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This fall semester, a record-breaking 2,093 students enrolled in the SBCC Promise to pursue their dreams at Santa Barbara City College!

In 2016, the Foundation launched the SBCC Promise, offering all recent, local high school graduates the opportunity to attend SBCC full-time at no cost. Since then, more than 7,000 students have participated.

The SBCC Promise relies entirely on private support and covers all required fees, books, and supplies for up to two years. By removing financial barriers, the SBCC Promise ensures that SBCC’s life-changing educational programs are fully accessible to all local students.

In 2023, SBCC Promise alum Anjelica Bravo graduated from SBCC’s School of Nursing, earning her LVN (Licensed Vocational Nursing) certificate. This opened up numerous opportunities for her, including the ability to work in various healthcare settings such as Channel Islands Post Acute, the skilled nursing facility where she is currently works. It also provided a solid foundation for further education and advancement in nursing, such as becoming an RN—she is now enrolled in the registered nursing program at SBCC.

“I am incredibly thankful for the SBCC Promise,” she said. “And for the nursing scholarships I received through the Foundation. Being a full-time mom, student, and working part-time was a challenging balance, and these financial supports made a huge difference in helping me achieve my goals.”

The SBCC Foundation awarded approximately $1,042,475 in scholarships to more than 850 SBCC students for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Cristina Montejano is this year’s recipient of the President’s Scholarship, which is one of the top prizes available, endowed through the estates of Janet and Eugene Aiches and by the Luria Budgor Family Foundation.

“When I was notified that I had been selected, I was truly at a loss for words,” Cristina said. “I couldn’t help but get emotional knowing the financial relief it would bring me. The thought of attending a university seemed like an unattainable dream a couple of years ago, mainly due to financial constraints. Thanks to the generosity provided through the Foundation, this dream has now become accessible and I am forever grateful for the support.” Cristina transferred to UC Berkeley this fall to study economics.

On October 23, the SBCC Foundation hosted a private tour of Santa Barbara City College’s Marine Diving Technology (MDT) Program. Guests explored the diving facility, watched students in action, visited the welding lab, learned about hyperbaric chambers, and much more.

Key highlights from the event:

Santa Barbara is the birthplace of commercial diving!
SBCC is one of the only dive schools that offers an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Marine Diving Technology along with Diving certification.
The SBCC Marine Diving Technologies Program is recognized globally for its vocational excellence and cutting-edge curriculum. In 1998, it received the Exemplary Program Award from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
The program opens doors to limitless career opportunities with a Commercial Diver Certificate—whether it’s becoming an underwater crime investigator or working in underwater special effects, and so much more.

Sara Smith Monologue Competition winners with Anne Smith Towbes (center)

The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Arts Department proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Sara Evelyn Smith Monologue Competition. These talented students competed with monologues on November 6 in the Jurkowitz Theatre, and were awarded $1,000 each for the 2024–2025 school year. The competition is judged by faculty members of the Theatre Arts Department and Anne Smith Towbes, who was a past member of the SBCC Foundation Board and instrumental in establishing the scholarship in 2001.

The winners of the monologue competition this year are: Adrian Arias, AJ DeAugustine, Lydia Charkhian, ElleDeja Connolly, Luke Hamilton, Charlotte Hecker, JT Kelleher, and Grace Wilson.

“I am always so happy to be involved in the Sara Smith Monologue Competition each year,” Anne Smith Towbes said. “It not only keeps alive the name and legacy of my late mother-in-law, a renowned and beloved drama and speech teacher in Detroit, Michigan, it also gives the winners confidence in solo performing before an audience and a small financial cushion to reward them for their hard work in preparing and presenting their monologues. This year’s group of winners is outstanding and I enjoyed every presentation. I encourage future theater students at SBCC to consider applying for next year’s awards. Best of luck to all the winners. Who knows? We may see some of them on Broadway one of these days!”

The Santa Barbara City College Foundation and SBCC express heartfelt gratitude to the Santa Barbara community, the Yes on Measure P campaign, and all of their volunteers for the passage of Measure P. This vital bond extension will enable the college to enhance facilities, update technology, and continue offering a high-quality educational experience. It reflects the community’s commitment to SBCC’s mission of empowering students through affordable, accessible, and innovative education.

Measure P will support essential campus improvements that directly benefit students, faculty, and staff, ensuring that SBCC remains a leading educational institution in the region and state.

For updates on the Measure P Bond Extension please visit the Measure P transparency web page.