The Scholarship Foundation has received 3,477 applications for financial aid in the 2023-24 academic year – an increase of more than 26 percent or 728 applicants over 2022’s total. The applications are currently under review, and awardees will be announced in May. Last year the Scholarship Foundation awarded $7.7 million to 2,146 students throughout Santa Barbara County.

“This impressive application total speaks to a growing hunger in our community for access to postsecondary education,” said Interim Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Mary Dwyer. “We look forward to providing students and families countywide with critical financial assistance for college and vocational training once again this year.”

The Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to Santa Barbara County students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or vocational studies. For more information, call 805-687-6065.