Overview

Application deadline: April 15, 2025, 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 April 15, 2025.

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 15th to submit their letters.

  Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship

Students are eligible to apply for one of the Junior Livestock Auction scholarships if they participate in the Junior Livestock Auction at the San Diego County Fair in the current year or while in high school.

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

FFA or 4-H Scholarship

Students who are eligible to apply for a Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship may also apply for an FFA or 4-H scholarship if they meet the requirements. To apply, you must complete a separate application.

FFA Scholarship

The FFA category requires that the student be a member in good standing of FFA until the calendar year following graduation from high school 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.

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.

Standards for Scholarship Eligibility and Basis for Judging

  • Applicants must either be a member of FFA, Grange or 4-H in San Diego County, and must be an exhibitor of a market animal at the San Diego County Fair in the year in which they apply for this scholarship.
  • Market animal is defined as beef, goat, lamb, swine, or a pen of; turkey, chicken or rabbit. To be eligible for this scholarship your market animal must make the minimum market weight as stated in the premium book.
  • Candidate may apply or re-apply for scholarship in his or her senior year of high school, or within one year thereafter. However, candidates may only receive this scholarship once.
  • Scholarships shall be awarded annually (funds permitting and applications warranting) to FFA, Grange and 4-H members. To be considered, an applicant must have made application to a four-year or a two-year higher educational institution.
  • Scholarship funds awarded will be deposited for the recipient at the educational institution of his/her choice, to be administered by the college on a quarterly or semester basis. Proof of enrollment after the last day to drop classes, from the school, will be required prior to scholarship funds being released. Student must be enrolled on a full-time basis. Students will have four years to claim their scholarship.
  • One letter of recommendation must come from his/her leader or advisor.
  • A breach of ethics during their fair career may prevent applicants from being awarded a scholarship pending review of the scholarship committee.
  • The committee reserves the right to visit the project enterprise of all applicants.
  • Selection of awardees shall be on the basis of:

    1. Scholastic Record
    2. Participation in FFA, Grange or 4-H Activities/ Project Enterprise
    3. Other Activities or Leadership involvement in community and school
    4. Interview
    5. Future Agricultural Intent

  • The committee shall review written applications to select finalists for personal interviews. Judges will name recipients from the FFA, Grange and 4-H students interviewed.
  • The number of recipients and the amounts to be awarded will be determined by the Junior Livestock Auction Committee. Awards must be claimed within a four-year period from the date of the original award. The decision of the judging committee shall be final.
  • Scholarship recipients must be present in uniform 20 minutes prior to the start of the Livestock Auction for recognition and will be assigned a time to help with auction activities such as being a runner, or assisting buyer tables. Failure to appear may prevent applicants from being awarded a scholarship pending review of the scholarship committee.

  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 April 15, 2025