Don Diego Vocational Education Scholarship
Offered by Don Diego Scholarship Foundation
About this scholarship
The Don Diego Vocational Education Scholarship supports San Diego-area students preparing for an AA or AS degree or an accredited trade or technical certificate. The foundation lists $5,000 in awards for the vocational category, while the exact amount granted to an individual depends on annual selection. Applicants must have participated before the application year in an event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds or Horsepark, worked for the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or an eligible contractor, or otherwise meet the activity connection described in the official form. Both graduating high school seniors and high school graduates may apply, provided they are San Diego-area residents and will use the award in an eligible community-college or accredited trade-school curriculum. The 2027 application is embedded directly on the official scholarship page and is due by midnight on March 30, 2027. Required materials include a high school transcript, a biographical essay of no more than 500 words or 3,000 characters, and two references. Applicants also describe their intended vocational program, career motivation, work history, community activity, and Fairgrounds experience. Semifinalists are interviewed. Previous Don Diego recipients cannot apply again, and selected students have four years to use their award.
Eligibility
- Be a San Diego-area resident who will graduate from high school by July 31, 2027 or has already graduated
- Have qualifying prior participation or employment connected to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Horsepark, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or an eligible contractor
- Plan an AA or AS degree or accredited trade or technical certificate program
- Submit a high school transcript and the required biographical essay
- Provide contact information for two recommenders
- Describe the intended vocational program, career motivation, and Fairgrounds experience
- Not be a previous Don Diego Scholarship Foundation winner
- Submit the complete embedded application by midnight on March 30, 2027