Story perspectives

Santa Barbara College Misuses $10.5M of Donation Funds

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Santa Barbara City College mismanaged over $10.5 million of MacKenzie Scott's $20 million donation by directing funds to The Promise Program without SBCC Foundation Board approval.
An internal audit in fall 2025 revealed the unauthorized spending.
CEO Bobbi Abram said SBCC Foundation Board complied with reporting requirements and funds were not misused.
The SBCC Board of Trustees expressed disappointment and will investigate at the February 19, 2026 trustees meeting.

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Story summary

Santa Barbara City College mismanaged over $10.5 million of MacKenzie Scott's $20 million donation by directing funds to The Promise Program without SBCC Foundation Board approval.
An internal audit in fall 2025 revealed the unauthorized spending.
CEO Bobbi Abram said SBCC Foundation Board complied with reporting requirements and funds were not misused.
The SBCC Board of Trustees expressed disappointment and will investigate at the February 19, 2026 trustees meeting.