Salute to Education Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by San Diego County Ford Dealers
Overview
The San Diego County Salute to Education program is a corporate-backed scholarship initiative supported by the San Diego County Ford dealers and Ford Motor Company, with additional funding from Global Team Blue and Zubi Advertising. Its mission is to motivate and assist students in continuing their education—whether at a vocational/technical school, a community/junior college, or a four-year university.
History and impact
Launched in 1993 as a pilot in San Antonio, Texas, the Salute to Education program grew because of Ford dealers’ commitment to improving educational access. It later expanded into portions of Texas, Florida and San Diego County; San Diego County is the only California region participating. Over the past 28 years the program has distributed $5.3 million to San Diego County high school seniors. Nearly 4,900 students have each received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, and 34 recipients were also awarded new Ford vehicles.
Who is eligible
High school seniors who live in San Diego County and attend an accredited public or private school in the participating area are eligible to apply.
Selection process and criteria
Scholarship winners are chosen in March by members of the San Diego County Salute to Education Advisory Council together with educators and community leaders. Decisions are based primarily on applicants’ personal accomplishments and contributions to their schools and communities. Academic performance is taken into account but is not the sole or deciding factor.
Equal opportunity and impartiality
Awards are made on an objective, nondiscriminatory basis. The program does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation. Selection favors no one group; employees or directors of the San Diego County Salute to Education program—and their family members—will not receive preferential treatment in the scholarship process.