Logo courtesy of Yolo Community Foundation

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - Yolo Community Foundation (YCF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program. This year YCF will award more than $100,000 in scholarships to 20 outstanding students from across Yolo County as they pursue higher education and begin the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys. 

Behind every scholarship is a story, not only of a student’s hard work and determination, but also of a community that believes in investing in its future. 

Through 13 scholarship funds, YCF connects the generosity of local donors with students whose academic achievement, leadership and service to the community demonstrates tremendous promise. This year’s recipients represent exceptional talent, resilience and potential in students throughout Yolo County. 

“We want to help pave the way for youth living in Yolo County to fulfill their dreams. We have observed that youth living in rural areas often do not have the access to extracurricular activities to build their skills, try out options for their future, and pursue their dreams,” said a YCF Scholarship Fundholder. 

For many students, receiving a scholarship removes financial barriers and opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. At the same time, these awards create a meaningful pathway for local philanthropy, allowing individuals, families and organizations to make a lasting investment in the next generation of leaders.  

Yolo County administers a variety of scholarship funds established by donors who are passionate about expanding educational opportunities. Some donors choose to create scholarship funds that reflect their personal values, honor a loved one, or support students pursuing specific fields of study. Others establish designated funds to support causes and organizations that strengthen the community for generations to come.  

The foundation’s scholarship program reflects its broader mission of inspiring and facilitating philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Yolo County. By partnering with generous donors and community members, YCF continues to expand access while fostering a culture of giving that benefits both current and future generations.  

Yolo Community Foundation congratulates the 2026 scholarship recipients and looks forward to seeing the many ways they will contribute to their communities in the years ahead.  

For more information about the individual scholarships or opening a scholarship fund, visit yolocf.org/scholarships/ or contact [email protected]. 

2026 scholarship recipients are Madiha Omer, Ki’Yana Mitchell, Alia Lilimo, Rehmeen Munir, Remonda Hassan, Kaydence Shilling, Valentina Garcia Lorenzo, Matvii Hordiichuk, Diana Lucero Chavez, Liliana Teague, Isabella Rodriguez, Ricardo Hernandez, Jazmin Guillen, Celeste Santoyo, Ana Palmbaum-Martinez, Sameer Arfan, Jazmin Guillen, Nicole Pimentel Solorio, Armando Diaz, Abigail Chan and Adelina Wehner.

In addition to our scholarships offered in partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, YCF fundholders also support scholarships through designated funds at local high schools. Currently all such scholarships are offered through the Davis Joint Unified School District. Recipients include Isabel Churchward, Remonda Hassan, Jacob Hughes and Celeste Santoyo.