Maribel Franco Memorial College Scholarship
Graciously funded by the Berti Family and private donations.
Support future scholarships by making a donation here.
Maribel Franco was a daughter, sister, friend and mentor. As a UCSB graduate and a graduate student at Cal State Long Beach, Maribel’s dream was to attend college and find a way to give back to those who were disadvantaged due to socioeconomic factors. In the spring of 2014, the Santa Barbara Police Activities League first met Maribel as a tutor with Cal-SOAP. Maribel quickly distinguished herself as a person students could turn to for academic help, advice, and a positive outlook on life.
Education, school and community involvement were essential to Maribel and she encouraged everyone she met to strive for the best. In the two and a half years Maribel was with SBPAL, her positive impact on the lives of Santa Barbara teens was immeasurable. Unfortunately, Maribel’s life was tragically cut short due to a drunk driving accident in October 2016. Her passion for life and commitment to serve others continues to live on in those whose paths she crossed.
This memorial scholarship reflects the traits Maribel exhibited. Maribel was committed and attentive to all she knew. All that knew her felt her positive influence. Her smile was infectious and remains with all of us today. Maribel’s life is a reminder that no matter what the circumstances or obstacles, one person can make a positive impact and difference.
Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year open on December 30, 2025!
Awards range from $500-$2,500
Eligibility
Applicants must be a high school graduating SBPAL participant (c/o 2025) or a SBPAL alumni who graduated high school in the last six years (c/o 2019). High school graduates who took a gap year or delayed starting college are still eligible as long as applicant meets the six-year window requirement – Applicants who have not participated in PAL programs are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be planning to attend or must be currently attending a state-accredited/nationally-accredited two or four-year college/university (undergraduate studies) or a trade/vocational school. Online-only programs from accredited institutions are acceptable.
Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation: from a teacher, mentor or community leader. SBPAL staff (including paid PAL tutors) and the SBPAL Board of Directors may not submit a letter of recommendation.
Applicants must provide a copy of an unofficial high school transcript (if applicant is in college, please only include an unofficial copy of your college transcripts) – GPA will not be a determining factor, transcripts will be used to identify academic trends throughout your high school and or college career.
Application Instructions
Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year open December 30, 2025!
SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed by the Maribel Franco Scholarship committee including members of the Franco family. Recipients will be awarded based on the following criteria:
Demonstration of commitment and desire to have a positive influence in their school and/or community.
Demonstration of leadership skills in school and/or community.
The number of years involved with SBPAL programs.
THE ESSAY – The essay must be typed and have a minimum of 500-1,000 words for high school applicants and 1,000-1,200 words for alumni. All pages must include your name, address, and telephone number in the header. Essay questions can be located on the high school or alumni application above. All questions must be answered.
SCHEDULE - Applications and all supporting materials must be completed, and post marked by February 21st, 2025 at 6pm. Any incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 11th, 2025 via email or phone call. Award Ceremony will be held on either April 5th, 2025.
PUBLICITY - By applying, recipients agree to have their name and photo published on SBPAL platforms such as newsletters, signs, websites, affiliated websites, social media, and news releases announcing the results at SBPAL’s discretion.
Applications may be:
Mailed:
Santa Barbara Police Activities League
Maribel Franco College Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 91121
Santa Barbara, CA 93190
Emailed:
info@sbpal.org with "Maribel Franco Memorial College Scholarship 2025" as the subject line
Dropped off:
The Twelve35 Teen Center
1235 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
*Scholarship awards made by the Scholarship Committee and Franco family are final.
**Scholarship Awards will be made directly to the College/University once proof of enrollment is provided.
***Scholarship funds will be distributed during the 2025-2026 academic school year through your institution.
****Failure to comply with additional requests regarding information will result in forfeiting scholarship award.
Past Recipients
2024-2025 Recipients
Pictured Above
Alessandra Godoy • Alondra Hernandez • Amanda Sanchez-Moctezuma • Atziry Mendoza • Brisa Alonso • Cynthia Andrade • Francisco Arroyo • Gabriella Martinez • Jade Martinez • Joel Flores • Kevin Sanchez • Mayleen Montes • Rodrigo Gonzalez • Sofia Carillo • Victor Rendon
2023-2024 Recipients
Alexis Flores Vivero • Alondra Hernandez • Ariana Flores Vivero • Brisa Alonso • Charles Thom • Cynthia Andrade • Dacia Romero Acosta • Emily Castillo-Maradiaga • Erin Lazaro • Francisco Placencia • Gabriella Martinez • Heide Miranda Barreto • Jade Martinez • Jared Martinez • Jeamy Cruz • Jessica Hernandez • Joel Flores • Jose Escobar • Joseline Gonzalez • Joseph Ortiz-Landell • Josue Valdez • Lenaiya DeAlba • Leslie Ricardo Vasquez • Lexis Lopez • Linda Lara • Lizbeth Sotero • Nathalie Cobian • Quetzally Hernandez Nieto • Sofia Carrillo • Wendy Benitez Jaramillo
2022-2023 Recipients
Alessandra Cobian Simon • Alessandra Uruqilla • Andrew Perez • Ariana Flores Vivero • Atzyry Mendoza • Brisa Alonso Perez • Denise Ricardo • Emma McWhirter • Emily Castillo • Erin Lazaro • Evony Aguirre • Gloria Sondoval Garcia • Jade Martinez • Jose Gonzalez Guadalupe • Kaelia Garcia • Katherin Silva • Larry Bermudez • Leslie Ricardo • Lesly Abrego • Lexis Lopez • Linda Lara • Marielena Lopez • Mia Velasquez • Quetzally Hernandez Nieto • Wendy Benitez Jaramillo • Wendy Rodriguez • Yara Martinez
2021-2022 Recipients
Angel Mateo • Antonio Solis • Ariana Flores Vivero • Denise Ricardo • Emily Castilo • Erin Lazaro • Jade Martinez • Jose Navarro • Victor Gallegos • Yara Martinez
2020-2021 Recipients
Angel Mateo • Andrew Gutierrez • Adan Vences • Alan Salgado • Ariana Flores Vivero • Ariana Perez • Diego Chavez • Erin Lazaro • Eduardo Lugo • Gisela Flores Vivero • Jose Navarro • Juan Macias • Leslie Marin • Lesly Abrego • Linda Mendoza • Maria Tapia • Marynes Reynoso • Robert Roque • Romeo Lopez • Ruth Fuentes • Yara Martinez
2019-2020 Recipients
Alicia Pina Duarte • Brandon Salgado • Emily Beasley • Erin Lazaro • Metho Choden • Samantha Deloya • Shannon Birchall • Victoria Salamanca • Yara Martinez
2018-2019 Recipients
Erin Lazaro • Victoria Salamanca • Yara Martinez • Samantha Deloya • Shannon Birchall • Brandon Salgado
2017-2018 Recipients
Alexis Mendez • Mark Hernandez
2016-2017 Recipients
Lesly Marin • Gisela Flores Vivero