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Each year, ICA alumnae and friends pledge an amount of at least $500 to sponsor a specific student. These awards are granted on the basis of financial need, good citizenship, service and a serious approach to academics.

Alumnae Association Scholarships

Alumnae Scholarship Award

Upon entrance to ICA, two incoming ninth-graders with outstanding elementary chool records are awarded scholarships of $1500. A candidate must show outstanding academic ability, citizenship and service, and be recommended by her teacher or principal. This award is renewable each year as long as the student consistently maintains a 3.0 GPA and upholds ICA's standards.

Alumnae Leadership and Service Award

A $1000 Leadership and Service Award is given to two incoming ninth-grade students. These awards are based on leadership and service during elementary school, good academic standing and the recommendation of the student’s teacher or principal. These awards are non-renewable.

The Alumnae Association has a vital share in the long and rich tradition of ICA. Founded in 1904, the Association remains an integral part of ICA today.

The SCHOOL ECHO reported the goals of the new organization in a 1904 issue as, first, to enable graduates to keep in touch with one another and, second, "to promote the welfare of the school."

Pioneer alumae officers were: Mary Hannon, president; Sarah Welsh, vice president; Adeline Cereghino, secretary; and Regina Kast, treasurer. The motto chosen for the Association was "Constantia et Virtute" (With perseverance and courage), and a lily was selected as the flower of the Alumnae Association.

The first Alumnae Reunion took place on November 13, 1904. Approximately 100 graduates attended the affair, described int he SCHOOL ECHO in December 1904:

If anyone were inclined to doubt the wisdom of organizing an Alumnae Association, she should have been present at the Academy on November 13. It was pronounced an ideal evening in every respect . . . On all the dear familiar faces gathered round was expressed the same sweet joy at being once again among the old scenes and friends and no cloud came up to mar the peaceful beauty of the night.

In 1933, a set of formal "Rules and Regulations" to govern the Association was adopted and remains in effect today.

ICA's Alumnae Association has each year sponsored and supported fund-raising efforts for various projects and for scholarships. Alumnae have proven most generous in carrying out the Association's goal of promoting the welfare of the school, contributing to major renovations at their Alma Mater, including to the construction of Herbst Hall in 1986. In the most essential area of scholarships, ICA's alumnae have once again shown their committment and loyalty to their school. Many graduates have pledged financial assistance to the general scholarship and endowment funds, and others have chosen to provide tuition support to a specific student.

As ICA moves into its second centruy, the Alumane Association will continue to have a vital share in the education of the young women of the Bay Area.