Fourteen students pursuing careers in architecture, landscape architecture and architectural engineering were recognized Tuesday evening at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s annual Scholarship Reception and Awards Ceremony.
About $53,000 in scholarships was awarded to students attending universities across the country, including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Berkeley, Cornell University, the University of San Diego, the University of Virginia and California State University, Fresno.
“I come from a low-income family, so having that extra weight off was really meaningful to me,” said scholarship recipient Hailey Salas, a third-year architecture student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The event was held at The Cearnal Collective in downtown Santa Barbara and brought together scholarship recipients, local architects, engineers and community members to celebrate the next generation of up-and-coming professionals in the field.
Since the scholarship program began more than three decades ago, the foundation has awarded upwards of $1.8 million to help support students’ education and professional development.
Salas said her interest in architecture began in high school through a design competition hosted by the foundation.
“My art teacher recommended I do it, and I found I really enjoyed it,” Salas said. “I really loved the process of designing, so that’s when I decided to pursue architecture.”
Salas said receiving the scholarship has helped ease the financial burden of attending college and has connected her with professionals working in the field.
Salas is pursuing minors in sustainable environments and ethnic studies. Her long-term aspirations are in architecture, with a primary focus on adaptive reuse projects and affordable housing.
Another recipient, Lilyanna Jaimes, a fourth-year architecture student at the University of San Diego, said that along with the financial support, the scholarship also provides her with professional encouragement.
Growing up around construction through her father and grandfather was what drew her to architecture. She said she appreciated how it allowed her “to combine creativity with a professional career.”
“It means a lot,” Jaimes said in reference to the scholarship. “It’s really helpful financially, incredibly helpful. But it also makes me feel successful as an architecture student. Being recognized by an architectural foundation is so different from just getting a regular grant or scholarship.”
Jaimes said she works while attending school and relies strongly upon scholarships and financial aid to continue her education.
Greg Rech, a member of the foundation’s scholarship committee, said the reception serves a purpose that’s beyond mere financial assistance.
“The purpose of this sort of award ceremony is to make them feel welcome in the profession,” Rech said. “They get to meet other architects and engineers who are in the profession and supporting them. In addition to the financial, that’s really important.”
Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara Board President Susanne Tejada said supporting students entering the profession is an investment in the community’s future.
“These young people are gonna be shaping the future and shaping our environment, Tejada said. “So we need to support them. Any kind of support we can give to help them on their journey means a lot. To them, I think, and to us.”
This year’s recipients included:
- Ava Maldonado, St. Joseph’s High School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- Gael Guerrero, Dos Pueblos High School graduate, Cal Poly Pomona.
- Hailey Salas, Orcutt Academy Charter School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- Awan Haj, Dos Pueblos High School graduate, UC Berkeley.
- Lesley Leon-Ramirez, Pioneer Valley High School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- Ismael Moscaira Morales, Dos Pueblos High School graduate, Cal Poly Pomona.
- Daniela Gelles, Midland High School graduate, University of Virginia.
- Riley Watkins, Cabrillo High School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- Sage Holcombe, Laguna Blanca High School graduate, Cornell University.
- Lilyanna Jaimes, Santa Barbara High School graduate, University of San Diego.
- Hector Sanchez, Santa Barbara High School graduate, University of San Diego.
- Antonio Ramirez Esparza, Pioneer Valley High School graduate, CSU Fresno.
- Kobe Lemus, Orcutt Academy Charter School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- Shani Sanchez Gomez, Pioneer Valley High School graduate, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
