The Matsui Foundation recently presented 33 checks for $30,000 a piece to all the students joining the "Computer Science in 3" program run by Hartnell College and Cal State Monterey Bay.

The three-year program provides graduates with bachelor’s degrees in computer science. The first cohort will graduate in 2016.

Both the Matsui Foundation and CSin3 target underserved students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Starting with one $40,000 scholarship awarded in 2004, the Matsui Foundation has granted more than $5 million in scholarships to nearly 200 students in Monterey County during the past 11 years, according to a foundation spokesperson.

Alonso Mendoza, a student from CSin3 Cohort 1, originally began his studies with an eye toward a degree in engineering or math. However, he was intrigued by CSin3. “I had no idea what computer science was, but I applied and got in. Right away I knew that I had gotten into a good program. It has changed my life," he said.

Mendoza also starred in the documentary about the CSin3 program shown to the audience of more than 200 students, faculty, staff, parents and other family members at a recent foundation event.

It's going to be fun to profile the first graduating class of CSin3! I can hardly wait.