The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara made a significant impact this year by awarding over $7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,800 students, as reported by Tracy Lehr of KEYT. The foundation, dedicated to supporting students’ educational pursuits, hosted the first of two award ceremonies at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden.
Melinda Cabrera, President and CEO of the foundation, highlighted the diverse range of scholarships, ranging from $1,500 to $40,000. With the rising costs of higher education, every dollar awarded plays a crucial role in assisting students in their academic endeavors.
One such student, Brenda Martinez Rios from San Marcos High School, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s assistance in navigating the complex process of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Martinez Rios, who received a $10,050 scholarship, emphasized the importance of financial support, particularly for first-generation college students like herself.
Similarly, Tiago Eckstein, a soon-to-be graduate of Dos Pueblos High School, shared his plans to utilize his scholarship to finance his education at Cal Berkeley. Both Martinez Rios and Eckstein intend to express their gratitude to the donors who contributed to their scholarships, a sentiment echoed by many recipients.
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara’s commitment to providing opportunities extends across the county, with approximately half of the funds allocated to North County students and the other half to South County students. Tim Dougherty, Chief Communications Officer of the foundation, highlighted the diverse array of scholarships available, catering to various interests and backgrounds.
Notably, the foundation honors the memory of loved ones through designated scholarships, with donors having the option to specify recipients. Additionally, the ceremony featured a drawing for nine $100 cash awards, affectionately referred to as “book money,” continuing a tradition that began in 1962.
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded a total of $150 million in scholarships, showcasing its enduring commitment to fostering educational opportunities for students in Santa Barbara. The next award ceremony is scheduled at Alan Hancock College, promising further recognition of students’ achievements and aspirations.
