The cost of room and board for students is increasing, as well as for books and related educational and living expenses. The expense make it very difficult for students to graduate without being saddled with huge loans to repay, according to ASF.

To address increases in the cost of college, ASF is crowdfunding through www.gofundme.com/supportasfstudents. Funds raised will go to ASF scholars to support them with the cost of college. Contributions of any amount are welcome.