Community Foundation awards $460,000 in scholarships to SLO County students

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County awarded $460,148 in scholarships this year to students pursuing college, trade and career education programs across the region.

In total, 100 scholarship awards were granted to students representing 12 high schools and local colleges throughout San Luis Obispo County, according to the nonprofit organization. Individual awards reached up to $20,000.

Nearly 350 students applied during the 2025-26 scholarship cycle. That was a 41% increase in the number of application from previous years, the foundation said.

The scholarships supported a wide range of educational paths. They included science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs, health care careers, aviation, trades and returning adult students.

Students receiving awards came from high schools across SLO County as well as Cuesta College and Cal Poly.

Among this year’s scholarship recipients was Nipomo High School senior Jared Aguilera, who received a Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Award.

The award recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. According to the foundation, Aguilera founded an outreach program connecting younger students with college pathway opportunities and plans to pursue a career in medicine.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Awards program, established in 2006, has awarded more than $800,000 to over 290 students across San Luis Obispo County, according to the foundation.

The Community Foundation said its scholarship program is supported through more than 50 donor-created scholarship funds. For more information about the scholarship program, go to cfsloco.org/scholarships.