The Humboldt First Scholarship Fund was made possible by the generosity of many donors, including alumni. Their contributions enable the University to provide automatic $1,000 per year, up to four years, to first-time freshmen who graduated from a high school in Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, or Trinity Counties. This financial support was designed to help offset the expenses associated with tuition, textbooks, and other educational costs. Transfer students could also be eligible for funds, ensuring those who began their higher education journey could still pursue a bachelor’s degree locally.
Through the Humboldt First Scholarship and the continued generosity of many donors, Cal Poly Humboldt’s Boldly Rising Campaign was able to grow those donor-funded local scholarships and add new endowed scholarships to create the Humboldt First Initiative. The Initiative now also includes scholarships like the Dan & Cindy Phillips Endowment Scholarship, the Sherman Schapiro Scholarship Endowment, and the Bill and Sheri Robison Family Scholarship Endowment.
So far, Cal Poly Humboldt has awarded 764 Humboldt First Scholarships, including Psychology major Harmony Switzer-Tryon.
For Switzer-Tryon, the scholarship has been a lifeline, allowing her to focus on her education while managing life’s challenges. Growing up in Arcata and Palo Verde in Southern Humboldt, she chose to stay close to home after graduating from Arcata High School. Her decision to attend Cal Poly Humboldt was influenced by both practical and personal reasons.
During the summer between high school and college, Switzer-Tryon undertook significant projects—she secured a Burning Man honoraria grant to create a large flame-effect sculpture installation and finished building her own tiny home. These commitments, along with financial considerations, motivated her to pursue her academic dreams in the place she knows best.
Now a junior studying Psychology, she is researching developmental psychopathology, exploring how childhood trauma impacts adult mental health and will be pursuing a Ph.D. after graduating from Humboldt. Remaining in Humboldt has also allowed her to support her family and provided her with opportunities that might not have been available at a larger university. At Humboldt, she has gained hands-on research experience, led multiple clubs, and built a strong resume for graduate school.
“At bigger schools, these opportunities are often much more competitive,” Switzer-Tryon says.
Being part of programs like the McNair Scholars, a federally-funded initiative that prepares students for graduate school, and clubs such as Psi Chi International Honor Society, the Psychology Club, the Aviation Club, and the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority has enriched her academic experience and fostered a sense of belonging. Switzer-Tryon also appreciates Humboldt’s natural beauty and tight-knit community.
“Growing up here, you take for granted how amazing it is to have the beach and woods so close,” she says. “Being in a familiar place helped me feel more comfortable and confident in college. Staying close to home provided the support I needed and allowed me to grow.”
Switzer-Tryon emphasizes the critical role scholarships, including the Humboldt First Scholarship, have played in her journey.
“FAFSA covers my tuition, but that’s it,” she says. “The scholarships I’ve received give me just enough to cover some rent and food, so I don’t have to work as much. In high school, I worked a lot. In college, I can focus more on my studies.”
Switzer-Tryon’s story exemplifies the power of staying close to home, taking advantage of local resources, and building a brighter future with the support of programs like the Humboldt First Scholarship. She encourages all local high school students considering Cal Poly Humboldt to seek support and scholarships.
For many donors, supporting the Humboldt First Scholarship Initiative is a deeply personal mission. Robin Meiggs (’89, Physical Education), who retired as the Cal Poly Humboldt Women’s Rowing coach in 2019, exemplifies this spirit of giving. Meiggs has contributed $10,000 to the Humboldt First Scholarship and witnesses the tangible impact of her donations each year.
Having worked at Cal Poly Humboldt for nearly 30 years, Meiggs’ journey began as a student. She describes herself as “Humboldt homegrown,” explaining that she came to the University for her education and never left.
When Meiggs retired, her husband, Scott Heller, honored her career and passion for education by establishing a legacy scholarship—the first of its kind at the University.
“Little did we know the impact that something like this would have on other programs,” Meiggs says. “Now, many ‘first’ scholarship programs are paving the way to increase access to higher education in meaningful ways, including the Humboldt First Scholarship.”
Meiggs appreciates the direct impact the scholarship has on students, and she witnesses firsthand how her support changes their lives in real time.
“I can see how it helps students achieve their academic and career goals. Supporting scholarships like Humboldt First is a way to create a legacy of giving that can be passed down to future generations. That idea embodies the pledge I took when I graduated from Humboldt all those years ago,” Meiggs says.
To support local Humboldt students through the Humboldt First Scholarship, please visit giving.humboldt.edu/humboldt-first-scholarship.
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