The BIG Give 2023

Congratulations to the 33 San Diego City College students who were each awarded $1000 scholarships at The BIG Give, Friends of Downtown’s Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon on November 16, 2023.

Thanks to the generosity of FOD members, donors, and the City College Foundation for supporting students here in our community.

PS: You can help us get off to a good start for 2024 by donating now !

Recipients’ Majors

  • IT (cybersecurity is a new program at City College where students can earn a four-year degree

  • Medicine (City College’s nursing program rank was recently ranked No. 1 associate degree in Nursing (ADN) program in San Diego in 2023 as well as an earlier ranking as No. 3 in the nation and No. 2 in California

  • Service professions (education, social work)

Applicant and Recipient Data Points

  • 63 qualified candidates, a 50% increase in applications over 2022

  • More non-traditional student applicants in 2023

  • More students with basic needs

  • 8 ‘repeat’ students who earned scholarships in 2022 and 2023.

  • 5 students with a 4.0 GPA

Criteria and Selection Process

FOD’s scholarships are merit-based and can be spent on whatever expenses students may have. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be carrying a full course load (9 or more units), and have completed at least one full semester at City College in order to apply.

Students must fill out an online application, write an essay, and attend an in-person interview conducted by members of FOD. During the interview students are asked about their course of study, short-term goals and long-term vision as well as their strengths, skills, and accomplishments.

Five FOD members participated in the interview process:

It is an honor and pleasure to meet deserving students and help them achieve their educational, career and life goals. Thanks to all the City College and Foundation teams for dedication and passion for students and our downtown community.

Friends of Downtown