The Scholarship Foundation has expanded its innovative “Future Scholars” summer program, forging alliances with four new partner organizations to broaden instructional opportunities for area youth. New program partners this year include Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, People’s Self-Help Housing, Lompoc Middle School, and El Camino Junior High School in Santa Maria. Launched… Read more »
Liliana Pérez-Cardona joined the Scholarship Foundation in 2022 as programs coordinator and was later promoted to her current position, program manager. In this role, she oversees the organization’s application and payout processes, among other responsibilities. Born in Santa Maria and raised in Guadalupe, Lili graduated from Ernest Righetti High School in 2010. She went on… Read more »
Nationwide, institutions of higher learning are still assessing the potential fallout of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act following its passage in early July. Some advocates believe it will be years before we have a full understanding of the legislation’s impact in relation to postsecondary education. The original version of the bill that passed the… Read more »
For the third consecutive year, the South Coast Business & Technology (SCBT) Awards ceremony has grossed record proceeds on behalf of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Ten standout organizations and individuals were honored during the 2025 ceremony, which took place June 17 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The annual awards recognize innovation,… Read more »
The Scholarship Foundation honored hundreds of area students at consecutive awards ceremonies in May. More than 650 people attended the Foundation’s South County Scholarship Awards Ceremony on May 28 at the Courthouse Sunken Garden in Santa Barbara, and more than 750 people attended its North County Scholarship Awards Ceremony on May 29 at the Santa… Read more »
The Scholarship Foundation has awarded college scholarships totaling more than $7.7 million to 2,125 Santa Barbara County students for the 2025-26 academic year. Most high school seniors were notified of their awards on April 25 and 29; all other recipients were notified on May 15. Of the $7,714,655 awarded this year, $3,722,847 will help support… Read more »
Ten standout organizations and individuals will be honored during the 2025 South Coast Business & Technology (SCBT) Awards ceremony on June 17 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The annual awards recognize innovation, leadership, and success in the area’s business and technology sectors. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Scholarship Foundation. This… Read more »
The Scholarship Foundation officially marked the opening of its new Santa Maria office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 8. Hosted in partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event drew some 40 community members. “The Scholarship Foundation has long had a significant presence in Santa Maria, and our organization takes… Read more »
In recent years, critics of higher education have increasingly questioned its value, arguing that the cost of tuition often outweighs the benefits of a college degree. In response, education advocates have begun to push back, offering counter narratives that emphasize the obvious virtues and time-tested benefits of the country’s colleges and universities. Much of the… Read more »
Gina Carbajal began serving as chief programs officer at the Scholarship Foundation in December 2024. A native of Los Angeles, Gina completed her undergraduate studies at UCSB before earning a master’s degree in public administration at Cal State Northridge. Immediately prior to joining the Scholarship Foundation, she served as development director for Special Olympics in… Read more »
