The Mammoth Lakes Foundation was founded in 1989 by Dave McCoy and a few of his friends to be the catalyst in bringing higher education and the arts to the Eastern Sierra. At the time, local high school graduates and residents had few choices when it came to higher education.

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It all started very humbly with a couple of instructors, a handful of students, a rented space in the Rite Aid Shopping Center strategically located next to the town pool hall. Cerro Coso Community College had been offering classes wherever they could find space, usually at the high school or in empty conference rooms.

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Mammoth Lakes Foundation and a group of dedicated supporters secured a permanent building for the college and continue to support efforts to keep higher education an affordable option to those who wish to pursue it.

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In 2014, 500 students enrolled between the Bishop and Mammoth branch campuses. Since 2003, when MLF started awarding scholarships to students, 750 scholarships have been awarded for Mono County students enrolled full time. Support for an individual scholarship ranges from $900 to $1,200 each semester and covers tuition and books.

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The Dean of the Eastern Sierra branch campuses, Kimberly Blackwell, continues to work tirelessly to expand degree and certificate programs every year.

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Students can earn an AA degree in a number of disciplines and have their credits fully transferred to a UC, Cal State, or to University of Nevada Reno.

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With the cost of higher education a major barrier to many of the kids and families in the Eastern Sierra, Mono County residents can pursue two years of college right here at home and will receive a full scholarship from the Mammoth Lakes Foundation to help them realize their dreams.

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Here are a few benchmark accomplishments the Mammoth Lakes Foundation and its donors achieved:

 

• 1989 Formed as a 501c3 nonprofit

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• 1992 Influenced the annexation of Inyo and Mono Counties into the Kern Community College District making the area eligible for state funding of college facilities

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• 1996 Built Edison Hall as a visible start to campus development

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• 1998 Lobbied for Proposition 1A to secure state funding for the $7 million Dave & Roma McCoy Learning Center, which opened to students in 2003

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• 1998 Received 265 acre land donation from Southern California Edison

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• 1999 Completed a seven-year land exchange with U.S. Forest Service and donated land for the college

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• 2003 Created the Mammoth Ski Museum

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• 2003 Began awarding scholarships to Mono County residents

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• 2008 partnered with Robin Morning to publish the first edition of Tracks of Passion - http://robinmorning.com/

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• 2008 Opened the $8.5 million South Gateway Student Apartment facility

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• 2009 Began partnership with the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre to support community theatre

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• 2010 Announced remodel of Edison Hall to include a theatre, art studio, and culinary teaching kitchen

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• 2015 Launched the 5-day Mammoth Lakes Film Festival with the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre

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• 2021 Awarded first Transfer Scholarship to a graduating scholarship student who is continuing her education at a 4-year university

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• 2022 Awarded first Roma Transfer Scholarship to a Dave's Scholar graduate who is pursuing further study in healthcare