College remains a positive investment in future earnings and overall career outcomes, research shows. While the benefits of pursing higher education are evident, the cost of attending college continues to increase, creating barriers to access for many students.

To help expand access to college and support young people in achieving their academic and career goals, JA San Diego is proud to award $135,000 total in scholarship funding to 17 students through two scholarship programs in partnership with Life Science Cares San Diego and Experian.

For students like Richie, a 2026 scholarship recipient from Lincoln High School, this support represents far more than financial assistance.

“A scholarship to me isn’t a simple grant, it’s an investment. An investment towards accomplishing wonder,” said Richie. “For me, instead of working for countless of hours, I can make meaningful connections and take incredible opportunities within my career so that I can become the best version of myself possible. That’s what I’m aiming for with the help of this scholarship.”

Scholarships like these do more than ease the financial burden of college. They open doors, expand possibilities, and empower students to fully pursue their academic and career aspirations with confidence.

Life Science Cares Scholarship Recipients

  • Octavio, Lincoln High School alum & Architecture major at Cal Poly SLO
  • Isabella, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & Nursing student at San Diego State University
  • Richie, Lincoln High School alum & Astronomy & astrophysics major at UC San Diego
  • Valeria, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & International business major at San Diego State University
  • Evelin, Hoover High School alum & Law student at CSU Fullerton
  • Isabela, Lincoln High School alum & Student at San Diego State University
  • Amiyah, Lincoln High School alum & Pre-med student at San Diego State University

Experian Scholarship Recipients

  • Maliyah, Lincoln High School alum & Health science major at CSU Long Beach
  • Samantha, Lincoln High School alum & Student at San Diego State University
  • Alyssa, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & Nursing student at San Diego State University
  • Diego, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & Law student at CSU San Marcos
  • Tanaya, Lincoln High School alum & International business major at Coppin State University
  • Alexandra, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & Student at UC Irvine
  • Samantha, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter alum & Chemistry & bio-chemistry major at San Diego State University
  • Carlos, Lincoln High School alum & Exercise science major and pre-med student at CSU Sacramento
  • Hoang, Hoover High School alum & Student at UC Davis
  • Brandon, Lincoln High School alum & Student at CSU Los Angeles