Our Mission

Supporting California’s Backstretch Workers and Their Families

In 1998, the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) Board established a nonprofit foundation in ongoing efforts to develop programs to benefit and enhance the quality of life of California thoroughbred horse racing’s backstretch workers and their families. In 2000, the Foundation was renamed in memory of veteran trainer and past CTT president Edwin J. Gregson, who was the initial driving force in the establishment of the Foundation.

Empowering Our Community

At the Gregson Foundation, we are dedicated to uplifting the hardworking families connected to California’s thoroughbred horse racing community. Our journey began with a commitment to providing essential support, including scholarships and career guidance for the backstretch workers and their loved ones. Over the years, we have evolved into a vital resource that empowers individuals to chase their educational and professional dreams, ensuring a brighter future for all.

EDWIN J. GREGSON FOUNDATION

Officers and Board of Directors

Jenine Sahadi, President
F. Jack Liebau, Jr. Chief Financial Officer
Angie Carmona, Secretary

Board of Directors

Jill Baffert
Angie Carmona
Gail Gregson

Ed Halpern
Sarah Kelly
F. Jack Liebau, Jr.
Tom Reynolds
Andrew Richards

Jenine Sahadi
Samantha Siegel
William Strauss

Directors Emeritus

Eddie Delahoussaye
Pat Millington

Board of Directors

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Understanding the desire to pursue higher learning and the discouraging problem of lack of funds, the scholarship fund was created to aid individuals fulfill their goals in obtaining the education necessary to develop enlightenment, growth, and achievement. The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation (EJGF) has made a commitment to assist financially needy backstretch workers in securing resources necessary to attend college. It is the hope of this Foundation that the Edwin J. Gregson Scholarship Fund will be instrumental in cultivating individuals who will serve as positive contributors to society.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation (EJGF) has established a scholarship program to encourage students to stay in school, to succeed academically, and to continue their education after high school.

The program will focus on the children of eligible families and will encourage these children to focus on a college preparatory curriculum.

ELIGIBLE CALIFORNIA BACKSTRETCH WORKERS

Eligible backstretch workers are defined as those persons who engage in occupations directly relating to the physical care of horses at California thoroughbred racetracks or approved auxiliary stable areas. Eligible occupations include: Assistant trainers, foremen, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders, and pony riders. Workers must hold a current CHRB license, be employed a minimum of three (3) years in an eligible backstretch occupation, and be in good standing with the CHRB, CTT, & CTHF. The eligibility age of the children will range from 11 to 21. Applicants of greater age may be considered at the discretion of the EJGF Board of Directors on recommendation of the Scholarship Committee. Please note that other eligibility requirements not listed may apply.

REQUIREMENT SHOWING FINANCIAL NEED

Applicants must submit most recent pay stubs for two-month period. Also needed will be a brief written account detailing how the family’s financial circumstances warrants assistance. This should include information such as a simple schedule listing monthly expenses, income of entire household, the total number of family members, etc.

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

  • Must meet eligibility requirements as defined by the EJGF Scholarship Fund
  • Must complete a EJGF Scholarship Application
  • Must provide a photo (digital pref.) of self and a copy of Social Security Card
  • Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
  • The applicant will be asked to send a summary describing the use of the scholarship
  • The applicant must provide at least two letters of recommendation from anyone of choice; for example, teacher, relative, mentor, etc.
  • The scholarship may be used at a community college, university, or institute of the recipient’s choice
  • Students must provide transcripts upon request
  • Must show financial need
  • Scholarship funds may only be used for tuition & fees, books & supplies relevant to program of study, room & board, and/or misc. costs approved by the Scholarship Committee

Common Questions

If you believe you meet the EJGF Scholarship Program eligibility requirements, you may contact the CTT Office for an application. An application will then be forwarded to you, along with additional information regarding the scholarship program.

Applications are accepted annually during the months of January through April.

You will receive written or telephone notification confirming receipt of your application. In approximately June or July, you will receive notification (written or by telephone) informing you of the EJGF Scholarship Committee’s decision concerning your grant request.

The recipients will be chosen by a qualified committee selected by the EJGF Board of Directors.

The amount of each scholarship awarded will be decided at the discretion of the EJGF Board based on the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee.

All recipients will be notified by mail/telephone. EJGF scholarships will be presented at a date determined by the Board of Directors; however, distributed in proximity to college entrance dates.