.webp)
The story of Virginia Smith is one that continues to shape Merced’s future. Her generosity created educational opportunities for generations of students and even helped bring UC Merced to life. Now, with a new development project underway, her legacy is entering an exciting new chapter that promises life-changing scholarships and lasting community growth.
Who Was Virginia Smith?
Virginia Smith grew up in Merced and cared deeply for this community. She left a 7,000-acre estate to the Merced County Office of Education to manage for local benefit. For 47 years, the Virginia Smith Trust, often called VST, awarded scholarships to college juniors who had attended a Merced City high school. That stewardship also helped catalyze the formation of UC Merced when a portion of the estate was donated to the University of California. The ninth UC campus opened in Merced and has brought lasting academic and economic benefits to the area.
What Changed in 2022?
A major milestone arrived in 2022. For the first time, graduating high school seniors from the city of Merced were invited to apply for VST scholarships. In that first year, the trust awarded $600,000 to local students. That single change broadened access, created earlier momentum for college-bound seniors, and set the stage for even greater support in the years ahead.
The new community rising near UC Merced
The trust is developing a mixed-use community on the remaining trust land near UC Merced. Plans include housing, retail, office space, and other neighborhood features that support daily life. This project has been years in the making and received final approval from both the Merced County Board of Supervisors and the Merced City Council in 2024. The first phase is behind schedule, yet the expectation is that homes for sale and for rent will begin coming online in 2026. Revenue from sales and leases will flow back into the scholarship fund.
Scholarship projections and timeline
Once transactions begin in earnest, the VST anticipates awarding approximately $1.5 million per year to graduates of Merced area schools who are pursuing a college degree. By 2035, cumulative awards are projected to reach $10 million. That level of support can reduce or even eliminate tuition for many students. The long-term structure matters, because families can plan ahead with confidence and students can approach college with fewer financial barriers.
Why this matters for local families
Reliable scholarship funding can reshape a student’s path. When families know help is available, the discussion about college shifts from uncertainty to planning. Students can focus on grades, applications, and campus fit, instead of spending months worrying about how to pay for tuition. This is especially meaningful for first-generation college students who may be navigating the process for the first time.
Why this matters for local employers
A strong scholarship pipeline supports a stronger workforce. Employers benefit when more local graduates earn degrees and professional credentials, then choose to stay in the area. This initiative makes it easier for companies to recruit and retain talent. Families may also choose to move to Merced, or remain here long term, because of the opportunity the VST provides for their children.
A legacy that keeps giving
Virginia Smith loved Merced. Her gift launched decades of scholarships, contributed land to establish UC Merced, and now fuels a mixed-use project designed to invest in students for generations. The result is a cycle of benefit, with education at the center and community growth close behind.
FAQs
Who can apply for Virginia Smith Trust scholarships today
Graduating high school seniors from the city of Merced are eligible to apply, as well as college juniors who previously attended a Merced City high school.
How much funding could be available each year
Projections call for about $1.5 million in scholarships annually once home sales and leases in the new development begin producing revenue.
When will the new homes be available
The first phase is delayed, but the goal is to have homes for sale and for rent starting in 2026.
What is the long-term goal for total scholarships
The trust projects up to $10 million awarded to Merced County high school graduates pursuing college degrees by 2035.
A Vision for Merced’s Next Generation
Virginia Smith’s foresight continues to shape the community she called home. Her trust’s impact is expanding in a way that strengthens education, supports families, and attracts new investment to Merced. As the new development unfolds, this initiative stands as a reminder of how one individual’s generosity can transform an entire region for generations to come.
