This prestigious community of high potential, curious learners are creating a strong foundation for career success. Our founding principles:
Problem solving skills, collaboration capabilities and curiosity are the true foundation of future success
Potential is not reflected in test scores or grades
Careers are profoundly shaped on the strength of the personal relationships you form along the way
Curiosity and learning capacity are more important to your career than any class
About the scholarship
Apply in the fall
Students apply fall of senior year to begin program in last semester of senior year
Take a class
Take one class at DVC in the spring semester, enroll full time upon graduation
Build skills
Participate in workshops on career networking, presentation skills, and collaborative problem solving
Buy supplies
Students will receive a $150 stipend per semester to help with school supplies
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum grade point average to be considered?
Do I need to know what I want to study or major in?
What does the Diamante Scholars Program Coordinator do?
Why is my family included in the Diamante Scholar events?
What if I want to learn a trade and not go to college?
Why are there seminars and guest speakers?
Because there are many, many people like you who have gone down this path and found their success
Apply to be a Diamante Scholar today
Have you been told you’re not college material? Have people said your grades aren’t “good enough” and are somehow an indicator of your potential? Do you know, deep down, you see your successful future? Diamante Scholars is here to help you unlock your potential.
What You Need to Apply
- Submit an online application
- Provide your high school transcripts
- Sign our release of confidential information form
- Participate in a student interview
Qualifications
- Determined to graduate from college
- Available to attend required programming – approximately 2 to 3 events per semester
- Committed to achieving and maintaining a 2.5 GPA or greater
- Committed to going to school full-time at DVC (minimum of 12 units int Fall & Spring)
- Interested in continuing to a four year college or a trade
- Be excited about transferring
Required Activities (2020)
- Welcome Reception: January 17th
- Speaker Series Event: February, March, April, May
- End of the Year Celebration: June
About Diamante Scholars
The Diamante Scholars program is focused on helping high-potential high school students find their path to higher education and career success.
Our belief is that the skills and capabilities that make for a successful career for many people have little to do with academic success and very much to do with a desire and capacity to learn, to be effective problem solvers, and to develop trusted working and personal relationships.
The name “Diamante” speaks to these scholars as diamonds. Diamonds in the rough. And diamonds are tough. We chose the Spanish term for diamond to reflect the heritage of the founder, Peter Zaballos — two generations ago his grandparents Pedro and Juana Zaballos emigrated from Spain to California, working first in the fields and eventually in the Del Monte canneries.
Who We Are
Peter Zaballos
Diamante Scholars Founder
Peter is deeply involved in the program design and works closely with the DVC staff in its operation. Peter was told repeatedly in middle school and high school that he “did not have what it takes for college”. He attended DVC from September 1976 until February 1979, when he transferred to UC Berkeley. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1982 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1990 with a Masters of Science Degree in Administration (an MBA). Peter spent his career building and growing high technology companies.
Rosa Amendáriz
Dean of Student Engagement and Equity
Rosa joined DVC in 2016, after having worked at Los Medanos College (LMC) for ten years in various leadership roles. As a first-generation college student, she is committed to making education a reality for more students in California. Rosa’s previous positions include Executive Director of the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) in Oakland, as well as serving as a program coordinator for Higher Education at the James Irvine Foundation and at the Center for Latino Policy Research at UC Berkeley. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS). She earned a BA in Spanish Literature from Stanford University and is completing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California. Rosa is originally from Ventura County, California.
Email: rarmendariz@dvc.edu
Phone: 925.969.2233
Marina Arevalo
Diamante Scholars Program Coordinator
Marina attended DVC in 2006 and then transferred to New Mexico State University in 2010. She graduated with her Bachelors in Studio Art in 2014 and her Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration in Higher Education in 2016. Marina most recently worked at California College of the Arts as a Residential Life Coordinator where she dedicated her time to developing curriculum for first year students. Currently Marina is working for the Office of Student Engagement and Equity at Diablo Valley College, and is committed to helping students have the most successful educational experience possible. As the Diamante Program Coordinator, Marina is devoted to the program, DVC, and especially the students she will be serving.
Email: marevalo@dvc.edu
Phone: 925.969.2235
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