Diamante Scholars Program: Unlocking Potential in Overlooked Students
An Alumnus Returns to Invest in the Next Generation
Pete Zaballos stands as living proof that community college can be a launchpad to extraordinary success. The 65-year-old Castro Valley native recently returned to Diablo Valley College (DVC), not as the struggling student he once was, but as a tech industry veteran ready to give back through the Diamante Scholars Program.
For over four decades, Zaballos dominated Silicon Valley's competitive landscape, navigating everything from innovative start-ups to high-stakes venture capital. But his journey to the top began humbly at DVC, where a self-described "below-average student" discovered an unexpected passion for math and engineering that would define his entire career.
A Transformative Discovery
Zaballos's story resonates with countless community college students who may not have followed a traditional academic path. His time at Diablo Valley College proved transformative—the institution didn't just provide education, it unlocked potential he didn't know he possessed. This revelation stayed with him throughout his successful tech career, fueling a desire to create similar opportunities for today's students.
The Diamante Scholars Program
Now, through the Diamante Scholars Program at DVC, Zaballos is ensuring other students can experience the same life-changing discovery he did decades ago. The program represents a full-circle moment: a community college alumnus leveraging his success to illuminate pathways for the next generation of STEM professionals.
Community colleges have long served as crucial access points for students from diverse backgrounds, offering affordable education and second chances to those who may have struggled in traditional academic settings. Programs like Diamante Scholars amplify this mission by providing targeted support, mentorship, and resources specifically designed to help students thrive in demanding fields like mathematics and engineering.
Breaking the Mold
Zaballos's trajectory challenges common narratives about academic success. He didn't start as a star student with perfect grades and a clear path forward. Instead, he found his calling through exploration and support at a community college—a reminder that traditional measures of academic achievement don't always predict future success.
His four-decade career crushing it in the tech world demonstrates the incredible ROI of investing in community college students. From navigating the rapid evolution of technology to making critical investment decisions in venture capital, Zaballos built expertise that now benefits DVC students through mentorship and program support.
A Legacy of Opportunity
The Diamante Scholars Program at Diablo Valley College represents more than just another scholarship initiative. It embodies the principle of paying it forward, creating a sustainable cycle where successful alumni return to lift up future generations. For students who see themselves in Zaballos's story—those who may not fit the traditional academic mold—the program offers both inspiration and practical support.
As community colleges continue to serve as engines of social mobility and innovation, stories like Zaballos's remind us why these institutions matter. They're places where passion can be discovered, potential can be unlocked, and futures can be fundamentally transformed—one student at a time.
