Scholarship Program

Arthur H. Goodman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Download the Complete Application

The Arthur H. Goodman Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of CDC Small Business Finance founder and long-term president, who passed away in 1998. Those who knew Art well witnessed his passion and commitment for helping women and minority entrepreneurs. He worked diligently to insure they had access to community services and developed a wealth of business financing programs designed specifically to fit their needs.

In this spirit, and in his legacy, CDC Small Business Finance molded the Arthur H. Goodman Memorial Scholarship Fund to continue providing assistance in perpetuity. Scholarships are provided annually to energetic women and minority students graduating from community college and moving into a four-year university program. Students residing or attending college in California are eligible to receive funds that may be applied toward tuition, books and living expenses. Students must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate a strong background in community service. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who will better their communities through their chosen career path and history of helping the underserved.

Benefactors and contributors to the endowment fund insure necessary principal is available to provide substantive scholarships into the future. Scholarship proceeds are generated through interest earnings on endowment fund investments, administered through The San Diego Foundation.

After seven years, the fund continues to grow. Already, 23 highly impressive students received scholarships that made a significant difference in their lives. To learn more about contributing to the Arthur H. Goodman Memorial Scholarship Fund or about the scholarship application process, visit www.cdcloans.com or call 800-611-5170.

2005 Benefactors

Platinum Level
California Bank & Trust
Gold Level
Bank of America
Union Bank of California
Wells Fargo Bank

Silver Level
Borrego Springs Bank
Business Community Capital
California Statewide CDC
Citibank
Community National Bank
Francis Financial
Kurt Chilcott & Carol Squire
LandAmerica Commercial Services
Law Offices of Todd E. Kobernick
North Island Credit Union
Pacific Capital Bank N.A.
US Bank

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to students who will be improving their local communities by choosing a career in business, government, non-profit, public service or other profession that will improve their community.

Women and minority students graduating from community college and transferring to a four-year university are encouraged to apply.

Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and have volunteered or worked at an organization that promotes improvement of local communities (i.e., non-profit agencies; YMCA; tutorial programs; mentoring programs; advocacy programs; etc.)

Applicants must be residents of or attending a college in California.

This scholarship is available to students who are working and attending college part-time or students who are enrolled in school full-time.

Past recipients are encouraged to apply for renewal.

Average Award Amount = $1,500 to $3,000
Average Awards Annually = 4

To Apply for the Arthur H. Goodman Scholarship 2006:

Complete the application (downloadable in pdf format from this website)
Include a one-to-two page personal statement outlining your background; your beliefs relative to volunteerism and commitment to community development; your career goals; and why you believe you are a good candidate for the scholarship.
Minimum two letters of recommendation on official letterhead. One letter must be from a supervisor or mentor of a project/program where you have worked or volunteered.
Your official, sealed transcript.

Please mail the completed applications by May 31, 2006 to:
Arthur Goodman Scholarship Program
CDC Small Business Finance Corp
Attn: Robert Villarreal
2448 Historic Decatur Rd. #200
San Diego, California 92106

Scholarship applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Applicants will receive notification that their package was received. Winners will be notified by June.

Scholarship Recipients
and quotes from their letters...

"With your support, I am seeing my dreams of becoming the first person in my family to attend college come to fruition and I am deeply grateful."

"Without the financial support from the Arthur H. Goodman Endowment Fund, I would be faced with severe monetary difficulties paying for the cost of my educational needs. I am extremely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this award."

"It is due to scholarships such as yours and your commitment to community sponsorship and involvement that I am given an opportunity to succeed. I definitely would not be here today if wasn't for your selection."

"You have given me the opportunity to continue with my future plans and it is because of people such as yourself that I am able to advance professionally and personally. This donation will pay for my tuition and books.Your help has given me the opportunity to move a step closer towards my goal and is also an affirmation of the kindness and humanity that still exists in this world."

"It has helped me greatly to pay for my schooling, and made my first year so far from home a bit easier."

"The monetary support is a blessing because it helps and gives me inspiration to continue my studies and continue to do my best."

For advice on submitting scholarship applications, we recommend reviewing "Scholarship Seekers Toolkit" at Scholarships at The San Diego Foundation