The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Fernando Grajeda III as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.
Fernando, the son of Fernando Grajeda, retired from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), will attend California State University, Northridge this fall, where he plans to major in Business Finance.
For Fernando, earning a college degree is about more than personal success—it’s about honoring the sacrifices his family made to create opportunities for the next generation.
In his scholarship essay, Fernando shares that both of his parents were first-generation college students who came from farm-working backgrounds. Through determination, education, and hard work, they built careers that provided opportunities they never had growing up. Those examples have shaped Fernando’s own approach to life.
“They have instilled in me the values of discipline, responsibility, and commitment—qualities that I carry with me in both my academic and personal life.”
Throughout high school, Fernando balanced academics with athletics and part-time employment, learning valuable lessons in leadership, dedication, and time management. As a student-athlete on the soccer field, he discovered the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leading by example while successfully managing the responsibilities of school, sports, and work.
His father’s more than 20 years of service in corrections and parole also left a lasting impression.
Watching that dedication inspired Fernando to pursue a career where he can make a meaningful contribution of his own. While his interests lie on the administrative side of the profession, he hopes to combine his passion for business and finance with his appreciation for public service by working in facility management, helping organizations operate efficiently while supporting those who serve on the front lines.
Fernando’s long-term goal is to build a career that provides opportunities for professional growth while creating financial stability for his own family—continuing the legacy of perseverance his parents established.
This scholarship will help ease the financial burden of college and allow Fernando to focus on achieving the educational goals that will prepare him for a future in business and organizational leadership.
We congratulate Fernando on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes as he begins this exciting new chapter.
Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Fernando Grajeda III is pictured after receiving his 2026 scholarship award.