Santa Barbara City College Named Top Gilman Producer

The U.S. Department of State recognized the institution for its high number of Gilman Scholarship recipients.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Scholarships

Santa Barbara City College Named Top Gilman Producer

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Does providing financial aid for study abroad programs improve college accessibility for students in your area?

Santa Barbara City College has been ranked among the top 25 community colleges nationwide for producing Gilman Scholars. The prestigious program provides up to $5,000 to students with high financial need, helping them access international study opportunities.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the success of campus initiatives designed to help underrepresented students overcome financial barriers to international education. By facilitating access to these grants, the college increases the participation of students who might otherwise be unable to afford overseas programs.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants of up to $5,000 to support eligible students. To date, more than 6,500 students have participated in Santa Barbara City College study abroad programs across 20 countries.

The players

U.S. Department of State

This federal executive department manages the United States' foreign policy and administers the Gilman Scholarship program.

Santa Barbara City College

This community college in California offers various academic programs and maintains a long-standing study abroad division.

The details

The SBCC Study Abroad office supports students through targeted workshops and administrative assistance to navigate the competitive application process. This support helps connect students with the Gilman program, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

1973 marked the launch of the first credit summer study abroad program at SBCC.
A student participated in the SBCC Tokyo study abroad program during the summer of 2025.
October 1, 2026, is the deadline to apply for scholarships for the upcoming cycle.
Trips to Spain, Portugal, Japan, Indonesia, and Italy are scheduled for 2027.

Culture Shift

The push for global exposure in two-year institutions reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing international competencies for all college students. As higher education adapts, community colleges are increasingly narrowing the gap in study abroad participation once dominated by universities.

Students at Santa Barbara City College can attend upcoming workshops to receive direct assistance with their Gilman grant applications. This support reduces the complexity of the process and increases the likelihood of securing up to $5,000 in funding for their 2027 travel plans.

The takeaway

Securing external funding is a vital step for students looking to make international education affordable and attainable. Interested candidates should engage with campus resources early to maximize their chances of navigating the application cycle successfully.