STEAC STORIES

The STEAC Education Textbook Program was established in 2005 to support low-income community college students in Yolo County as they pursued higher education and worked toward self-sufficiency. The program initially provided funding solely for textbooks, with payments made directly to the college rather than to students.

Between 2009 and 2014 the program became dormant due to staffing limitations. In 2015, with the support of staff and volunteers, it was reinstated. Woodland Community College and Sacramento City College helped strengthen our program during this time as they led outreach efforts and the application process directly with students.

In 2021, STEAC hired a new program coordinator who oversaw the program. After a couple of years, it became apparent that participation was declining, with fewer students applying each semester. In the winter of 2023, staff began evaluating the program’s future. Following months of research, several program proposals, and feedback from students, the STEAC Board of Directors approved the transition from the Education Textbook Program to the new Education Scholarship Program.

While the program evolved, its mission remains the same: to support students in financial need as they pursue higher education. The new scholarship model gives students flexibility by providing funds directly to them, recognizing that the barriers to completing college often extend beyond the cost of textbooks.

The first Education Scholarships were awarded in August 2025 to 21 students across Yolo County, marking the beginning of a new chapter in STEAC’s commitment to access to higher education.