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 are now open!
Awards range from $500-$2,500
Application deadline: February 13, 2026, by 8:00 p.m.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 11, 2026 via email or phone.
Award Ceremony: March 28, 2026
Program Guidelines
High School Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors and active SBPAL participants from the Class of 2026.
Applicants must plan to enroll in a state- or nationally accredited two- or four-year college or university, or an accredited trade/vocational school. Accredited online-only programs are also eligible.
Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, supervisor, or community leader. SBPAL staff and members of the SBPAL Board of Directors are not eligible to provide recommendation letters.
Applicants must provide an unofficial high school transcript. GPA will not be used as a determining factor; transcripts will be reviewed to understand academic trends throughout high school.
Alumni Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be SBPAL alumni who graduated high school within the last six years (Class of 2020). Alumni who took a gap year or delayed starting college are still eligible as long as they fall within the six-year window.
Applicants must currently be attending a state- or nationally accredited two- or four-year college or university, or an accredited trade/vocational school. Accredited online-only programs are also eligible.
Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, supervisor, or community leader. SBPAL staff and members of the SBPAL Board of Directors are not eligible to provide recommendation letters.
Applicants must provide an unofficial college transcript. GPA will not be used as a determining factor; transcripts will be reviewed to understand academic trends.
Application Instructions
Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year Now Open!
1. SELECTION PROCESS - All completed applications will be reviewed by the Maribel Franco Scholarship Committee, which includes members of the Franco family. Recipients will be selected based on:
Demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact in their school and/or community
Evidence of leadership through school, community, or extracurricular involvement
2. ESSAY REQUIREMENTS - Essays must be typed and include:
500–1,000 words for high school applicants
1,000–1,200 words for alumni applicants
Each page must include the applicant’s name, address, and phone number in the header. Essay questions are listed on the respective high school or alumni application, and all questions must be answered.
3. SUBMISSION TIMELINE -
Application deadline: February 13, 2026, by 8:00 p.m.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 11, 2026 via email or phone.
Award Ceremony: March 28, 2026
4. PUBLICITY RELEASE - By submitting an application, recipients grant SBPAL permission to use their name, likeness, and submitted photo in organizational publications, including newsletters, signage, websites, social media, and news releases announcing scholarship results.
5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS - All application materials must be neatly presented. Handwritten components are permitted if clearly legible. Materials must be submitted in an 8.5” x 11” envelope with the applicant’s full name clearly printed on the front.
Applications may be:
Mailed:
Santa Barbara Police Activities League
Attn: Maribel Franco College Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 91121
Santa Barbara, CA 93190
Dropped Off:
Twelve35 Teen Center
1235 Chapala Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Emailed:
Send all materials to info@sbpal.org
Subject Line: "Maribel Franco Memorial College Scholarship Committee - <Your Full Name>"
*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