Scholarship Recipients
Homero Ochoa
Homero’s small family business was impacted by Covid however this did not stop him from pursuing his interest. His family has started to grow up which provides him the opportunity to return to his true calling. He is thankful that CSLS can assist him with the scholarship as his finances were left deeply impacted so this will benefit him greatly.
April 2023
Dominick Petti
Dominick had to place his career goals on pause since his wife had 2 wonderful children and his wife was also going to school however now that the children are older and his wife graduated it is time for him to continue on his path to achieve his goals and give his family financial freedom and at the same time continue the family business. We are glad we can assist Dominick with his goals and wish him nothing but success.
March 2023
Eric Cobb
Eric has been chosen for his go getter attitude, in getting his license he will gather the ability to help make great students, meet our generations to come as well as help the ones closer to him stand up and push those he is responsible for through the gap of our general differences. As he stated “Hard work is the reason we work hard”
February 2023
Alyssa Carion
Alyssa has been selected since she is a single at home mother with 2 beautiful kids and would like to take the next step so she can take what she is learning in real estate and have a more financially stable environment for her little family and building for a better future. We are glad we can assist her with this goal and wish her the best.
January 2023
Kemar Mckenzie
Kemar was chosen since he is the kind of person that we need in this day in age. He is a hard worker with a dream to establish a business for skilled personnel but also wants to provide services to our communities and State at large. He wants to equip the younger generation for a productive future. We are very glad we are able to be a part of his dreams and goals for the future.
December 2022
Kyle Dougherty
Kyle has been dreaming of starting his own business, and with 7 years of experience under his belt he feels now is the time since times are very tough at the moment and he would like to provide better opportunities and a better life. We are glad to provide this opportunity for him to have a better life.
November 2022
Cesar Alcantara
Cesar is a first-generation Latino in the United States and he wants to change the given stereotypical belief that success will only come with hard work. He wants financial freedom and stability, and we are happy to be able to provide this step in the right direction for him and his family.
October 2022
Julia Martinez Romero
Julia was selected for her determination in the construction industry. It has been difficult for her to be taken serious due to her age and this builds and gives her a much stronger desire to be in the 10% of women in the industry and we are glad we can assist her in her journey.
August 2022
David Rocha
David does a lot of miscellaneous work as a welder however feels that this scholarship would help him and his wife work as a team since she is a realtor and if he is able to become an Inspector, they could create a name for themselves and would be very grateful for this opportunity.
July 2022
Robert Sanchez
Robert was chosen for his positive and grateful attitude. He has had many struggles during Covid but that has not stopped him from attempting to make his family’s life better and making the necessary changes to do so. We are glad to be able to assist him with his goals and provide such an opportunity for him and his family.
June 2022
Karina Chavez
Karina was chosen for her charitable attitude; she would like to help others with her work and contribution once she is licensed. She likes to focus on her work and the people instead of the money. We at CSLS are glad to assist her so she can provide the community with her work.
May 2022
Francisco Ramirez
Francisco was chosen since his vision embodies what CSLS is all about. Starting from the bottom and working your way to the top no matter what obstacles you have in front of you. He wants to leave a legacy for his children and show them that dreams do come true if you want them bad enough.
April 2022
Jennifer Nauyoks
Jennifer was chosen for her enthusiasm and hard work ethic, she wants to show her daughter to never give up even when the cards are stacked against you. She also wants us to know that by her being the recipient she will deeply benefit from it and put it to great use.
March 2022
Dave Keisler
Dave was chosen for his love of construction as it runs in his family, during these harsh times he would love to help out families as well as his own city by having his own business and hiring people in his community as he would be the only licensed contractor in his town when he is licensed and we would love to be a part of this goal.
February 2022
Luis Gonzalez
Luis was chosen for his love of painting, during this harsh time he would love to help out other families as well as his own by having his own business and hiring people in his community.
January 2022
Rene Gonzalez
Rene has been chosen due to his ability to make others’ dreams come true by helping them in their careers and now he feels it’s time to work and build on his. This will be his next step in being his own boss and obtaining financial freedom.
December 2021
Paul Berntson
Paul has been chosen due to his pull himself up by the bootstraps attitude. He feels he has an opportunity that will assist him with a goal of being a Licensed Home Inspector to be able to excel at this with the drive that he has and become a contributing member of society. We are glad to be able to assist him with his endeavors.
November 2021
Richard Vasquez
Richard was chosen since he had to make his own opportunities in life to be able to get ahead. He continues and has never stopped trying to improve himself in the construction field. He hopes that with the scholarship he will be able to obtain security for himself and his family. We are glad to be able to assist him with his future.
