Honoring a Legacy of
Excellence and Opportunity
Axel F. Hoch was an influential businessman, and a pillar of the Central Oregon community. He was an adventurer at heart, and active in local organizations like the Rotary Club and Bend Chamber of Commerce. He dreamed of helping resilient students pursue education. Through the Axel F. Hoch Legacy Scholarship, his dream lives on, providing financial support to young people across Oregon, making education accessible to those who need it most.
About
Axel Hoch
Axel Hoch was a highly successful local businessman - an accomplished chef, a fine-dining restaurant proprietor, and a thriving business owner. Born in 1942 in Germany, Axel's culinary career began in Europe where he earned a degree in Hotel Management and studied Culinary Arts. He moved to the United States in 1970 and discovered Bend on a ski trip and decided to settle down here. Axel first operated the Black Forest Inn, Bend's first high-end restaurant. Over the years, he went on to operate Le Bistro, Old Bend Blacksmith Shop, Jackalope, and Barney Prine's Steakhouse in Prineville. He was an avid member and volunteer with Rotary Club of Bend, the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and the Elk's Lodge. He loved traveling and spoke English, German, French, and Spanish fluently.
When he passed away in 2019, he dedicated his entire estate with a goal to help students, who would not otherwise be able to do so, continue their education at either college or a trade school in Oregon.
Our Unique Approach
Our mission
At AFHLS, we believe in empowering students who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Our scholarship is dedicated to providing a pathway to higher education for young people who have overcome significant hardships like poverty, abuse, neglect, health issues, or homelessness. AFHLS is not about rewarding academic or athletic achievements but recognizing the perseverance and potential of those who need a hand up to succeed.
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
Our scholarship program is designed to support students without the burden of debt. We use a unique “top-off” approach to ensure that students receive exactly what they need, no more, no less. By topping off other financial aid sources, AFHLS helps recipients cover tuition, housing, food, books, and essential technology, allowing them to focus on their education without financial stress.
Flexibility
AFHLS meets students where they are. We understand that every student’s journey is different, and our scholarship reflects that. Recipients have the freedom to use their funds for various educational needs and can attend a two- or four-year college, university, or trade school of their choice within Oregon. In our first year alone, students were able to attend institutions like the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Southern Oregon University, and more.
The Power of Community Support
Our approach is highly efficient and community-driven. Many of our scholars secure additional financial aid (like Pell Grants and the Oregon Opportunity Grant), which maximizes the impact of AFHLS funds. This collaborative model allows us to reach more students, with a 4:1 ratio of outside aid brought in for every dollar awarded through AFHLS.
Empowering Students to Help Each Other
AFHLS fosters a culture of giving back. As recipients earn more outside scholarships, their need for AFHLS funds may decrease, which means those funds can be reallocated to support other deserving students. It’s a unique opportunity for students to directly help their peers, creating a cycle of support within the AFHLS community.
Support Beyond Financial Aid
AFHLS doesn’t stop at financial assistance. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and they often face unique challenges. Through occasional mentorship and community connections, AFHLS provides additional resources to help students navigate their educational journeys.