Scholarships Turn Dreams into Reality

Mt. San Antonio College awarded more than $441,000 in scholarships to hundreds of students during its Scholarship Awards Ceremony on June 7. In total, approximately $561,000 in scholarships will be distributed to students this year.

Mt. SAC President Dr. Martha Garcia, who established a scholarship in her name for a parenting student in the noncredit program, thanked donors for believing in students.

“We are extremely grateful and blessed that you are committed to students and their success,” she said.

Mt. SAC Foundation Board President David Sonner also expressed his appreciation for donors’ generosity, adding that scholarships change lives.

He said, “Some students have told us that receiving a scholarship made a difference between staying in school or dropping out. Behind every scholarship is a story and a journey, and a shared belief in what’s possible. Together, we lift our students.”

Student Victor Sierra, the president of the Mt. SAC chapter of the Student Veterans of America and a member of the Dean’s List, received $7,875 during the ceremony. Last year, he was awarded $4,000 in scholarships and said prior to Saturday’s event that receiving those funds instilled confidence to continue his education.

“This allowed me not only to focus on my grades but also helped ensure I had time to invest into the Mt. SAC community,” said Sierra, who is graduating on June 13 with his associate degree in sociology and will transfer to Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Mt. SAC Board of Trustees President Peter Hidalgo, along with his wife, Juliet, created a public relations scholarship to inspire and empower students to pursue excellence in public relations and communications.

“It is important to both of us that we nurture the next generation of public relations professionals who will champion authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity in their work,” Hidalgo said. “It was a joy to present this scholarship to deserving students and celebrate the achievements of others."