San Diego City College students have until Sept. 26 to apply for the Vocational and Technical Scholarship given by Friends of Downtown San Diego.

Selected continuing students will be awarded $750 in funds to help with their academic goals. 

Friends of Downtown San Diego is a non-profit organization and the largest contributor of single scholarships to San Diego City College, contributing $600,000 in scholarships since 2000. 

The requirements for eligibility include:

• Registered for 9 or more units in the fall 2021 semester
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Have 9 or more units completed at San Diego City College
• Available for an interview on Oct. 8 or Oct. 15-16 on Zoom
• Available to attend a ceremony with donors via Zoom

Sylvia Ramirez, an administrative technician for student scholarships, encourages any student to apply.

“You don’t know how successful you can be if you don’t try,” Ramirez said.

Students are honored at the 2020 FOD Scholarship drive-through celebration. Click on the arrows to view the slideshow. San Diego City College on Flickr photos

Ramirez describes the interview as a conversation about life, goals and obstacles rather than a formal interview. 

Interviews are done in a group setting with two candidates and three to four members of Friends of Downtown.

The interview format is done to make each student feel comfortable and supported.  

“It gives the interview a bit of an edge,” Ramirez said. “If I say something I did that I’m very excited to share, it may prompt the other person to highlight and pinpoint what they’re most excited to share, so I see it as an empowering interview for both.” 

Like many organizations during the pandemic, the FODSD has transitioned to digital for interviews.

COVID-19 has not stopped FODSD from giving out scholarships. Last year for the 20th anniversary of this scholarship, the organization and City College Student Affairs held a drive-thru event to pass out the checks and celebrate safely. 

For more information on the most up-to-date scholarship opportunities, click here.