Helping Students Build Brighter Futures

The Diamante Scholars program serves overlooked, high potential students because we believe potential isn’t defined by test scores or grades. Instead, success comes from curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, and the strength of the relationships you build along the way.

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Unlocking Unseen Potential

The Diamante Scholars program is focused on helping high-potential high school students find their path to higher education and career success.

The skills and capabilities that make for a successful career have little to do with academic success and everything to do with the desire and capacity to learn, being effective problem solvers, developing 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 Can Apply & What’s Required

Your path is simple: complete the online application, participate in a student interview, and ensure you meet the qualifications below.

Academic Requirements

  • A senior or mid-year graduate from one of the following high schools: Concord, Mt. Diablo, Olympic, or Ignacio Valley

  • 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 in the Fall & Spring)

Required Activities

  • A senior or mid-year graduate from one of the following high schools: Concord, Mt. Diablo, Olympic, or Ignacio Valley

  • 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 Diablo Valley College (minimum of 12 units in the Fall & Spring)

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What to Expect as a Diamante Scholar

As a Diamante Scholar you’ll receive mentorship, career exploration opportunities, financial support, and personalized guidance. From your senior year of high school through college graduation, our program is designed to help you thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

  • Apply in the Fall

    Apply during the fall of your senior year of high school to begin the program in your final semester.

  • Take Your 1st College Course

    In the spring of your senior year, you’ll take your first class at DVC (Diablo Valley College). After graduation, you’ll enroll full-time (minimum 12 units) to continue your journey.

  • Explore Careers & Connections

    Gain real-world experience through summer internships, industry site visits, and our career guest speaker series.

  • Get Support for School Supplies

    Each semester, you’ll receive a $150 stipend to help cover the cost of books and supplies.

  • Build Community

    You’ll be part of a supportive community at DVC, with personalized one-on-one guidance every step of the way.

Testimonials

  • Diamante Scholars program gave me the opportunity for my first internship. It was the best thing I’ve ever done and was really proud of myself.

    Cecllia Subias, DVC Student & Ygnacio Valley Graduate

  • This program basically made the way for me to join the college.

    Parwiz Khan, DVC Student and Mount Diablo High Graduate

  • Honestly, I appreciate everything about the program. The staff have checked up on me since day 1, which I appreciate a lot. I enrolled to college and I’m dedicated thanks to them as well. I would say the check-ins help a lot too at least to see each other once a month or so and them just being there for me.

    Jose Gonzalez, DVC Student and Mount Diablo High Graduate

  • No one – except me – believed in my potential. At DVC I found the path that led to my career, and built the skills that made me successful.

    Peter Zaballos, former DVC Student

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 the potential inside.

Ready to take the next step?

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 FAQs

  • No. We are looking for students who have talent and potential.

  • Not at all. This is where you follow your instincts to your major.

  • They are there to help guide and support students.

  • Because they want to see you and your peers succeed.

  • You set the goal; we are here to support you.

  • Because there are many, many people just like you who have gone down this path and found their success.