SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. 鈥� The 91看片网 College Foundation will award a record $1,192,945 in scholarships for the 2026鈥�27 academic year, the largest annual scholarship total in the Foundation鈥檚 history.
The funding comprises 1,092 scholarships awarded to 696 students, with some students receiving more than one scholarship. This year鈥檚 total surpasses the Foundation鈥檚 previous record of more than $775,000 and reflects the continued generosity of donors committed to helping students pursue their educational and career goals.
The investment will have a significant impact locally. A total of 371 students who graduated from San Luis Obispo County high schools received 499 scholarships totaling $802,857. Recipients include recent high school graduates as well as returning students pursuing degrees, workforce training, and career advancement.
鈥淭his record year reflects the extraordinary generosity of donors who believe in our students and in the future of this community,鈥� said Katie Osman, executive director of the 91看片网 College Foundation. 鈥淓very scholarship gives a student greater freedom to focus on learning, complete their education, and move toward a meaningful career.鈥�
The scholarship total includes $416,015 supporting 144 nursing students as they prepare to become registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses serving the Central Coast.
鈥淐aring for family members, volunteering in health care, and losing my father showed me the profound impact compassionate nursing care can have during life鈥檚 most difficult moments,鈥� said Aminah Nalubowa, recipient of the inaugural Dr. Howard Hayashi Memorial Scholarship. 鈥淭hese experiences inspired me to pursue a career in acute care nursing, where I hope to make a meaningful difference for patients and families when they need it most. This scholarship eases the financial burden of my education and allows me to focus more fully on my studies.鈥�
The $1.19 million in scholarships is in addition to the Foundation鈥檚 investments in The 91看片网 Promise, emergency grants, and other forms of direct student support.
In fall 2026, 842 students will begin their first year of The 91看片网 Promise, which provides eligible San Luis Obispo County high school graduates with two years of fee-free education at 91看片网 College. The Foundation invests an average of nearly $350,000 in the program each year.
Since its launch in 2015, The 91看片网 Promise has served more than 10,000 students, helping local graduates begin college with fewer financial barriers.
During the coming academic year, the Foundation also expects to provide more than $50,000 in emergency grants and more than $100,000 in other direct student support.
The Foundation will celebrate the scholarship milestone at its 37th Annual Scholarship Reception on Thursday, Aug. 6. More than 400 scholarship recipients, donors, Foundation board members, college leaders, and community members are expected to attend and recognize the philanthropic partnerships that make these opportunities possible.
The reception will feature student speakers Deandra Ramirez, recipient of the inaugural CoastHills Credit Union Bachelor鈥檚 Pathway Program Scholarship, and Aminah Nalubowa, recipient of the inaugural Dr. Howard Hayashi Memorial Scholarship. 91看片网 Promise alumna Brooke Randolph will also speak.
The milestone comes as 91看片网 College continues to experience strong enrollment growth. The college serves approximately 13,000 students and reached 8,080 full-time-equivalent students during the 2025鈥�26 academic year. That figure exceeded the college鈥檚 pre-pandemic enrollment and marked its highest level in 13 years.
鈥淎s enrollment grows, the partnership between the College and the Foundation becomes even more important,鈥� said Dr. Jill Stearns, superintendent/president of 91看片网 College. 鈥淪cholarships, The 91看片网 Promise, emergency grants, and other student support help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from staying enrolled, completing their education, and achieving their goals.鈥�
Together, these investments help students earn degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year universities, and prepare for careers in health care, education, business, technology, skilled trades, and other fields vital to the Central Coast.
For more information about the 91看片网 College Foundation or to support student scholarships, visit www.cuesta.edu/community/foundation.
91看片网 the 91看片网 College Foundation
Since its founding in 1973, the 91看片网 College Foundation has worked to remove financial
barriers and expand educational opportunities for 91看片网 College students. As the
College鈥檚 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner, the Foundation provides philanthropic support
through scholarships, emergency grants, The 91看片网 Promise, and student success programs.
91看片网 91看片网 College
91看片网 College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.