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Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

Creating opportunity, transforming lives…one scholarship at a time

Student Story

Anthony Delacruz
Santa Clara University

With support from the Scholarship Foundation, this determined young man has his sights set on becoming a doctor and serving his community.

Featured News

Dougherty Appointed Interim President & CEO March 11, 2026 - Tim Dougherty, a communications executive with deep ties to the area’s nonprofit sector, has been appointed interim president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. He will succeed… ... Read More
Foundation Honors South County Student Artists March 6, 2026 - The Scholarship Foundation honored 20 student artists during a reception at Art & Soul Gallery in Santa Barbara on Tuesday, March 3. As winners of the Foundation’s 2026 Art Scholarship… ... Read More

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Mar 18

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It is with sadness that we note the recent passing of Vicki Hazard. A generous supporter of the Scholarship Foundation over many years, Vicki had a special affinity for our art scholarship program. In fact, such was her devotion that she came to serve as the program’s unofficial ambassador, advocating for and encouraging participating student artists, and lending a hand behind the scenes. Upon joining the Foundation Art Committee in 2010, she established the Bob and Vicki Hazard Art Scholarship. We are proud to award this scholarship once again this year. Thank you, Vicki.

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Mar 16

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The Scholarship Foundation has received 3,481 applications for financial assistance during the 2026-27 academic year – an increase of more than 5 percent over last year’s total of 3,299. The applications are currently under review, and awardees will be announced in April and May. Last year, the Scholarship Foundation awarded more than $7.7 million to 2,125 students throughout Santa Barbara County.

The Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to county students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or vocational studies. For more information, call 805-687-6065 or visit www.sbscholarship.org.

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Mar 12

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We are pleased to be working with Blair Search Partners in our quest for a new President & CEO. This is an incredible opportunity to lead one of the most established and well-known philanthropic organizations in the region. As the primary champion for educational equity in the county, the President & CEO serves as a highly visible leader, working in close partnership with the Board and overseeing a dedicated professional team. Complete information and application instructions are available on the Blair website: https://tinyurl.com/muhj2t3b

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Mar 11

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Tim Dougherty, a communications executive with deep ties to the area’s nonprofit sector, has been appointed interim president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation. He will succeed outgoing president and CEO Melinda Cabrera, effective March 12. More available on our website, www.sbscholarship.org.

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Mar 9

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Some pics from our fabulous South County art reception at Art & Soul Gallery last week. More photos are available at https://tinyurl.com/2tt8dux6, and you can read all about the reception at https://tinyurl.com/57rutfht.

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Mar 5

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Our 2026 South County art scholarship reception Tuesday evening was a tremendous success. The venue this year was Art & Soul Gallery on State Street in Santa Barbara. More info and photos coming soon!

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Mar 4

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The Scholarship Foundation continues to seek a customer service-oriented individual with a warm and professional demeanor to serve as Administrative Assistant. The incumbent will provide administrative support to various departments, facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, and perform front-line reception duties. Complete position description and application instructions are available at www.sbscholarship.org. Join our team!

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Mar 2

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Final day to submit! Don’t miss your chance!

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Feb 25

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The Scholarship Foundation continues to seek an organized, outgoing individual to serve as a North County Program Advisor. Based in Santa Maria, the incumbent will conduct student outreach and advising activities as directed by the Chief Programs Officer. Complete position description and application instructions are available at: www.sbscholarship.org. Help local students get the financial aid they need to complete their studies! Apply today!

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Feb 23

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One more week to submit! Don't miss this important deadline.

Have questions? Contact info@sbscholarship.org

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Feb 19

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Additional photos of this year’s Santa Ynez Valley Art Scholarship recipients with their winning submissions. We continue to be inspired by the incredible creative talent in our community!

To view more event photos, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/syvartphotos

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Feb 17

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The Scholarship Foundation honored six student artists during a reception and exhibition at Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos on February 12. All are seniors at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School who took part in the Foundation’s second annual Santa Ynez Valley Art Scholarship Competition on January 22. Each will receive a college scholarship.

“We are pleased to celebrate these remarkably talented young artists, whose evident skill and creative energy are a testament to the guidance they have received from parents and teachers alike. Our thanks to the folks at Fess Parker Winery and to the generous donors who make these wonderful scholarships possible,” said Melinda Cabrera, president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation.

The Scholarship Foundation invited seniors at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School to submit a portfolio of original work for its art competition on January 22. Fifteen student artists participated. A panel of prominent local artists judged the submissions in the school’s boardroom. Serving as judges once again this year were Renée Kelleher, Karen McLean-McGaw, and Ginny Speirs.

Selected as winners were Caralyn Barber (Children’s Creative Project Art Scholarship), Emma Johnson (Hazen Family Foundation Art Scholarship), Alex Molera (Hazen Family Foundation Best of Show Art Scholarship), Stephanie Rondan (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship), Anelly Tovalin (Carver Family Art Scholarship), and Devin Van Schmus (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship). Each will receive a college scholarship in the amount of $3,000 or $3,500.

More photos coming soon!

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Feb 13

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Our thanks to Noozhawk for covering this important story: https://tinyurl.com/mr3z6rud. We will have more to share on this subject in the coming days, as will President Cabrera. For now we'll say this: Thank you, Melinda, for your leadership, hard work, and vision! And congrats on your new position!

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Feb 10

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The Scholarship Foundation seeks an organized, outgoing individual to serve as a North County Program Advisor. Based in Santa Maria, the incumbent will conduct student outreach and advising activities as directed by the Chief Programs Officer. Complete position description and application instructions are available at: www.sbscholarship.org. Help local students get the financial aid they need to complete their studies! Apply today!

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Feb 9

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Important deadline approaching!
Have questions? Contact info@sbscholarship.org.

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Feb 5

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In her latest commentary, Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Melinda Cabrera urges the community to support students who choose to pursue college in the face of worsening public opinion about institutions of higher learning. https://tinyurl.com/y4xz6yba

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Feb 3

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Our thanks to the Santa Barbara Independent for spreading the word about our 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency: https://tinyurl.com/3684uayn. The Scholarship Foundation has now received eight consecutive Platinum Seals!

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Jan 30

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LAST CHANCE to submit your 2026-27 scholarship application!

Have questions? Contact info@sbscholarship.org.

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Jan 28

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Time is running out! Submit your 2026-27 scholarship application today!

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Jan 27

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We are on the lookout for a customer service-oriented individual with a warm and professional demeanor to serve as Administrative Assistant. The incumbent will provide administrative support to various departments, facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, and perform front-line reception duties. Complete position description and application instructions are available at www.sbscholarship.org/careers. Join our team!

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