Network for California Community College Foundations Names The Sharer Foundation as the 2025 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year

The Network for California Community College Foundations has selected Carol and Kevin Sharer and The Sharer Foundation as the 2025 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes distinguished philanthropic contributions to California Community Colleges and is presented annually by the Network, an association of local community college foundation professionals dedicated to advancing philanthropy in support of student success.

Established in 2009, the award is named after Bernard Osher, a businessman and philanthropist whose historic commitment to community college students transformed student access statewide. In 2008, the Bernard Osher Foundation pledged an unprecedented $25 million lead gift, along with additional matching funds, resulting in the creation of the $76 million California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment—one of the most significant scholarship investments in the system’s history.

“Carol and Kevin Sharer and the Sharer Foundation embody the spirit of the Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award,” said Rico Guerrero, president of the Network for California Community College Foundations. “Their deep belief in community college students—and their willingness to invest not only resources, but time, mentorship, and heart—creates a powerful model for philanthropy. We are proud to recognize the Sharers for their extraordinary leadership and their lasting impact on student success throughout California.”

Carol and Kevin Sharer are extraordinary philanthropists whose unwavering commitment to community college students has created life-changing opportunities for hundreds of aspiring scholars. Through The Sharer Foundation, which they founded in 2015, they have devoted their philanthropy to supporting community college transfer students who demonstrate exceptional determination, resilience, and potential. The Sharer Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial and programmatic support to exceptional California community college students who have completed their associate’s degrees as they transfer to a University of California or a Cal State University. The Sharers have built a philanthropic model that goes far beyond traditional scholarships. Each Sharer Scholar receives sustained personal attention, mentoring, and regular check-ins from the Foundation’s team, ensuring students have both the financial and emotional support needed to thrive as they transition to four-year universities.

“Community college students often face the greatest barriers, yet they possess extraordinary grit and capability,” said Kevin Sharer, co-founder of the Sharer Foundation. “By reducing financial concerns and connecting students to resources and support at their universities, Sharer Scholars can fully engage in their college experience, complete their bachelor’s degrees, and have a direct impact on society.”

Since its inception, the Sharer Foundation has supported 222 Sharer Scholars, including 182 students in California, and has awarded more than $5.76 million in funding. Today, the Foundation focuses exclusively on supporting California community college students through partnerships with El Camino College, Santa Monica College, and UC Berkeley.

“Carol and Kevin Sharer exemplify the very best of transformational philanthropy,” said Dr. Brenda Thames, president of El Camino College. “Their investment in our students is deeply personal, intentional, and empowering. The Sharer Scholars program at El Camino College is opening doors for students who might otherwise be unable to complete their bachelor’s degrees.”

The impact of the Sharer Foundation is best reflected in the voices of its students. Ava Leon Schaeffer, a Sharer Scholar at El Camino College, shared, “Earning the Sharer Scholars scholarship means that I will never have to struggle alone on my educational journey. While the monetary support cannot be understated, the most meaningful aspect is the community—it felt like entering a family environment with other Sharer Scholars and faculty cheering me on.”

Through empathy, mentorship, and sustained investment in student success, Carol and Kevin Sharer have set a powerful example of how philanthropy can transform lives. The 2025 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award honors their extraordinary impact and enduring commitment to California’s community college students.

The Network for California Community College Foundations seeks to elevate the role of philanthropy at California Community Colleges by supporting the needs of students and faculty in pursuit of exemplary student success and a world-class, highly educated workforce. To learn more, please visit ncccfweb.org.