Americans seem to be of two minds about the importance of a college education. On one hand, surveys consistently show plummeting support for the long-held notion that a four-year degree has significant value. On the other hand, college enrollment continues to grow. What’s going on? In November, NBC News became the latest outlet to report… Read more »
More than 300 people turned out for the Scholarship Foundation’s 2025 Community Leaders Luncheon at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on December 5. The annual event recognizes Scholarship Foundation supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Featured speakers this year included Dr. Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools, and Dr. Casey Whipple, a family… Read more »
November is National Scholarship Month (NSM), so it’s as good a time as any to highlight the importance of college scholarships, especially given the challenges besetting higher education. In fact, the National Scholarship Providers Association created NSM to raise awareness of the vital role scholarships play in reducing student debt and expanding access to postsecondary… Read more »
The Scholarship Foundation has begun accepting applications for financial aid during the 2026–2027 academic year. Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available online at www.sbscholarship.org. The Scholarship Foundation received 3,334 applications during its recently concluded scholarship awards cycle. In May, the organization awarded more than $7.7 million in scholarships to 2,125 Santa Barbara County students…. Read more »
Anniversaries have a way of focusing the mind on recent achievements and fixing their meaning in a broader context. They also have a way of sharpening one’s sense of gratitude. With the second anniversary of my appointment as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation having recently passed, I find myself marveling at the remarkable… Read more »
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 »
