Skip to Main Content
Chico State
Chico State

Bernard Osher Foundation

A photo collage of reentry student scholarship award winners, featuring two female students and two male students.

A Degree of Determination

Every year, students drop out of the education system for various reasons. It takes a special kind of grit to return and finish their degree. Meet four students who refuse to give up.

Anthony McKinney sits on a short flight of stairs holding his skateboard.

Engineering Strikes Creative Chord For Musician

In his youth, Anthony McKinney chose his rock band over education and became addicted to drugs. Once sober, he struggled through school until discovering engineering—and now is graduating as a double major.

Chantel Bebee sits in a chair in her home with an open book in front of her.

Son’s Struggle Drives Mother to Study Communication Science

Once wondering if she belonged in college at all, communication sciences and disorders major Chantel Bebee quickly thrived and became a mentor to her classmates.

Brandon Wright holds his young son on his back and they smile at each other.

Accounting Major Counts on Finishing What He Started

From losing his home in the Camp Fire to his father's unexpected death, accounting major Brandon Wright has endured significant setbacks—but he refuses to give up.

Professor Emeritus Dolores Mitchell (center) leads an Arts and Eats Class class for fellow OLLI members at the Chico Art Center

A Wise Investment

Education, at any age, has the power to uplift and transform. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Chico State provides a community of exploration to more than 1,000 North State residents who are 50 years and older. Because of its impact, OLLI was awarded a second $1 million grant by the Bernard Osher Foundation.