Don Diego Scholarships

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.

Four scholarships are offered in each of four categories: 4-H, FFA, Employee, and Exhibitor/ Participant. Seven 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. Two 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.

4-H Scholarship

Applicant must be a high school graduate 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.

FFA Scholarship

Applicant must be a high school graduate 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

Applicant must be a high school graduate applying for/accepted at a college. Applicant must meet 4-H or FFA eligibility requirements and participate in the Junior Livestock Auction at the San Diego County Fair.

Employee Scholarship

Applicant must be a high school graduate 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

Applicant must be a high school graduate 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

Applicant must be a high school graduate 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.