The Scholarship Foundation has awarded college scholarships totaling more than $8.4 million to 2,288 Santa Barbara County students for the 2026-27 academic year. Most high school seniors were notified of their awards on April 24; all other recipients were notified on May 15.

Of the $8,457,996 awarded this year, $4,147,018 will help support students in North County communities, and $4,184,997 will help support students in South County communities. Scholarships can be used for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational studies, including law school and medical school.

“We are tremendously proud of this year’s scholarship awards total, which is 9 percent above what our organization provided to local students in 2025. This is the direct result of increased support from our generous donors,” said Foundation Interim President and CEO Tim Dougherty. “We are grateful to be part of a community that clearly values education and creating opportunities for young people. Our impactful work this year and every year would not be possible without the many philanthropically minded people who call Santa Barbara County home.”

The Scholarship Foundation will host public ceremonies to celebrate this year’s scholarship awardees on May 27 at the Courthouse Sunken Garden in Santa Barbara and on May 28 at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center. Both events will start at 3:30 pm.