From left: Romina Chavez Valdez, Skyelynn Love Jaime and Aiko Guinto Panelo received their associate degrees at a ceremony at Bakersfield College on May 16. Photo via The Wonderful Company

The Wonderful Company announced Wednesday that its Wonderful Community Scholarship program will expand to serve more students, expanding into two new schools — Avenal and Firebaugh — continuing its support of first-generation students in the Central Valley.

The expansion will serve additional students in the cities of Wasco and Shafter and will also now serve Avenal and Firebaugh, providing students with up to $12,000 over four years of college.

“The majority of our Wonderful Education Scholars, 90% of whom identify as first-generation, cite finances as one of the biggest barriers to pursuing a college education,” said Andy Anzaldo, chief operating officer of corporate social responsibility at The Wonderful Company. “At Wonderful, we believe that with the right tools, every student can succeed not only in pursuing higher education but in exploring new pathways toward professional and economic opportunities.”

In addition to the Wonderful Community Scholarship, the Wonderful Company has committed more than $1 billion in the Central Valley to drive key initiatives, including those in education, health and wellness, community development and sustainability.

Eligible 12th grade students will be contacted by their school administration about application status by mid-September.