San Diego County Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by AFCEA San Diego Chapter

Description
The San Diego AFCEA Chapter awards competitive scholarships to support local students pursuing STEM degrees. These awards are intended for graduating high school seniors (with a limited exception) who plan to enroll full time at an accredited four‑year U.S. college or university. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. The program is administered by the chapter’s scholarship committee and supports students from San Diego County.

- Three scholarships awarded each cycle
- Target audience: San Diego County students entering four‑year STEM programs
- Selection based on academics, leadership and service
- Administered by the San Diego AFCEA Chapter scholarship committee

Eligibility
Applicants must meet several citizenship, residency, academic, and activity-based criteria to be considered. Required elements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, residency in San Diego County, acceptance to an accredited four‑year U.S. institution, and demonstrated leadership and volunteer service. The source material contains a conflicting GPA requirement (4.0 in one place, 3.5 elsewhere); applicants should confirm the current minimum GPA with the scholarship chair before applying. There is an exception noted for the AFCEAN‑Dependent variant that may allow current full‑time college students to apply.

- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Residency: Must live in San Diego County
- Student status: High school senior (or AFCEAN‑Dependent exception)
- Major: Must plan to major in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- GPA: Confirm current minimum with the scholarship chair (4.0 vs 3.5 inconsistency)

Award Value and Renewal
Each scholarship provides renewable annual funding to help cover undergraduate costs. The award amount is $2,000 per year and may be renewed annually for up to four years, for a maximum cumulative award of $8,000 per recipient. Renewal is contingent on meeting renewal requirements as set by the chapter (confirm details with the chapter). The intent is to provide ongoing support throughout a typical undergraduate program for eligible students.

- Annual award: $2,000 per recipient
- Renewable: Yes, up to 4 years
- Maximum total per student: $8,000
- Renewal subject to chapter’s renewal conditions (verify specifics)

Application Requirements (Supporting Documents)
Applications must include a completed application form plus a single PDF containing all supporting documents. Required attachments include an acceptance letter from the college/university, financial aid award letter, transcripts (unofficial copies accepted), a letter of recommendation, a list of other scholarships/awards, an essay (max 500 words), and SAT/ACT scores if available. SAT/ACT scores are optional and will be considered if provided; they are not mandatory due to many colleges’ test-optional policies. Make sure the PDF is complete and in the requested order to avoid disqualification.

- Single PDF file containing application + all supporting documents
- Required items: acceptance letter, financial aid award letter, transcripts, recommendation letter, awards list, 500‑word essay
- SAT/ACT: optional—submit from a single test date if provided
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable (printout or online copy)

How to Apply and Submission Instructions
Completed application packets must be submitted electronically to the scholarship chair via email. Send the single PDF to Gloria McKearney, Scholarship Chair, at gloria.mckearney2@gmail.com by the June deadline; late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their packet is complete and received on time. If the specific June deadline date is not provided, contact the scholarship chair to confirm the cutoff.

- Submit one combined PDF via email to gloria.mckearney2@gmail.com
- Deadline: by the June cutoff (confirm exact date with the chair)
- Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed
- Applicants should verify receipt with the scholarship chair if uncertain

Application Timeline
Key timeline milestones define submission, selection, and award distribution for the current cycle. Completed applications are due by the June deadline (specific date to be confirmed). Selections and notifications will be completed by July 15, 2026, and scholarship checks are scheduled for distribution at the Awards Reception on August 11, 2026. Applicants should plan college enrollment and financial timelines around these dates and verify any year‑to‑year changes.

- Submission: by June deadline (confirm exact date)
- Selection & notification: by July 15, 2026
- Check distribution / Awards Reception: August 11, 2026
- Verify dates each year with the scholarship chair or chapter

Selection Criteria and Award Process
Recipients are chosen through a competitive review that emphasizes academic strength plus demonstrated leadership and community involvement. The committee evaluates transcripts, recommendations, extracurriculars, volunteer service, and the applicant’s essay describing intended impact in their STEM field. Financial need is considered via the financial aid award letter, and test scores may be reviewed if provided. Final selections are made by the chapter’s scholarship committee and successful applicants are notified by the stated notification date.

- Primary factors: academics, leadership, extracurriculars, community service
- Supporting evaluation: recommendations, essay, financial aid letter
- Test scores: considered if submitted but not required
- Final decisions made by the scholarship committee

History of the Award
The provided material does not include a detailed history or founding background for the scholarship program. For applicants and advisors seeking historical context—such as founding year, past recipient profiles, or program evolution—contacting the San Diego AFCEA Chapter directly is the best way to obtain authoritative information. The chapter can provide archival details, annual reports, or press releases that document the award’s history and impact in the community.

- No detailed history included in source material
- For history and legacy information, contact the San Diego AFCEA Chapter
- Chapter can supply past recipient data, founding details, and impact reports

Contact and Additional Notes
For questions, clarifications, or to confirm requirements and deadlines, reach out to the scholarship chair. The primary point of contact is Gloria McKearney at gloria.mckearney2@gmail.com. Verify the GPA threshold, the exact June submission date, and any renewal conditions before submitting an application to ensure compliance. Keeping a copy of your submitted PDF and confirmation of receipt is recommended.

- Contact: Gloria McKearney, Scholarship Chair — gloria.mckearney2@gmail.com
- Confirm GPA requirement and exact June deadline
- Keep records of submission and request confirmation of receipt