Thousand Oaks, Cali. — The Steele Family Foundation’s WISE Scholarship Program is proud to announce a new partnership with California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran), joining forces to create pathways to higher education for high-achieving students who have been historically underserved.
Through this collaboration, WISE scholars will benefit from personalized mentorship, career guidance, and access to Cal Lutheran’s academic and early-college experiences, designed to support students in reaching their full potential. The partnership includes financial support for scholars, including one full-tuition, four-year scholarship in the first cohort, with additional support provided for housing and meals as needed.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing equitable access to education and empowering students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally,” said Ryan Gurr, Corporate Development and Strategy Manager at WISE. “Cal Lutheran’s dedication to student success, community engagement, and holistic development aligns seamlessly with our mission to expand opportunity and impact for the next generation of leaders.”
As part of the collaboration, WISE scholars will have the opportunity to participate in early college programs, summer intensives, campus shadow days, and professional development experiences. Cal Lutheran will also provide career coaching, internship placements, and service-learning opportunities, while WISE continues to offer mentorship, life-skills training, and long-term success coaching.
“We are excited to partner with The Steele Family Foundation’s WISE Scholarship Program to support talented students from diverse backgrounds,” said Dr. Brandy Yee, Assistant to the Provost of Programs and Partnerships at Cal Lutheran. “Together, we are creating pathways that not only provide access to college but also ensure students are positioned to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
By combining financial support, early-college experiences, and long-term mentorship, this partnership creates a comprehensive model designed to help WISE scholars succeed from admission through graduation and beyond.
About The WISE Scholarship Program
The Steele Family Foundation’s WISE (World Impact Scholarship and Education) Scholarship Program empowers participants to earn funds for their education, build meaningful careers, and grow as global citizens. WISE partners with schools, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to support students from under-resourced communities as they pursue their academic and personal goals.
About California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) is a private university in Thousand Oaks, California, committed to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Cal Lutheran offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and emphasizes experiential learning, professional development, and social responsibility to prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. For more information, visit callutheran.edu.
Media Contact
Ryan Gurr
WISE Scholarship Program
ryan@wisescholarship.org
###
