Create opportunities. Transform lives.
Santa Ana College Scholarship Program
“Scholarships don’t just help with tuition. They help students buy textbooks, pay for school supplies, and provide critical support during tough times. Your support helps SAC Scholars survive, succeed, and dream bigger.”
-Litzy Chevez, Transfer Scholarship Recipient
Your Generosity at Work
Every scholarship tells a story of perseverance, opportunity, and success. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the 2025–26 Scholarship Program supported hundreds of Santa Ana College students in reaching their goals. Explore the highlights below to see the impact of your giving—measured in awards, dollars, and the diverse students whose lives were changed.
Every scholarship gift is an investment in a student’s future. The type of support you choose can be shaped around your intentions, financial resources, and giving timeline. You may wish to help a student pursuing a specific major, or simply open doors for those with the greatest financial need.
Each scholarship is guided by a donor gift agreement, ensuring your impact is clear and lasting.
There are several meaningful ways to make a difference. You may:
How You Can Make an Impact
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Your gift to one of our existing scholarship funds directly impacts Santa Ana College students.
How to Give:
Select “General Scholarship” on the donation page.
In the Comments section, type the name of the scholarship you’d like to support.
Keeping the Pace Scholarship – For students continuing at Santa Ana College
University Bound Scholarship – For students transferring to a 4-year university.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship - For students pursuing certificates and degrees in high-demand career pathways.
Dreamers of Tomorrow Scholarship - For students pursing higher education while working toward U.S. citizenship.
Departmental Scholarships - For students pursuing degrees in majors like Chemistry, English, Art, etc.
For more information regarding supporting an existing scholarship contact Xochitl Swenson, Scholarship Coordinator at swenson_xochitl@sac.edu
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An annual scholarship gift provides support to students for one academic year and makes an immediate impact. Donors can renew scholarship support every year or fund multiple years at once.
Donors can establish a named scholarship with pledge payments over a period of 3 years.
Minimum gift requirements to establish named current use, non-endowed scholarships: $5,000/year with a 3-year commitment.
Donors will choose scholarship criteria and focus area with our team.
Start here: Contact Xochitl Swenson, Scholarship Coordinator at Swenson_Xochitl@sac.edu for a menu of options and next steps.
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Endowments provide steady, long-term support and help the college plan for the future. The original gift is invested in perpetuity; only a portion of annual earnings is distributed under our spending policy.
Spending allocation: 5% annually
Minimum to establish an endowed scholarship: $50,000
How to fund: Make a gift during your lifetime, through a planned gift, or a combination
Your choice: Contribute to an existing endowed scholarship or establish a new one
To learn more or to set up an endowed scholarship, contact Kristin Ellsworth, Development Coordinator at ellsworth_kristin@sac.edu.
For even more information on why scholarships matter and ways you can support, check out our
Scholarship Giving Guide.
Voices of Impact
Every gift begins with a story. Meet our 2025 Donor of the Year and hear how her generosity is shaping the lives of Santa Ana College students.
Empower Santa Ana College students by creating a scholarship today.
Your support fuels dreams, transforms lives, and builds a better future.
Annual Scholarship Celebration
Each spring, the Santa Ana College Foundation honors the generosity of our donors and the achievements of our students at the Annual Scholarship Celebration. Explore the awards booklet to see the full list of scholarships and recipients, and watch the highlight video to experience the excitement and impact of this special event.
FAQs
What is my role as a donor when creating a scholarship?
Donors choose the type of scholarship (annual or endowed), decide on the name, select scholarship criteria/requirements, and determine the level of support they would like to provide a student.
How will I see the impact of my gift?
Donors receive annual updates that include a scholarship program recap, student thank-you letters, and invitations to the Annual Scholarship celebration for an opportunity to meet the scholars they support and celebrate alongside them.
What does the SAC Foundation Scholarship Program do?
We handle all the details for you: setting up the account, promoting the scholarship to students, managing the application and selection process, awarding the funds, and providing stewardship reports back to you. Or goal is to make it easy for you to focus on the joy of giving.
Can I add to or change my scholarship in the future?
Yes. Donors often add to their scholarships to increase award amounts and refine scholarship criteria. If you’d like to adjust your award amount, criteria, or goals, our team will work with you to update the scholarship agreement.
Can I choose who receives my scholarship?
Yes. Donors are welcome to participate in our application reviews and selection process. The Foundation facilitates training for all participants and oversees a consistent, equitable review process. Reviews typically occur in late winter/early spring, with awards celebrated in late spring.
Are there different ways I can fund a scholarship, and what are the tax benefits?
Yes. Gifts can be made in many forms — cash, check, credit card. Donors may also set up multi-year pledges, contribute through workplace matching gifts, or include the Foundation in their estate plans. All gifts are tax deductible. Our team can work with you to find the best approach for your situation.
Fall & Spring Hours
Mon – Th 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Questions?
Location: S-201
Phone: 714-564-6478
Web: www.sac.edu/scholarships
Email: Scholarship@SAC.edu
Scholarship Staff:
Jose Corona
Scholarship Program Specialist
corona_jose@sac.edu
Xochitl Swenson
Scholarship Coordinator
swenson_xochitl@sac.edu