This summer, local golfers will have the opportunity to get out of the office and onto the golf course — all in the name of education — during the College of the Canyons Foundation’s 22nd Annual Golf Tournament, taking place Monday, Aug. 6, at Valencia Country Club.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help support scholarship funds dedicated to College of the Canyons students who are looking to enter or re-enter the workforce after time spent away from the educational arena, as well as other student support programs at the college.

Included in this group are veterans returning home from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, adult re-entry students looking to complete their education goals and eventually return to the workforce, as well as recently unemployed students who are returning to school in order to help jump-start a new career.

The populations of these particular student groups have surged at College of the Canyons in recent years. In fact, in 2012 46 veteran students received degrees from COC, nearly double the amount that received degrees in 2011 (24) and more than tripling the mark set in 2010 (14).

Meanwhile, the average age of a COC graduate is 26, which indicates that many of the college’s students are indeed returning to the classroom after spending time pursuing other career and family related endeavors.

“We are excited to be supporting student scholarships through this year’s tournament,” said Steve Chegwin, chair of the Foundation’s golf tournament committee. “Scholarships provide much needed financial support to students in these challenging economic times, and can be especially helpful to single parents, returning veterans and recently unemployed community members trying to balance school with life’s other responsibilities.”

According to the COC Financial Aid Office, on average it costs a full time College of the Canyons student roughly $2,800 per school year for academic fees, textbooks and supplies.

For students who provide for their own room and board, transportation and other personal expenses, the cost of a year of college can top out at more than $11,000, making the price of attending college one of the greatest barriers students will face on their educational journey.

In response, the COC Foundation has continually worked to raise funds — through annual giving, special events and endowment programs — to provide increased educational opportunities for students and community members of all ages.

“In essence, tournament participants will be supporting COC students beyond what public funding will allow,” said Chegwin. “Sometimes just having the knowledge that others believe in them, can make all the difference in the world for these students.”

With plenty of opportunities to participate as both a player and sponsor, last year’s tournament featured more than 90 golfers teeing off in the name of education!

Single player tournament sponsorships begin at $350, with each player receiving breakfast provided by tournament sponsors Morton Manufacturing and Chronic Cantina, cart and greens fees, driving range privileges, a player’s gift bag, lunch and beverages provided by tournament sponsor Aerospace Dynamics International, and participation in a post tournament awards reception.

Participants 21 and over will also have opportunities to partake in a special on-course beer tasting hosted by COC Foundation board member Skip Newhall, and receive complimentary margaritas provided by Chronic Cantina.

Other sponsorship opportunities include the $1,750 ‘Birdie Sponsor’, which includes four player spots (with all single player benefits), a tee sign and recognition as an event sponsor in all tournament publications.

Tournament participants also have the option of sponsoring a three-man team and filling the final spot in the foursome with a current or former member of College of the Canyons men’s and women’s championship golf teams.

Player and sponsorship registration will run through Monday, July 23. Tournament reservations are not confirmed until payment is received.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Foundation’s 22nd Annual Golf Tournament or to register as a player/sponsor please contact Michele Edmonson at (661) 362-3435 or Cindy Biehahn at (661) 362-3737.