Scholarship Foundation Opens Santa Maria Office

Scholarship Foundation Opens Santa Maria Office

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… Read More

From the Desk of Melinda Cabrera

From the Desk of Melinda Cabrera

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… Read More

A Q&A With Chief Programs Officer Gina Carbajal

A Q&A With Chief Programs Officer Gina Carbajal

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… Read More

From the Desk of Melinda Cabrera

From the Desk of Melinda Cabrera

The first months of 2025 have been an especially busy time at the Scholarship Foundation. I thought I would take a moment and briefly highlight some of our recent successes. I am pleased to report that our Art Scholarship program… Read More

Scholarship Foundation Receives Over 3,000 Applications

Scholarship Foundation Receives Over 3,000 Applications

The Scholarship Foundation has received 3,299 applications for financial assistance during the 2025-26 academic year. The applications are currently under review, and awardees will be announced in April and May. Last year the Scholarship Foundation awarded more than $7.1 million… Read More

Scholarship Foundation Honors Local Student Artists

Scholarship Foundation Honors Local Student Artists

The Scholarship Foundation honored 20 student artists during a presentation and reception at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art on February 6. Selected as winners of the Foundation’s 2025 Art Scholarship Competition, the students addressed family members and supporters in… Read More

Partners in Education

Partners in Education

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has forged an enduring collaboration with Partners in Education. The two organizations regularly co-host workshops for area students and are now exploring new joint programming opportunities. Santa Barbara-based Partners in Education is dedicated to… Read More

Scholarship Foundation Hosts Annual Luncheon

Scholarship Foundation Hosts Annual Luncheon

More than 300 people turned out for the Scholarship Foundation’s 2024 Community Leaders Luncheon at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on December 6. The annual event recognizes Scholarship Foundation supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Featured speakers this year included… Read More

Finding the Answers at Home

For as long as he can remember, Edgar Olozagaste has had a keen interest in computers. It would take a family crisis, however, for him to realize that they could be the key to his future. The decisive catalyst was… Read More