Overview

Application deadline: March 30, 2026, Midnight

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 extra- curricular 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. The $5,000 Spanjian Family Scholarship is bestowed upon one of the most exceptional of all recipients.

Winners have four years to use their awarded scholarship.

  Before You Start

Questions?

If you have any questions or problems while filling out your application, please email acolburn@dondiegosf.org or call (858) 792-4210.

Required Documents

You’ll need these supporting documents to complete your application. Your completed application, including supporting documents, MUST be submitted by Midnight on March 30, 2026.

Transcript Information

You must submit a transcript of your high school grades. You can upload any type of file, including: PDF, Microsoft Word, JPG, PNG. You can upload pictures of these documents taken from your phone if they are clear and legible.

Letters of Recommendation

You must provide the email addresses of two references that have agreed to write letters of recommendation on character, ability and competency. One of the letters of recommendation must come from a 4H or FFA advisor. We will reach out and ask them to submit letters of recommendation to us. Recommenders will have until April 8th to submit their letters.

Biographical Essay

You must submit a brief biographical essay that includes your personal goals for the future. This essay should not exceed 500 words or 3,000 characters.

  4-H Scholarship

The 4-H category requires that the student be a member in good standing of 4-H and student must have participated (but not necessarily during applying year) in a competitive exhibit department [for example: Junior Livestock, Student Showcase, Student Landscape, Creative Youth, etc.] at the San Diego County Fair. Students may apply until the year they turn 19 prior to December 31.

  Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship

Students who are eligible to apply for a 4-H Scholarship may also apply for a Junior Livestock Auction scholarship if they participate in the San Diego County Fair Jr. Livestock Auction and meet eligibility requirements. To apply, you will need to complete a separate application.

All recipients of this scholarship are required to attend the Jr. Livestock Auction for recognition.

  Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Student must be a San Diego area resident who is graduating from high school no later than July 31, 2026 or who is a high school graduate.
  • Student must submit his or her high school transcript with application.
  • Student must comply with 4-H membership requirements. If applying for a Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship, student must exhibit a market animal at the San Diego County Fair in the current year or while in high school.
  • Exhibitors participating in Grange are also eligible to apply for the 4H Scholarship.
  • Scholarship must be used toward recipient’s education at a four-year institution, or a two-year college where a vocational major or course work is completed in anticipation of transferring to a four-year college or university. Upon receiving student’s verification of enrollment, a check for the scholarship amount will be sent to the Financial Aid Office of the designated college.
  • Scholarship must be used by the recipient within four years. If the full amount of the scholarship is not used in that time, the recipient must apply for an extension, or the scholarship funds will be returned to the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation.
  • Previous winners of a scholarship from the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation are not eligible to apply again.

Applications will be screened by 4-H Leaders, Ag community members and/or Del Mar Fairgrounds staff members, and semi-finalists will be selected. The semi-finalists will be interviewed by a committee of Don Diego Board Members, who will select the scholarship recipients.

  Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Don Diego Scholarship as well as a Jr. Livestock Auction Scholarship?

If you are a 4-H or FFA member and are exhibiting an animal, you are eligible to apply for both scholarships.

Can I apply for two scholarships?

You cannot apply for two Don Diego Scholarships unless it is for a 4-H/FFA Scholarship and a Jr. Livestock Auction Scholarship.

If I start the application, can I finish it later?

Yes, you can save your application and an active link will be sent to your email that is valid for 30 days.

What if I don’t have all the required materials?

Students who have not filled out all of the required elements will not be considered for a Don Diego Scholarship.

Don Diego Scholarship Foundation
Online Application

Deadline: Midnight on March 30, 2026