Don Diego Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Don Diego Scholarship Foundation

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit entity, offers scholarships to exceptional high school seniors and graduates who have been involved in activities and events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, including the San Diego County Fair. The recipients of these scholarships are recognized for their organizational skills, leadership abilities, innovative thinking, and their significant contributions to the community through their involvement in Del Mar Fairgrounds events, school, and other extracurricular activities.

The foundation provides four scholarships in each of the following categories: 4-H, FFA, Employee, and Exhibitor/Participant. Additionally, eleven Junior Livestock Auction (JLA) Scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the 4-H or FFA Scholarship and are interested in applying for a JLA Scholarship. Two Vocational Education Scholarships are also offered to assist students who are pursuing an AA/AS degree or certificate at a community college or an accredited trade school.

4-H Scholarship

Eligibility for this scholarship requires the applicant to be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college. The applicant must also be a member in good standing of 4-H and have participated in a competitive exhibit department at the San Diego County Fair at some point, not necessarily in the year of application.

FFA Scholarship

For this scholarship, the applicant must be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college. The applicant must also be a member in good standing of FFA and have participated in a competitive exhibit department at the San Diego County Fair at some point, not necessarily in the year of application.

JLA Scholarship

Eligibility for this scholarship requires the applicant to be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college. The applicant must also meet the eligibility criteria for 4-H or FFA and participate in the Junior Livestock Auction at the San Diego County Fair.

Employee Scholarship

For this scholarship, the applicant must be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college. The applicant must also provide proof of employment (prior to the year of application) by the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Premier Food Services, or a contractor of the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship

Eligibility for this scholarship requires the applicant to be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college. The applicant must also have participated in a competitive exhibit department or as an entertainer in the special events department at the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar National Horse Show, or another equestrian event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and/or Horsepark, prior to the year of application.

Vocational Education Scholarship

For this scholarship, the applicant must be a high school graduate who has been accepted into a college or certificate program. The applicant must also have participated in an event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds or Horsepark, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or as an employee of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or a contractor of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, prior to the year of application.