Deanna Gardner is the kind of student every teacher would like in their class. A junior at Monterey Bay Academy from Yuba City, Calif., Deanna earns good grades, has a great attitude and is a hard worker.

However, Deanna never would have made it to the academy without a little help. “I love my classes, my teachers and this is where my friends are,” Deanna says. “But I wouldn’t be here without my scholarships.”

Deanna is one of many students that benefit from the available financial aid programs.

The three programs are: (1) Student Aid For Education (SAFE); (2) Central Conference 3-Way Match; and, (3) Pathways to Success—a scholarship program for day or boarding students at boarding high schools from the Commonweal Foundation.

For families who truly have the need and students willing to put forth the effort, MBA has great financial aid programs. In addition to financial need, criteria for worthy student scholarships include grades, citizenship, attendance and work program participation.

“It is really exciting that there’s so much financial aid available for our students,” says Brandon Parker, vice principal of operations. “If a student is willing to work hard, it is very affordable.”

Students are expected to give their best, whether in the classroom or on the job. Campus industries include the Campus Laundry, Santa Cruz Yachts and Deanna’s employer, Rainbow Fin, a surfboard fin company that has been employing academy students since 1968.

“Our students learn the value of work and develop character by having real jobs that have a real payoff,” says Justine Leonie, student labor coordinator.

“It’s true I work really hard, but it’s totally worth it,” Deanna says. “I feel that God has provided me with the opportunity for a Christian education and I’m going to make the most of it.”

To learn more about financial aid, academic or spiritual programs at Monterey Bay Academy, visit the website at www.montereybayacademy.org or call Jason Mustard at 831-728-1481, ext. 1221. For information about the Worthy Student Fund, contact Gina Jett at 831-729-1481, ext. 1222, or e-mail her at ginajett@aol.com.