Education: Our most powerful tool

Education is our most powerful tool for change. Yet for many talented, low-income students, the cost of a college degree is out of reach. This is especially true for young men and women who dream of entering critical fields such as Education or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)—fields that are vital to our community’s growth and prosperity.

San Diego Education Fund provides multiyear scholarships and mentoring to eligible San Diego Unified School District graduates who commit to earning degrees to become certified teachers or STEM professionals. 

Unlike the one-time aid provided by most scholarships, our multiyear investment—coupled with regular check-ins and group activities—provides the support students need to focus on their studies without the worry of looming debt. 

While studying to earn that degree, many of our scholars support the economic vitality of their families by working part-time or caring for siblings. Some of our scholars are the first in their family to attend college.

Our approach ensures that scholars can graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed and give back. While STEM Scholars solve some of our most challenging problems, Teacher Scholars return to San Diego Unified to find meaningful employment, sometimes in the very schools they once attended.

Investing in a San Diego Education Fund Teacher Scholar for five years is a cost of $30,000; for a STEM Scholar, a 4.5-year scholarship costs $26,000. 

We achieve our financial goals through the generosity of monthly, annual and multi-year donations. One donor has contributed $50 per month for more than 10 years. Others make gifts of $250 to $10,000 per year. Still others pledge multiyear donations of $15,000 to $50,000.

For the scholar, these investments build upon primary and secondary educations to yield abundant rewards their families and the community. 

Since 2000, San Diego Education Fund has invested more than $4 million to support low-income students determined to earn a degree. Thank you for joining us in this essential work. 

Sincerely,

Becky

Rebecca F. (Becky) Phillpott, President
San Diego Education Fund