At the end of March, $30,000 in college scholarships were awarded to 21 Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) participants and alumni, thanks to the generous donation of Richard and Marguerite Berti through the Maribel Franco Memorial Scholarship.

Maribel Franco was a daughter, sister, friend and mentor. A daughter of migrant farmworkers and first-generation college student, she graduated from UCSB and began attending Cal State Long Beach to further her education.

In spring 2014, SBPAL first met Franco as a tutor with California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP). She quickly distinguished herself as a person students could turn to for academic help, advice, and for a positive outlook on life.

Education, school and community involvement were important to Franco, and she encouraged everyone she met to strive for the best. In the 2 1/2 years Franco was with SBPAL, she made a significant positive impact on the lives of Santa Barbara teens.

Franco’s life was tragically cut short following a vehicle accident in October 2016, but her passion for life and commitment to serve others lives on in those whose paths she crossed.

The Maribel Franco Scholarship was established to continue her legacy and to urge SBPAL participants and alumni to pursue their dreams.

Franco was committed and attentive to all she knew, and all who knew her felt her positive influence. Franco’s life is a reminder that no matter what circumstances or obstacles are presented, one person can make a positive impact and difference.

To view a video about the scholarship recipients, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMP_RVhc450.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and students to online education. SBPAL, in partnership with Cal-SOAP, Ali Cortes at the Santa Barbara School District, and Musicology Santa Barbara, is providing free online tutoring, music lessons, leadership programming, college advising, and mental health support groups.

To support Santa Barbara’s most vulnerable teens, consider participating in PAL’s $20 for 2020 campaign. For $20/month, donors will assist PAL in continuing to offering free online support to youth ages 11-18. For more, visit www.sbpal.org.