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Scholarship Fund For Santa Barbara County Students Reaches Major Milestone

Photo by Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
Hundreds of teenagers received scholarships from the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara in 2016.

A scholarship fund in Santa Barbara County that’s been helping teens go to college for more than a half century will reach a big milestone this week.

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara will surpass the $100 million mark in scholarships awarded to more than 47,000 students during its 55-year history.

Foundation’s President and CEO Candace Winkler says the nonprofit aims to inspire, encourage and support Santa Barbara County students pursuing higher education through its scholarships.

“It’s important for us not only that they get a scholarship but they actually continue through school and get that degree because we know that’s what makes such a difference in individuals’ lives. It’s the difference between a high school degree and a college degree,” she said.

Nearly 2,700 students will receive $8.4 million in scholarships during ceremonies on Wednesday at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and on Thursday at First Christian Church in Santa Maria.