San Diego County CA— The San Diego Foundation recently announced more than $2.7 million in scholarships to 900 students pursuing higher education during the 2017-2018 school year. The scholarships are made possible through 177 unique charitable funds established by donors through the Community Scholarship Program at The Foundation.
The San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship Program is the largest in the region outside of the university system, and provides a variety of scholarships to high school students, current college students, graduate students and adult re-entry students. In 2017, the Program offered 135 different types of scholarships, many of which awarded money to multiple students. Since 1997, the program has awarded more than $28.7 million to thousands of students.
“Investing in our students is one of the strongest ways to support our region and future generation of leaders,” emphasized Kathlyn Mead, President and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “The San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship Program makes a difference in the lives of many families and young adults who otherwise would not have the opportunity to continue their academic development. We are grateful for the growth of this program, and urge individuals, families and companies to get involved to help those San Diego students most in need.”
According to research from the Public Policy Institute of California, only a fraction of students in California capable of earning a degree actually do, and students from underserved communities are greatly underrepresented in colleges and universities. The Community Scholarship Program ensures that more San Diego youth have the opportunity to accomplish their academic goals.
Jawid Habib, a MKC College Scholarship recipient through The San Diego Foundation, is a testament to the impact of the Community Scholarship Program. At the time he was pursuing his degrees years ago, Jawid was working two jobs to help his family while in school. Today, Jawid works as a defense attorney in San Diego at the forefront of employment law with Littler Mendelson P.C — a global law firm at the forefront of issues shaping the nation’s labor and employment laws. Jawid is one of many examples of how the support of donors and the Community Scholarship Program is leaving a lasting impact on our workforce and region.
“Without the MKC Preuss Scholarship and the support of the donors and mentors involved, my life trajectory would have been very different,” explained Jawid. “The financial and personal support I was given while pursuing my degrees lifted a considerable burden off my shoulders and allowed me to remain focused on my studies.”
The San Diego Foundation offers scholarships that support a variety of career paths and backgrounds, including awards for students who want to pursue careers in STEM or the arts, and scholarships for students who come from a foster care background.
If you are interested in opening a scholarship fund to support students, please contact Danielle Valenciano, Director of Scholarships, at (619) 235-2300.