CONTACT: Katie Woods, 408-741-2176, katie.woodsFREEWEST_VALLEY
Saratoga, CA, March 18, 2026 — West Valley College proudly announces a transformational $2.5 million philanthropic commitment from Silicon Valley leaders Howard Gore and Kimberly Hawkins-Gore to support student success and expand career-connected learning opportunities at West Valley College.
In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, the Student Services Building at West Valley College will be named the Howard and Kimberly Gore Student Services Center, honoring the Gore family’s belief in expanding opportunity and strengthening pathways to meaningful careers.
The Student Services Center serves as the front door to the college, connecting students with essential programs such as academic counseling, admissions and records, financial aid, health services, disability support, and equity-centered programs that help remove barriers and improve student outcomes.
“Kimberly and Howard Gore’s extraordinary generosity reflects a deep commitment to student success and to the collective responsibility we share as a community to support the next generation,” said Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of West Valley College.
The Gore family’s investment will provide both immediate support for student scholarships, internships, and entrepreneurship programs,while also establishing a long-term endowment to sustain work-based learning opportunities for future generations.
Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Approximately $1.3 million of the total commitment will establish the Howard and Kimberly Gore Work-Based Learning Endowment. This fund will provide an annual source of funding to fuel initiatives to provide greater access to internships, apprenticeships, industry networks, and career readiness programming.
Program initiatives include:
- Student awards for unpaid internships and apprenticeships
- Scholarships and grants for students, including those pursuing healthcare careers
- Business incubator grants that help student entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures
- Expanded partnerships with regional employers that provide real-world learning opportunities
By creating a permanent source of funding for experiential learning programs, the endowment will help ensure that students graduate not only with academic credentials, but also with the professional experience and industry connections needed to succeed in the modern workforce.
Through strong partnerships between the college, local employers, and community organizations, we are creating the conditions for students to persist, graduate, and transition into meaningful, in-demand careers. This investment will have a lasting impact not only on our students, but on the economic vitality and well-being of the communities we serve,” said President Taylor-Mendoza.
A Partnership Rooted in Student Opportunity
Since 2023, the Gores have partnered with the West Valley-Mission Foundation to provide financial support to students throughout the district. The couple’s extraordinary commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening career readiness extends beyond their philanthropy as they have actively connected students with mentors, industry leaders, and professional networks throughout Silicon Valley.
“We have long admired West Valley–Mission Community College District’s commitment to providing a high-quality education to a diverse and driven student body,” said Kimberly Hawkins-Gore. “With the high cost of living in the Bay Area, many students face real barriers to completing college and launching their careers. We are proud to support scholarships and work-based learning opportunities that help students gain real-world experience, start a business or build a bridge from campus to their dream job.”
Through their generosity, mentorship, and leadership, the Gore family is helping ensure that students across the district have access to the resources, experiences, and support needed to thrive in college and beyond.
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About West Valley College
West Valley College is part of the West Valley-Mission Community College District. Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, West Valley College enrolls approximately 15,000 students annually and is in the heart of the Silicon Valley in a beautiful park-like setting on 143 wooded acres. The student population represents diverse communities serving the cities of Saratoga, Campbell, and Los Gatos. WVC is ranked number one in transfer in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area and number three in California out of 116 community colleges. The college is known for high quality academic programs and faculty, dedicated classified professionals, and an equity-minded approach to student success. For more information, visit westvalley.edu