Greater Riverside Dollars for Scholars

🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Samuel Roberts 🌟

This month, we’re proud to highlight Samuel Roberts, who joined the Greater Riverside Dollars for Scholars Board in March 2025.

Originally from Santa Cruz, Samuel moved to Riverside in 2016 to pursue his Bachelor’s in Public Policy at UC Riverside. His passion for public service has guided his journey ever since. From working as an Interpreter with California State Parks to earning his Master’s in Public Policy from USC’s Price School, Samuel has remained deeply committed to community impact.

While at USC, Samuel co-founded “San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery,” a mutual aid organization that distributed critical COVID-response materials during the pandemic. He has since served as a Public Communications Officer for the San Diego Association of Governments and now works as a Legislative Analyst for Riverside County District 1 Supervisor Jose Medina. In addition, he mentors students at the UCR School of Public Policy and serves on the board of directors for the Rivers & Lands Conservancy.

Samuel was inspired to join GRDFS because of his strong belief in education access. Having relied on financial aid to attend college himself, he understands firsthand how life-changing scholarship support can be. His dedication to ensuring Riverside youth have both the opportunity and financial ability to pursue higher education aligns perfectly with our mission.

We’re grateful for Samuel’s leadership and commitment to expanding opportunity for local students. 💙

🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Elena Klistoff 🌟

We’re proud to spotlight Elena Klistoff, Owner of Renaissance Therapeutic Massage, Inc., and a dedicated member of the Greater Riverside Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors.

Since 2003, Elena has served the greater Inland Empire as an accomplished aesthetician and massage therapist, specializing in integrated deep-tissue massage and restorative facial treatments. Her work supports a wide range of needs — from postoperative pain management and lymphatic drainage to stress relief and athletic recovery.

At Renaissance Therapeutic Massage, Elena believes healing goes far beyond the surface. Her practice is rooted in trust, connection, and genuine care, which is why many of her clients become long-term members of her community.

Elena brings that same heart for service to her role with GRDFS. She is deeply committed to giving back and advocating for local students, believing that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity and lasting change. Supporting the next generation through scholarship access is a natural extension of her personal and professional mission.

Healing is Elena’s passion — whether through hands-on care or helping students reach their full potential — and we are grateful for the meaningful impact she makes in our community. 💙

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🚨 Final Stretch for Riverside Seniors 🚨

The scholarship application window is closing soon, and we don’t want any opportunities left on the table.

Through Greater Riverside Dollars for Scholars, one application gives graduating seniors access to 30+ scholarships created to support a wide range of goals, backgrounds, and post-high school plans.

📅 Deadline to Apply: January 26, 2026

If you’ve started your application, now’s the time to finish strong.
If you haven’t started yet, there’s still time — but don’t wait.

Your future is worth it.