Partnerships with SB Scholarships Abound

Westmont’s expanding role in local college-prep programs has led to a noticeable increase in local student enrollment over the last three to five years. This momentum was clearly on display at two recent events hosted by the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Program for Effective Access to College (PEAC) and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara where more than 50 Westmont students - including both current students and incoming freshmen.

Irene Neller, Westmont’s vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, says the number of students earning PEAC Scholarships and Nursing Fellowships has tripled in recent years, underscoring the value of community partnerships and growing support for these students and programs.

“It’s hard to stay dry-eyed at these awards ceremonies and events where students receive scholarships in front of their families and significant mentors and teachers to attend some of the nation’s top colleges and pursue their dreams,” she says. “It’s inspiring to see how Santa Barbara’s investment in education extends its reach far beyond our community. Westmont’s scholarships always exceed $25,000 for each student, so the financial investment is profound in making college affordable.”

Neller credits much of Westmont’s success in recruiting students, especially those from Spanish-speaking families, to the dedication of Brenda Tirado, an Ojai native who joined Westmont’s admissions team in 2019, and Araceli Espinoza ’21, assistant director of admissions. Espinoza, who grew up in the Central Valley, began working at Westmont shortly after graduating with the dream of strengthening partnerships with Santa Barbara college-bound programs to help marginalized students afford private college.

Tirado served as a guidance counselor at Santa Barbara High School while earning her master’s degree. Espinoza also began outreach to develop strong pathways from high school programs to Westmont, while earning her master’s degree in leadership in higher education. Both lead Westmont’s partnering programs with PEAC and Resilience, Education, Adventure, Community and Health (REACH), act as liaisons to regional high schools, and establish programs to bring prospective students to campus. “Sharing their own stories of pursuing their college dreams resonates with the students and families in our community,” Neller says. “The power of shared stories elevates hope and changes lives.”

One such program, Trailhead—part of Westmont’s Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts—has seen growing participation from local high school students. This weeklong immersive college experience encourages students to explore God’s call to a life of deeper purpose.

The Gaede Institute’s Liberal Arts Ambassadors program employs first-generation college students to work with Santa Barbara-area schools and nonprofit organizations, such as PEAC and REACH, helping students discover all the ways a liberal arts education can strengthen their professional skills as tutors and mentors while making and meaningful impact in their community.

Westmont junior Niko Gutierrez ’27 of Carpinteria, an economics and business major who works as an intern in the college business office, serves as a liberal arts ambassador. “I love being at Westmont and am beyond blessed to be here,” he says. “I have learned a lot about myself and seen so much growth in my time here.”

The first-gen college student and son of Mexican immigrants hopes to pursue a career in entrepreneurship and own his own construction company.

This year, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded Westmont junior psychology major Dacia Romero Acosta a Ben Rockwell Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The PEAC and REACH alumna hopes to pursue a career in child/adolescent psychology or clinical psychology.

“My time at Westmont has not only pushed me in my studies, it has also helped me grow spiritually in so many ways,” she says. “I’m extremely thankful because I found a place that not only cares to see me succeed professionally, but first and foremost, cares that I’m pursuing my God-given talents and purpose.”

Aldo Becerril Garcia ‘24, an alumnus of Dos Pueblos High School and PEAC, graduated from Westmont with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology after playing midfield on the men’s soccer team for four years.

“I am the first person in my entire family, on both sides, to graduate from college,” he said at the PEAC Scholars Award night. “That diploma represents so much more than just academic achievement. It’s a symbol of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and unshakable faith.”

Garcia, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, shared stories about his hard-working parents, their long hours and family time collecting aluminum cans. This fall, Garcia begins the 16-month accelerated ABSN program at Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing and is a recipient of the PEAC and Cottage Health nursing scholarship and loan forgiveness program.

“That degree is not just mine — it belongs to my parents, my siblings and every person who poured into my journey,” he says. “And remembering where I came from, it hits me deeply. It reminded me why I do what I do and who I do it for. I want to keep serving, keep honoring my roots, and keep making a difference in my Santa Barbara community.”

Neller says these inspiring stories highlight the mission-driven work of key partners, all sharing a commitment to serving students in the Santa Barbara community. “The success of each student reflects the dedication and leadership of Dr. Patricia Madrigal, president and CEO of the PEAC Foundation, Albert Martinez, PEAC program coordinator, and the dedicated PEAC high school counselors,” she says. “We also recognize the impactful leadership of Melinda Cabrera, president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, along with her team, and Raul Aguilera, executive director of REACH. Westmont is deeply grateful for the continued partnership of these outstanding community leaders.”