The Silver Spur has been awareded annually since 1989 to a local leader (or couple or family) for their legacy of community service. It is an activity of the College of the Canyons Foundation, which mission is to provide financial support for the Santa Clarita Community College District. "This allows College of the Canyons to perform beyond the achievement level that tax dollars alone can support and to strive for the highest levels of excellence in teaching, scholarship, vocational training and innovation. The Foundation believes that public educational institutions and private enterprise must work together to provide an affordable and accessible college education for all who have the desire to succeed."