Santa Barbara Partnerships Yield Students and Scholarships
An expanding role in college-prep programs has helped Westmont enroll an increasing number of local students in recent years. More than 50 returning and incoming Westmont students received awards from the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and the PEAC Foundation (Program for Effective Access to College) for this year.
Irene Neller, Westmont’s vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, says the number of students earning PEAC Foundation Scholarships and Nursing Fellowships has tripled, underscoring the value of community partnerships and growing support for these students and programs. “It’s hard to stay dry-eyed at these events where students receive scholarships in front of their families and significant mentors and teachers,” she says. “Westmont’s scholarships always exceed $25,000 per student, so this financial investment helps make college affordable.”
Neller credits much of Westmont’s success in recruiting students, especially 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, director of community and campus partnerships. Espinoza grew up in the Central Valley and began working at Westmont shortly after graduating to strengthen partnerships with Santa Barbara college-bound programs and help marginalized students afford private college.
Tirado served as a guidance counselor at Santa Barbara High School while earning her master’s degree. Espinoza developed strong pathways from high school programs to Westmont as she completed a master’s degree in higher education leadership. Both lead partnering programs with PEAC and Resilience, Education, Adventure, Community and Health (REACH), act as liaisons to regional high schools, and work 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.
Westmont’s Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts established Trailhead to expose high school students to life at college. Enrollment has grown in the weeklong immersive summer experience that encourages students to explore God’s call to a life of deeper purpose. The Gaede Institute also sponsors the Liberal Arts Ambassadors program employing first-generation college students who work with Santa Barbara-area schools and nonprofit organizations, such as PEAC and REACH and promote liberal arts education.
Psychology major Dacia Romero Acosta ’27 received a Ben Rockwell Jr. Memorial Scholarship from the Scholarship Foundation. The PEAC and REACH alumna plans a career in child/adolescent psychology or clinical psychology. “Westmont has not only pushed me in my studies, it has also helped me grow spiritually,” she says. “I’m thankful I found a place that wants to see me succeed professionally but also cares that I’m pursuing my God-given talents and purpose.”
Aldo Becerril Garcia ’24, a Dos Pueblos High School and PEAC alumnus, earned a degree in kinesiology and played on the men’s soccer team. “I’m the first person in my entire family to graduate from college,” he says. “That diploma represents so much hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and unshakable faith and belongs to my family and all who encouraged me. I want to keep honoring my roots and make a difference in my Santa Barbara community.” Garcia has enrolled in the 16-month accelerated ABSN program at Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing through a PEAC Foundation and Cottage Health nursing fellowship and loan-forgiveness program.
Neller says these inspiring stories highlight the work of local partners committed to serving Santa Barbara students. “We’re deeply grateful for our continued relationship with outstanding Santa Barbara community leaders,” she says.
