PALM DESERT, CA — More than 60 students at Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert campus received over $150,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year, it was announced Thursday.
The various scholarships were awarded to students in several disciplines for academic excellence, community involvement and personal growth, officials said. The scholarships provided the recipients with mentorship opportunities, peer tutoring and career development workshops.
“This scholarship has made a significant difference in my life by easing the financial strain of educational expenses. As a full-time student who is also balancing family responsibilities, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and engage in learning opportunities that are essential for my growth and preparation for graduate school,” Divina Portillo, a psychology major and recipient of the John J. and Sheryl Benoit Endowed Scholarship, said in a statement.
Adriana Banda, a sociology and social work major and recipient of the John Steven Peterson Endowed Scholarship, said, “I hope to continue creating inclusive and safe spaces for those in the LGBTQIA community, especially in the field of social work. Receiving a scholarship has given me a bit more peace of mind financially, and it will help cover anything I will need this upcoming academic year, especially since senior year can be costly with graduation- related costs.”
Officials said the scholarships will help invest in student success and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and access to high education.
