15 Peninsula Bridge Students earn $60,000 scholarships from Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation program

The Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation (SGB) announced today [May 1] that 15 exceptional high school seniors from Peninsula Bridge, the program empowering lower-income and first-generation students to achieve college and career success, have been selected as recipients of the Dave Goldberg Scholarship.

The Goldberg Scholarship Program was established by Sheryl Sandberg in 2017 to support college-bound high school seniors across the country who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and remarkable leadership skills. The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Dave Goldberg, who believed that every child, no matter who they are or where they’re from, deserved an excellent education. To date, the scholarship — which relieves the financial pressure of higher education and allows students to focus entirely on their studies — has supported more than 180 students, including the new 2026 class of scholars.

“Dave believed every person should have access to an education and the opportunity to succeed,” said Sheryl Sandberg, Founder of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation. “We created the Goldberg Scholarship to honor his legacy by supporting a new generation of leaders who embody his character and resilience. I’m proud to welcome this cohort, all of whom are the first in their families to attend college. They fill me with hope, and I can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have.”

All 15 students will receive a unique combination of financial support and mentoring during their four-year college experience. Highlights include:

-Critical financial support totaling approximately $15,000 a year per student, to cover a range of education-related needs not traditionally covered by college financial aid

-A Peninsula Bridge mentor to support college success and provide career guidance on a regular basis throughout college

-Support from “Goldberg Connectors” – a network of professionals who will help scholars secure summer internships and job opportunities

-A technology stipend to cover essential equipment for college, along with a mental health stipend to support students’ well-being during the demanding early years of their academic journey

-Invitation to attend the Goldberg Leadership Weekend, which allows students to make valuable connections, learn from experts, and build strategies in areas such as professional development, networking, and mentorship

“This extraordinary partnership with the Dave Goldberg Scholarship Program strengthens our commitment and ability to help our first-generation students conquer the many challenges they face, empowering them to thrive and become leaders in their families, communities, and our world,” said Randi Shafton, Executive Director of Peninsula Bridge. “Because this program tangibly helps to eliminate financial and other barriers blocking their access to college and career success, Peninsula Bridge is extremely proud to continue this unique partnership.”

The 15 recipients of the Goldberg Scholarship are active Peninsula Bridge scholars who reside on the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula — many of whom are the first of their families to attend college. All recipients will be attending college this fall, and at such places as Dartmouth, Bryn Mawr College, UC Santa Cruz, and Lehigh University.

Check out the 2026 Goldberg Scholars profiles.