October 2021
Brandon Howe
Brandon has a never give up attitude and is ready to take on the responsibility of becoming licensed to not only help his family be financially free however assist his community and help those in need by providing jobs in this tough economy. We are glad we can assist him with his goal and wish him the very best on his journey.
September 2021
Sergio Ramirez
Sergio was chosen since she is a hard working individual, with limited job opportunities due to Covid. He hopes to have a his own license and help other people by creating new job opportunities and a better more secure life for his family as well. We are glad we are able to assist Sergio with his goal and create a better future for him and his family.
August 2021
Hediyeh Elahi
Hediyeh was chosen since she is a hard working individual, her hope is to have her own license and help other people by creating new job opportunities. We are glad we are able to assist her with her goals and create a better future for her and new possibilities.
July 2021
Joseph Meservey
Joseph was selected due to his drive to provide for his family, he has over 15 years of experience and was waiting for times to get better however he can no longer wait and decided to get the ball rolling. We are glad to assist Joseph in his journey and with this scholarship hope we can assist with the stability he is looking for.
June 2021
Yvonne Bell
Yvonne has been chosen for her drive and challenges over the years and has been able to work her way up through this industry and this scholarship will allow her to be able to succeed in her future endeavors.
May 2021
Michael Cano
Michael was chosen for his determination to be able to grow in the field of Tile installation where alongside his father who has taught him everything he knows has made him realize that this is not just about him but about his family. He hopes to work on projects that benefit his community and allow people from different communities to work together and create something bigger than themselves.
April 2021
Monica Seeley
Monica was chosen for her perseverance and hard work ethic to provide for her family. We are happy to be able to assist her in her journey to better herself and feel she will take the opportunity CSLS is providing and will excel!
March 2021
Nicholas Wasylinda
Nicholas was chosen due to him having a vast of experience from demolition to sheet metal so he is no stranger to any obstacle that is placed before him. We are glad we are able to assist Nicholas in his journey to become financially independent and make his dream a reality.
February 2021
Palmira Gomez
Palmira was chosen because she like many other students wants to take the next step in obtaining her license in order to be able to expand her work abilities and new business as well as make more money at the same time her goal is to establish a company that will promote sustainable practices with a focus on green infrastructure, drought tolerant gardens & Eco Friendly Designs.
January 2021
Mario Estrada
Mario was chosen because he like many other students wants to take the next step in obtaining his license and progressing his work abilities as well as make more money at the same time.
December 2020
Glen Jimenez
Glen was chosen for his persistence on applying for the scholarship! He was a previous applicant and that did not stop him from continuing to re-apply with the hopes he would be chosen. This type of attitude will take him far and with our help a bit much easier in these troubling times.
November 2020
Hugo Torres
Hugo was selected for his glass half full view in life since he has been out of work due to Covid-19 he decided to get back to his studies and show his family that when one door closes another on opens and took the chance on this scholarship and was chosen!. We are glad to be a part of such outcome and hope to help him with his future endeavors
October 2020
Tyler Nesbitt
Tyler has 16 years of experience in General Building, with a current career as a carpenter. He’s had an affinity for the construction business from a young age. To aid Tyler in accomplishing his goals of getting licensed and giving back to the community that’s supported him throughout the years, CSLS is proud to award him the John Baker Scholarship.
December 2019
Alex Orona
John Baker Scholarship awardee Alex Orona has 22 years of experience and will be pursuing his HVAC license. Alex is a hard worker whose family is setting reaching new generational heights and it’s his wish to do his part by getting his license and starting his own business. CSLS looks forward to being part of Alex’s imminent success.
November 2019
Maria Jose Morales Barbosa
Maria is a self-made business woman who is committed to her personal growth for the benefit of her family, business, and associates. CSLS is happy to award the John Baker Scholarship to this single mother with over 8 years of experience in drywall. With this scholarship and Maria’s determination, the sky is the limit.
