San Bernardino Valley College awards $800,000 in scholarships

More than 800 scholarships were awarded by San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) to 577 students earlier this month at its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The highlight of the event, held in the college’s historic Auditorium, was the awarding of $800,000 in financial support to SBVC students – the highest amount ever disbursed to students in a single year.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., a proud SBVC alumnus, delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on both his and his mother’s time at the college. He spoke about the lasting impact of scholarships in opening doors for students from all walks of life. His words echoed the evening’s theme: community investment as a catalyst for student transformation.

“It wasn’t the dollar amount of the scholarship; it was that someone took the time to invest in me,” Baca reflected. “These scholarships are an investment in you.”

SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras also addressed the audience, highlighting how reducing financial barriers enables students to focus on their education and future careers.

“For almost 100 years, people have come here with a dream and left with a future,” said Contreras. “At San Bernardino Valley College, 70% of our students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity. Scholarships matter at San Bernardino Valley College.”

Over the past four years, the SBVC Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships and over $5 million in support for campus programs, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to educational equity and student success.