The purpose of the William and Cora Saperstein Foundation is to further education by awarding deserving individuals pursuing an Associate Degree with a one to two year grant to help offset tuition and living costs.
The board meets once a year to decide on the assignment of scholarships. Before the end of July grants are communicated and the names posted on the foundation’s web site and newsletter. Approved as well as dismissed applicants are notified by e-mail. The board does not give any motivation, neither to approvals nor to dismissals.
The Board of the William and Cora Saperstein Foundation consists of five members and is presided by William and Cora Saperstein.
We are blessed to be able to start this foundation with the sole purpose of providing financial assistance to students that seek a higher education through community college. Our family has always cherished higher education and believe it is a right that should be available to all members of society. It is through education that we can tear down the walls of inequality, injustice and prejudice. Through the foundation, we hope to enable young people that would otherwise not have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.
Bill Saperstein came to California in 1976 to attend graduate school and satisfy his passion for surfing. Upon graduating, he started a career in Silicon Valley that lasted for over 45 years, working at companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Google. Throughout Bill's life, education has kept him curious and informed, allowing him to fulfill his wildest dreams and achieve his greatest ambitions.
"Education will continue as long as I’m alive; and I will always be the student and not the graduate. The greatest gift I can give anyone is the joy and accomplishment of learning."
Cora Saperstein arrived in California in 1975 from the Philippines, having received a Fulbright work assistantship in chemistry. She soon became manager of GTE’s Belmont California analytics lab where she spent 10 years. During the time at GTE, Cora continued her education taking graduate courses in both physical chemistry and management. After her second child, Cora left GTE to devote more time to family, but volunteered as a tutor and library assistant in both her kids' schools and worked with teachers and principals to establish programs for students with learning difficulties.
"Throughout my life, I have always believed in the power and importance of education. My education opened many doors for me and I want to give that same opportunity to the young people of today."
