Cuesta College Foundation awards 1,092 student scholarships
San Luis Obispo County graduates receive nearly $803,000
– The Cuesta College Foundation will award a record $1,192,945 through 1,092 scholarships to 696 students during the 2026-27 academic year.
Some students will receive more than one scholarship. The annual total surpasses the foundation’s previous record of more than $775,000.
The recipients include 371 students who graduated from San Luis Obispo County high schools. Those students received 499 scholarships totaling $802,857. Recipients include recent high school graduates and returning students pursuing degrees, workforce training, and career advancement.
“This record year reflects the extraordinary generosity of donors who believe in our students and in the future of this community,” said Katie Osman, executive director of the Cuesta College Foundation. “Every scholarship gives a student greater freedom to focus on learning, complete their education, and move toward a meaningful career.”
The scholarship total includes $416,015 for 144 nursing students preparing to become registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses on the Central Coast.
“Caring for family members, volunteering in health care, and losing my father showed me the profound impact compassionate nursing care can have during life’s most difficult moments,” said Aminah Nalubowa, recipient of the inaugural Dr. Howard Hayashi Memorial Scholarship. “These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in acute care nursing, where I hope to make a meaningful difference for patients and families when they need it most. This scholarship eases the financial burden of my education and allows me to focus more fully on my studies.”
The $1.19 million scholarship total does not include the foundation’s investments in The Cuesta Promise, emergency grants, and other forms of direct student support.
This fall, 842 students will begin their first year of The Cuesta Promise, which provides eligible San Luis Obispo County high school graduates with two years of education without fees at Cuesta College. The foundation invests an average of nearly $350,000 in the program each year.
The Cuesta Promise has served more than 10,000 students since its launch in 2015.
During the coming academic year, the foundation also expects to provide more than $50,000 in emergency grants and more than $100,000 in other direct student support.
The foundation will recognize the scholarship milestone during its 37th annual Scholarship Reception on Thursday, Aug. 6. Organizers expect more than 400 scholarship recipients, donors, foundation board members, college leaders, and community members to attend.
Student speakers will include Deandra Ramirez, recipient of the inaugural CoastHills Credit Union Bachelor’s Pathway Program Scholarship, and Nalubowa. Cuesta Promise alumna Brooke Randolph will also speak.
Cuesta College serves approximately 13,000 students. The college reached 8,080 full-time-equivalent students during the 2025-26 academic year, exceeding its enrollment before the COVID-19 pandemic and reaching its highest level in 13 years.
“As enrollment grows, the partnership between the College and the Foundation becomes even more important,” said Jill Stearns, superintendent/president of Cuesta College. “Scholarships, The Cuesta Promise, emergency grants, and other student support help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from staying enrolled, completing their education, and achieving their goals.”
The foundation’s programs support students earning degrees and certificates, transferring to four-year universities, and preparing for careers in health care, education, business, technology, skilled trades, and other fields.
Founded in 1973, the Cuesta College Foundation serves as the college’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner. It provides scholarships, emergency grants, The Cuesta Promise, and student support programs.
For more information about the foundation or to support student scholarships, visit www.cuesta.edu/community/foundation. Information about the college is available at cuesta.edu.
