Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Awards the Breitling Scholarship to Local Young Women

Ah, decisions, decisions! Spring is the time many high school seniors are weighing a very important decision; where to attend college?

It can be a daunting task to sort out all the variables involved; cost, location, curriculum, student culture, etc. The brochures can seem appealing, but how can a student know for sure if a particular college will be a good fit for them?

Thanks to a very special scholarship, four local girls will be given the chance to travel to a university (or two) on their wish list, and see for themselves.

Administered by Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, the Breitling Scholarship Award was established to give a helping hand to high-achieving young women in Santa Barbara County. Jacqueline Breitling, for whom the scholarship is named, was a longtime community volunteer in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Ms. Breitling, who passed away in 2001, was a self-made businesswoman who understood the value of higher education. She intended the money to be used as a way for college-bound girls to explore their options in person, by traveling to various campuses. “It’s a remarkable opportunity,” said Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Board President Mary Crowley. “Mrs. Breitling’s vision and generosity continue to help the young women of our community choose the right college for themselves.”

Scholarship winner and Girls Inc. volunteer Viviana Morales, of Carpinteria, says she is “nervous yet excited” to travel out of state for the first time ever to visit Harvard University over Spring Break. “I’ve never really been away from home”, Morales said. “The funding from the Breitling Scholarship will give me the opportunity to expand my horizons.” Massachusetts is a world away from Carpinteria, but Morales feels it would be a good choice to pursue her intended major; political science.

Another award recipient, Carpinteria FFA Chapter President, Molly Miller, is considering colleges that will help her achieve her career goal of working in agriculture.

While she has already been accepted by several California universities, Miller is setting her sights further away. “My mom and I are flying to Indiana to tour Purdue University,” Miller said. “The head of the Ag Department is going to give me a tour of the campus as well as inviting me to sit in on a few class sessions.” Miller is also utilizing her Breitling funds to travel to Texas to learn more about the ranch and agricultural business programs offered.

Two other graduating girls will be following their dreams to college; Leticia Cruz of Carpinteria High, and Mckell Davis of Cabrillo High each received a Breitling Scholarship as well.

Gathering as much information as possible about potential colleges helps to dispel the natural apprehension that may come with such a big transition. When faced with a fork in the road, these four excellent students will know exactly how to choose the right path for each of them.

For more information about the scholarship, please contact Jessica Wetzel at jessica@girlsinc-carp.org or 805-684-6364.