Maria Teresa Madrigal has been selected as a Cabrillo College Local Government Fellow. She will graduate from Cabrillo this December with a double major, one in liberal arts & sciences and one in health sciences. She will continue her education in the Cabrillo Nursing program and Bridge program at CSU Monterey Bay, leading to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Maria Teresa Madrigal
Madrigal is a resident of Watsonville and is the first in her family to attend college.
As a Local Government Fellow she will receive a $2,000 scholarship and an internship in with the County of Santa Cruz in the summer of 2026.
“This fellowship feels like a bridge between the life I’ve lived and the impact I want to make,” said Madrigal. “ I’ve seen how systems can either uplift or overlook people and I want to be part of the change that makes them more accessible, compassionate, and effective. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to keep learning how local government and healthcare can work together to truly support communities like mine in Watsonville.”
The Fellows program was created in 2021 by current and former local government leaders throughout Santa Cruz County and the Cabrillo College Foundation. The goal of the program is to encourage and support Cabrillo College students, with preference to those who are the first in their family to attend college, to pursue careers in local government.
Arne Croce, a Cabrillo alum, former city manager and one of the program organizers, said, “Teresa exemplifies the student we had in mind when the Fellowship was established: strong academic performance, a motivation to learn and grow, and a passion for local government service. We are excited for Teresea and look forward to her future. We are grateful for the generous community support which makes this program possible.”
Effective, efficient local government is critical to communities. Planning, infrastructure, public safety, libraries, parks and recreation, elections management, and health and social services are essential to a high quality of life and robust economy. Developing dedicated, competent, and diverse future local government leaders is key to maintaining the essential services provided by cities, counties, and special districts.
The goal is to raise an endowment of $100,000 and support the selection of two Fellows each year.
The Fellows program has raised $86,000 with contributions come from individuals, businesses, and the cities of Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County and the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville have committed to providing a paid internship to students selected as Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows. Scholarship funds are managed by the Cabrillo College Foundation. Contributions to the fund can be made to the Foundation at: https://foundation.cabrillo.edu/donate. Select “Other” and enter “Local Government Fellows” in the notes section.
