Eight students across three local high schools received scholarships recognizing their connection to the hospitality industry, dedication to their education, and future aspirations.
Paso Robles, Calif., June 3, 2026 – Travel Paso awarded its second cohort of the Travel Paso Scholarship Fund, providing a total of $20,000 through a fund held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. As the official destination marketing organization for Paso Robles, Travel Paso's scholarship program is designed to support area youth working or pursuing careers in travel, tourism and hospitality. This program is another way tourism gives back to its community.
"We can only grow as a destination if we work together to strengthen our community and invest in the future of our youth," said Stacie Jacob, President and CEO of Travel Paso. To achieve this, the scholarship prioritizes students whose families are employed in local tourism and hospitality businesses, or those graduates planning to pursue a career in the field.”
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County manages the scholarship as a whole and awarded a total of $460,148 to students across San Luis Obispo County, supporting a wide range of educational paths. Students may use awarded funds towards tuition, textbooks, housing, and other essential educational expenses.
The eight local recipients each received $2,500 dedicated to supporting their journey in pursuing higher education.
2026 Travel Paso Scholarship Recipients:
- Damian Thomas Marano, Atascadero High School – Accounting
- Eva Pontius, Templeton High School – Nursing and Occupational Therapy
- Maricarmen Anducho, Paso Robles High School – Hospitality
- Jacqualine Lopez Vasquez, Paso Robles High School – Hospitality
- Briseida Guardado, Paso Robles High School – Hospitality
- Daisy Martinez, Paso Robles High School – Medicine
- Ximena Valencia, Paso Robles High School – Nursing and Public Health
- Esmeralda Ruiz, Paso Robles High School – Nursing
"Partnering with The Community Foundation to support students from our community as they further their education is something we take real pride in," Jacob said. "We encourage rising seniors to apply for our third cohort in 2027 and help us continue this meaningful work."
About The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County to support local charitable giving. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has awarded more than $80 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit partners and local students, and now manages over $100 million in charitable assets. Through its grantmaking, scholarships, and partnerships, the Foundation supports a vision for an inclusive, thriving, and resilient community—providing support to all areas of our county in perpetuity. Learn more at www.cfsloco.org.
Contact: Emily Jagger, scholarship manager | emily@cfsloco.org
About Travel Paso
Travel Paso is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Paso Robles, CA. Travel Paso leads the tourism community in the Paso Robles region through marketing, branding, and selling Paso Robles to our visitors; advocating for our tourism ecosystem; and sharing critical industry data. Leading the destination in both marketing and management, Travel Paso promotes the community as an attractive travel destination and enhances its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of tourism, supports business opportunities, and enhances residents' quality of life.
Escape to the majestic rolling hills and celebrated wineries of Paso Robles. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and bordered by coastal Highway 1 and the 101, Paso Robles is California wine country with beach access and Michelin stars. A community of cowboys and innovators, where world-class food, wine, and art meet small-town charm. #TravelPaso TravelPaso.com| IG:@TravelPaso
Media Contact: Diana Parker | diana@solterrastrategies.com
