Don Diego Scholarship Program

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 extracurricular activities.

Annually, the Foundation offers more than $60,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in the San Diego area.

Scholarships are offered in six categories:

1. 4-H
2. FFA
3. Employee
4. Exhibitor/Participant
5. Junior Livestock Auction
6. Vocational Education

An additional $5,000 Spanjian Family Scholarship is awarded to an exceptional recipient.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

Learn More

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Exhibitor/Participant
$10,000 in awards

Applicant must be a high school student 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.

4-H Scholarship
$10,000 in awards

Applicant must be a high school student 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
$10,000 in awards

Applicant must be a high school student 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.

Employee Scholarship
$10,000 in awards

Applicant must be a high school student 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.

Vocational Scholarship
$5,000 in awards

Applicant must be a high school student 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.

Spanjian Scholarship
$5,000 in awards

This supplemental award is given to an outstanding scholarship recipient, honoring them with an additional $5,000 in scholarship funding.