May 14, 2025 (Paso Robles, CA) - Travel Paso is proud to announce the first recipients of its newly established Travel Paso Scholarship Fund, a fund held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, which awarded $20,000 in scholarships to eight exceptional North County students pursuing higher education. The fund was created to support students in the Paso Robles region, particularly those from families employed in the local tourism and hospitality businesses.
Investing in the community is a core focus for Travel Paso, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the destination. “The new scholarship program is one of the goals set forth by the Board of Directors and is now a reality,” said Stacie Jacob, President and CEO of Travel Paso. “Awarding scholarships is another example of why tourism matters in Paso Robles and how Travel Paso supports our community.”
The Travel Paso Scholarship Fund is managed through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, which will distribute more than $625,000 in scholarships to over 100 students countywide in 2025. These awards provide critical financial assistance for tuition, books, housing, and other qualified educational expenses—and help students across a broad spectrum of academic interests access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Each recipient of the Travel Paso Scholarship received a $2,500 award and was celebrated at a Travel Paso’s Tourism Round Up Event on May 8 for their accomplishments and promising futures.
2025 Travel Paso Scholarship Recipients
- Oliver Baker-Ballantyne, Atascadero High School – Chemistry
- Alexander Chavez, Paso Robles High School – Public Health
- Tyler Daillak, Paso Robles High School – Computer Science
- Nathan French, Atascadero High School – Cybersecurity
- Erid Garcia Vasquez, Paso Robles High School – Medicine
- Christa Kelly, Paso Robles High School – EMT
- Kiana Keogh, Paso Robles High School – Nursing
- Megan Souza, Paso Robles High School – Business
“These students represent the future of our community,” said Jacob, “Travel Paso is honored to support their goals and invest in the long-term success of the region’s workforce, particularly in the industry that drives our local economy.”
To learn more about scholarship opportunities or how to create a fund through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, visit www.cfsloco.org/scholarships or contact Emily Jagger, Scholarship Manager, at 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, it's where world-class food, wine, and art meet small-town charm. #TravelPaso | travelpaso.com
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 $74 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit partners and local students, and now manages over $87 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 Travel Paso
Stacie Jacob
sjacob@solterrastrategies.com
