June 1, 2026 (Sacramento, CA) — The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $39,000 in college scholarships to eight outstanding students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.
“These scholarships represent our commitment to supporting the families whose hard work is essential to the success of California’s winegrape industry,” said Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. “We continue to be impressed by the determination, leadership, and academic achievements of our scholarship recipients. Their accomplishments reflect a bright future for their communities and our industry.”
The CAWG Foundation Board of Directors selects scholarship recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and a personal essay outlining each student’s educational goals and aspirations.
Since launching the scholarship program in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $719,500 to help students pursue higher education. The program is funded through the generous support of CAWG members and the broader California wine community.
This year, the Foundation awarded four scholarships to students attending University of California and California State University campuses, three scholarships to students enrolled at California community colleges, and one
$1,000 Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Established by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students studying Viticulture or Enology at either Allan Hancock College or California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients
Alejandro Jarquin, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa High School
Tania Navarrete Rios, Napa, Napa High School
Hector Rendon, San Miguel, Paso Robles High School
Luis Ruelas Ramirez, Placerville, El Dorado High School
Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients
Jimena Espinoza Ceja, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen High School
Cristal Gonzalez Abundis, Riverdale, Riverdale High School
Giselle Torres Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School
Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Logan Rose, Lodi, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
About the Recipients
FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $2,000 EACH
Alejandro Jarquin, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa High School
Alejandro is an accomplished student and will be the first in his family to attend college. He plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he will study Computer Science and Software Development. Driven by his passion for technology, Alejandro co-founded his school’s Coding Club to connect with other students interested in programming and to create opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. He also founded the Robotics Club, where students work together to design and build robots. In addition to his leadership on campus, Alejandro has volunteered with the Council on Aging and LandPaths, a conservation organization. These experiences have exposed him to diverse members of his community and strengthened his commitment to serving. In addition to his extracurricular and community commitments, Alejandro has earned a 4.75 GPA and is third in his graduating senior class at Santa Rosa High School.
Hector Rendon, San Miguel, Paso Robles High School
Hector plans to study Business Administration with a concentration in finance and entrepreneurship. His goal is to build a career in business while creating opportunities for growth within his community. Throughout high school, Hector has balanced rigorous academics with leadership roles, community involvement, and employment, experiences that have strengthened his time management skills, responsibility, and determination. One of Hector’s proudest accomplishments has been serving as president of his school’s Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) chapter while also serving as Sophomore Class President. In these roles, he organized cultural events, fundraisers, and community celebrations designed to create inclusive spaces where students felt represented and connected. Through these leadership experiences, Hector developed skills in collaboration, budgeting, and event coordination. Hector has earned a 4.4 GPA while balancing his academic, extracurricular, and work commitments.
Luis Ruelas Ramirez, Placerville, El Dorado High School
Luis plans to attend the University of California, Merced, with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. He hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. As a first-generation high school student, Luis has learned how to problem-solve independently and seek out resources and support when facing challenges. Throughout high school, Luis has challenged himself academically while maintaining a 3.38 weighted GPA. Beyond the classroom, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to responsibility through employment and involvement in his school community. Luis is a member of the Interact Club and has participated on the school soccer team. His experiences throughout high school have strengthened his independence, perseverance, and long-term commitment to his educational goals.
TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH
Jimena Espinoza Ceja, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen High School
Jimena plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College, where she will study Radiology to become a radiologic technologist. As a first-generation college student, Jimena views higher education as an opportunity to create
new possibilities for her family. Through the Elsie Allen High School University Center Program, Jimena has taken courses at Sonoma State University, gaining early exposure to the expectations of higher education. She has also been actively involved in Interact Club, Foundation Club, Key Club, and Future Farmers of America, experiences that helped her develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Jimena’s interest in the medical field led her to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant program, where she gained hands-on experience in patient care and further strengthened her interest in healthcare. Jimena has earned a 4.27 GPA while balancing her academic and extracurricular commitments.
Cristal Gonzalez Abundis, Riverdale, Riverdale High School
Cristal is a driven and community-minded student who plans to attend Lemoore College, majoring in psychology and pursuing a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in equine-assisted therapy. Her interest in mental health advocacy began while caring for her grandmother, who experienced depression. Cristal became involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and later served as president of her school’s NAMI Club. She worked with mental health professionals, helped organize campus wellness activities, and participated in community discussions focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. She also participated in a Directing Change mental health awareness project that earned first place regionally and served as a panelist on Valley PBS Teen Talk, where she spoke about suicide prevention. Cristal volunteers at Path to Hope Therapeutic Riding Center, where she works with horses while supporting children with disabilities.
Giselle Torres Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School
Giselle is a first-generation college student who plans to attend Mendocino College to study Allied Health to become a radiology technician. Giselle has been actively involved in her high school through a variety of extracurricular activities that helped strengthen her leadership and communication skills. She is a cheerleader and was selected as captain during her first year on the team, an experience that taught her responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. She has also served as president and secretary of several student organizations,
including the Latino Club, Kindness Club, and Gardening Club. Through these clubs, Giselle has helped organize activities that support her school community and encourage student involvement. Her ability to balance athletics, academics, and leadership responsibilities reflects her strong time management skills and commitment to her educational goals.
ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1,000 EACH
Logan Rose, Lodi, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Logan is a dedicated student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he is entering his second year studying Wine and Viticulture. His involvement in FFA and his work with Atlas Vineyard Management helped shape his interest in the winegrape industry and led him to pursue a career in vineyard management. Logan’s long-term goal is to become a vineyard manager and contribute to the future of the winegrape industry. Logan is a member of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Leadership Program and serves as a general ambassador, training to lead tours for prospective students and their families. He is also actively involved in the Vines to Wines Club, which provides students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn more about the wine business.
About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation
The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.
