The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara recently held its Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremonies at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. Hundreds of students and their families gathered to celebrate the awarding of over $8.4 million in scholarships for the 2026 academic year. The funds are distributed among 2,388 students from both North and South County communities, supporting their undergraduate, graduate, and vocational studies.

Empowering Local Students

Among the recipients, Dos Pueblos High School senior Angeline Borrayo, who will attend Westmont College, received the Siefe Family Scholarship. “It gives me a big chance to go to my dream college,” Borrayo shared, expressing gratitude for the support system that eased her college application process. Antonio Yturalde, another scholarship recipient, plans to study nutrition with the Community of Friends Santa Barbara scholarship, a meaningful award given his six years of volunteer work with the organization.

Rocio Vejar Montor, awarded the Halsted Family Scholarship, will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “It means a lot to me, because I get to attend a four-year and be the first to go to college,” Vejar Montor said, highlighting the personal significance of this opportunity.

Community Support and Future Ceremonies

The Foundation’s Interim President and CEO, Tim Dougherty, expressed pride in the increased scholarship awards, which are 9% higher than the previous year, thanks to generous donors. “We are grateful to be part of a community that clearly values education and creating opportunities for young people,” Dougherty stated. The Foundation has awarded more than $175 million to over 66,000 students since its inception in 1962.

The second ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center. The Foundation also offers free financial aid advising services, further supporting students in their educational pursuits.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.