October 2019
Matt Monkress
Matt is a dedicated father and grandfather who wants a way not only to help his family get ahead, but others as well. CSLS is awarding the John Bakers Scholarship to Matt so he can use his 29-year experience to get licensed and create a reputable work environment for himself and those around him in need. September 2019
Teresa Crandall
Teresa is a single mother who at a very tender age had to learn what it meant to be strong. Through hard work and perseverance, she’s supported her family and in awarding her the John Baker Scholarship to help her achieve her ICC inspector goals, CSLS hopes to give Teresa the boost she needs to continue making magic happen. August 2019
Erica Delgado
John Baker Scholarship awardee Erica Delgado has over 10 years of General B experience. Erica’s driving force is her family. As a single mother, architect and future contractor, her main goal is to launch a career that’ll give her and her family a better life. CSLS is thrilled to be part of her journey. July 2019
Lisa Salomon
John Baker Scholarship awardee Lisa Salomon has 18 years of experience and will be pursuing an ICC certification. A year and a half ago, Lisa became the sole provider of her household and CSLS is excited to help Lisa on her journey to becoming certified and creating new opportunities for herself and her family. June 2019
Alberto Trujillo
Husband and father Alberto has been a Signs Designer, Fabricator and Installer for 20 years. He is ready to embark on the journey to becoming licensed in order to give his family the life they deserve and CSLS is thrilled to help him on that journey by awarding the John Baker Scholarship. May 2019
Robert Vaca
Single father Robert Vaca has been in the construction industry for 18 years. Before that, he was a dedicated son who cared for his mother at a very young age. Robert is now looking to further his career for his son and his community. CSLS is eager to help Robert by awarding him the John Baker Scholarship. April 2019
Rachel Gekko
Rachel is a mother of 3 and grandmother. She was a certified appraiser, has an AS in Paralegal Studies and began her inspection journey as she did most everything: with a goal to be the best role model she could possibly be for her family. CSLS is delighted to award Rachel the John Baker Scholarship as she pursues her ICC Residential Building Inspector (B-1) Certification. March 2019
Jorge Campos
John Baker Scholarship awardee Jorge Campos has over 13 years of General B experience. Jorge’s driving force is his family. He and his wife set out on their pursuit of Jorge’s license in order to better support their three children. Jorge wants to continue making his family proud by reaching new heights and CSLS is thrilled to be part of his journey. February 2019
Joshua Schmelzer
Joshua has been in the construction industry for over 25 years. When both he and his wife were laid off from work, they knew it was time to make a drastic change and embarked on the pursuit of a license. Joshua wants to show his children that hard work and determination pay off and CSLS is prepared to help him achieve those goals with the John Baker Scholarship award. January 2019
Brian Steffes
John Baker Scholarship awardee Brian Steffes has been in the construction industry for over 9 years and will be pursuing his C-50 (Reinforcing Steel) license. CSLS looks forward to helping Brian achieve his goal of obtaining his license. With it, he hopes to start his own business and bring more opportunities to his community. December 2018
Ramiro Huerta
Ramiro has been in the construction industry for 8 years. The John Baker Scholarship will help him in his pursuit of his General B license. Although he’s been out of work due to an injury in mid-2017, he is determined to get his license, build his business, and secure a brighter future for his family. November 2018
Mayra Preciado
Mayra has been in the construction industry for over 13 years. She will be pursuing her C-54 (Ceramic and Mosaic Tile) license in honor of her father, who dreamt of building a family construction business with Mayra and her brothers. CSLS looks forward to helping bring this dream to fruition through the John Baker Scholarship. October 2018
Gerardo Sanchez
Gerardo has been in the construction industry for 6 years and will be pursuing his General B license with the help of the John Baker Scholarship. As a single father of 3, his driving forces are his children. With his license, Gerardo will be able to provide stable homes for both his children and clients. September 2018
Carlos Coleman
Recipient of the August 2018 John Baker Scholarship, Carlos Coleman, has been in the construction industry for over 10 years. After beating cancer, he decided to pursue his General B license in hopes of securing a better future for himself and those around him. CSLS is thrilled to be part of Carlos’ journey. August 2018
Dustin Coble
Dustin has been in the construction industry for 4 years. The John Baker Scholarship will be aiding Dusting in getting his general contractor license. Dustin’s drive is his family – he hopes that with his license, he can achieve his professional goals and set the example his family needs to inspire a winning attitude. CSLS looks forward to helping Dustin on his journey to become licensed. July 2018
Jason Johnson
Jason has been in the construction industry for over 13 years. Despite financial setbacks, Jason is determined to take his professional and family life above and beyond. With the John Baker Scholarship, Jason be pursuing his C-23 license to build his own business and have the flexibility he needs to support his family and keep important doctors’ appointments. June 2018
Jade Wiseman
Jade started off in the Fire Protection industry 20 years ago. She’s driven by a deep desire to support her family and community. On top of helping her customers protect their assets with her line of work, Jade is also focused on promoting sober living and making a difference in the lives of those around her. By acquiring her C-16 license, Jade is determined to catapult her company to the next level and heighten her positive influence. May 2018
Erik Rapos
