2025 Don Diego College Scholarships
Deadline to Apply: Midnight on Monday, April 15, 2025
Overview
The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for outstanding high school seniors and graduates who participate in activities and events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, including the San Diego County Fair. Scholarship winners demonstrate talent for organization, leadership and innovation and make a valuable contribution to the community through participation in events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, their school and extracurricular activities.
Scholarships are offered in each of four categories: 4-H, FFA, Employee, and Exhibitor/ Participant.
Junior Livestock Auction (JLA) Scholarships are offered to students who qualify for the 4-H or FFA Scholarship and who wish to apply also for a JLA Scholarship.
Vocational Education Scholarships are offered to support students pursuing an AA/AS degree or certificate at a community college or accredited trade school.
With Your Support
Scholarship Applications and Awards
4-H Scholarship
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$10,000 In Awards - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must be a member in good standing of 4-H and have participated (not necessarily during the applying year) in a competitive exhibit department at the San Diego County Fair. Members of Grange are eligible to apply for the 4-H scholarship
FFA Scholarship
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$10,000 In Awards - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must be a member in good standing of FFA and have participated (not necessarily during the applying year) in a competitive exhibit department at the San Diego County Fair.
JLA Scholarship
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Additional Scholarship for 4H and FFA Exhibitors - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must meet JLA eligibility requirements and participate in the Junior Livestock Auction at the San Diego County Fair.
Employee Scholarship
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$10,000 In Awards - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must show verification of employment (prior to the applying year) by the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Premier Food Services or contractor of the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship
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$10,000 In Awards - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must have participated (prior to the applying year) 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 other equestrian event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and/or Horsepark.
Vocational Education Scholarship
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$5,000 In Awards - Applicant must be a high school student applying for/accepted at a college or certificate program. Applicant must have participated (prior to the applying year) 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 contractor of the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Scholars’ Testimonials
Don Diego Scholarship Foundation recipients are matriculating at prestigious colleges around the country, excelling at exciting careers nationwide and making a difference in our community.
“The Foundation means more than just scholarships. It supports the future of agriculture by encouraging students to pursue educational opportunities that will sustain the industry into a new era.”
Alysha Stehly, 2003 Don Diego recipient and current Board member, co-owns Valley Center-based Vesper Vineyards with her husband, Chris Broomell.
“This generous scholarship is helping me delve into my two passions for STEM and art at MIT. I am working toward using bioengineering to help better human healthcare. Thank you, Don Diego!”
2017 Don Diego recipient
Jessica Xu.
“I joined the San Diego Fire Cadet program at age 16, volunteered with the Del Mar Fire Department and participated as an ER Ride Along at the Fairgrounds. This Vocational Education scholarship will help me achieve the firefighter career of my dreams.”
2019 Don Diego recipient
Nick LaRocco.