Don Diego Helps Transform Today’s Students Into Tomorrow’s Leaders

Among the more than 10,000 nonprofits in San Diego County, the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation is unique in its mission of celebrating our region’s agricultural history by providing educational scholarships to youth who have participated in the San Diego County Fair or other Del Mar Fairgrounds events. These students forge successful careers, many in agriculture-related fields, and give back to our community and the world.

The Foundation also nurtures agricultural education among lower-income elementary school students who learn – through the Fair’s hands-on Plant*Grow*Eat Bus Sponsorship program – that nutritious foods come from the earth, not pre-packaged from the store.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation was named for Don Diego, AKA Tom Hernandez, who served as the Fair’s welcoming goodwill ambassador from 1947-1984. Since its inception in 1986, the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation has awarded well over a million dollars in scholarships, assisting nearly 300 students with the costs of their advanced education.

Now Seeking Scholarship Applicants

In 2021, $72,000 in college scholarships ranging from $1,000-$20,000 will be offered to 26 outstanding students throughout the San Diego region. Applications are available February 1 and are due March 29, 2021. Apply Now.

Always Welcoming Scholarship Supporters

When you contribute to the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation, you partake of a rich tradition honoring the spirit of the Fair’s legendary welcoming ambassador, Don Diego, while making an investment in students that will pay dividends in their future and the future of San Diego. Donate today.

501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization; EIN 33-0859020.