Erik been in the construction industry for 25 years and will be pursuing his General B contractor license using CSLS’s in-school law and trade study program. A single father on disability, Erik is confident that with the scholarship, he’s on his way to becoming his own boss and sustaining the life he’s aspired to make for his family. April 2018
Jackson St. Paul
Jackson been in the construction industry for 6 years and will be pursuing his General B contractor license using CSLS’s in-school law and trade study program. A dedicated husband and father, he’s driven by the concept of working smarter – not harder and he’s fueled by a dream to build self-sustainable homes that encourage creative growth and expression in those that inhabit them. With protections against economic, natural, and artificial disasters, Jackson’s dream projects will make it through the storms and provide for themselves financially. We look forward to aiding Jackson as he takes the first step in bringing those dreams of a better world to fruition. March 2018
Randy Lytle
Randy is the recipient of a scholarship for the In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation Program for a General B License. He is looking forward to the opportunities that will open up for him by getting his license, especially being able to pursue better-paying jobs. He has had 25 years in the construction industry. Although he has struggled with dyslexia, Randy is ready to step up and take on the challenge of the Contractors State License Exam and as long as he stays committed to the program, CSLS will support him. February 2018
Martin Lopez
Recipient of the CSLS scholarship for an In-school License Exam Preparation program. Martin has worked in the construction industry for 30 years in both Landscaping and Plumbing. He will be working toward getting his C27 license for Landscaping. Martin has always wanted his license and hopes to be able to overcome some of the financial challenges that his family has faced over the last few years. November 2011
Greg Daly
Greg has been working in the construction industry for 22 years, but like many in the construction industry, has recently been laid off. With so much experience, he has plenty of opportunities for work but needs his license to be able to work his own jobs. CSLS has awarded the In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation Program to Greg to help him get his General B License. With his license, he is hoping to get back on track to provide for his family and to keep their home. October 2011
Anthony Chattin
For more than 25 years he’s always been able to find and retain employment until recently his wife and himself were recently unemployed. CSLS has awarded Anthony with an In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation program to support him to become a licensed General B contractor. His longevity in the business, and strong network of potential customers, and even working small jobs would be beneficial to his situation. It is his hope that eventually he can develop and grow his own business, help his family and friends in the industry to work as well. August 2011
Stanley Amey
Stanley Amey is a family man that believes that what you do and how you do it matters in life. Over the last several years, he and his wife have struggled through several lay-offs, which has been especially challenging as their daughter is soon to graduate high school and college expenses are looming. CSLS has chosen Stanley to be the recipient of the In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation program for getting his C-33 Painting license. Stanley understands the value of learning and hopes to be able to apply the knowledge that he gets through this program and continued learning to provide a “dependable and wonderful service to his clients.” He is also looking forward to being able to give a helping hand to other qualified workers in his industry by hiring them for projects he works on in the future. April 2011
Mark Hefner
Recipient of a CSLS scholarship for the ICC Residential Inspector Certification exam preparation program. Having been laid off due to the economy, and looking to shift gears in his career, he is grateful for having an opportunity to get this education and to have a second chance at a career that he loves. He is hoping to integrate his twenty-plus years in the construction industry and this valuable ICC certification to become a Residential Inspector who would be a great asset to any company that hires him. May 2011
John Gonzalez
Johnny Gonzalez has worked for the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara for more than 12 years. The CAC is a non-profit organization that offers a Free “Home Weatherization” program, among many programs, to low-income families. In 2010, CAC weatherized 1,120 low-income homes in SB County, many of which Johnny was directly involved in. It is Johnny’s hope to get his General B license so that CAC will be able to expand some of their free program offerings to include attic insulation. Although there is a great need for this program, currently there is no contractor with CAC who has the proper credentials to participate in such a program. A General B license would also allow Johnny to “legally and professionally pursue contract work that I cannot obtain now.” Johnny also has plans to provide employment to others in his community once he is licensed. CSLS has recognized Johnny for his contributions and continued vision for his community by awarding him a CSLS In-School Law and Trade License Exam Program. March 2011
Keith Butler
Keith Butler is the recipient of a CSLS In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation program for getting his C-16 Fire Protection Engineer contractor’s license. He has worked in the trade since 1990 and was previously a union worker; however, he has been on the out-of-work list since April of 2010. It is Keith’s hope to earn his license so he can go out and solicit and bid jobs on his own. Having been in the industry so long, he has many connections in the industry and he hopes that the new fire sprinkler requirements that have recently been adopted by the California State Building Standards Commission will open up more opportunities for him as a licensed contractor.
