Our Story
San Diego Education Fund provides college access to low-income, ethnically-diverse students
to pursue careers as teachers and STEM professionals. Our scholarships stretch from the first to final day of college. SDEF support includes stipends, mentorship and access to networking and job placement. We award scholarships to selected graduates of the San Diego Unified School District. Many of our scholars are the first in their families to attend college.
Opening Doors
to College and Beyond
Teacher Scholars: Making a Difference
SDEF scholars understand the challenges of growing up in poor neighborhoods, where schools provide a safe haven and teachers play critical roles in building their students’ self-confidence. SDEF’s Teacher Scholars are determined to enter the profession so they, too, can make a difference in the lives of children.
Teacher Scholars: Investing in Education
Students are shown to relate better to teachers whose backgrounds resemble their own. That’s why we believe so strongly in our investment in education. Through the years, more than 400 of our homegrown Teacher Scholars have returned to San Diego Unified as teachers. Once our Teacher Scholars are fully credentialed, we support their job placement in the district.
STEM Scholars: Solving Problems
Just like the workforce needs teachers, it also offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. As they advance through college, our STEM Scholars build the critical thinking and problem solving skills communities need to overcome their greatest challenges. We are proud to see so many of our STEM Scholars thrive.
