Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California

Focus Areas: First-generation, underserved high school seniors pursuing higher education

Overview:
The Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program honors the legacy of Johnny Ritchey, the "Jackie Robinson of the West Coast," who broke the color barrier in the Pacific Coast League in 1948. The program supports first-generation, underserved high school seniors in San Diego County with resources to help them reach college.

Award Details:

• Up to 10 scholarships available
• $10,000 per scholarship ($2,500 annually over four years)
• Administered by the California Masonic Foundation, San Diego Padres' charitable foundation, and Reality Changers of San Diego

Eligibility:

• First-generation high school seniors in San Diego County
• Students who have encountered and overcome significant personal adversities
• Students demonstrating grit, determination, and courage in pursuit of higher education
• Pre-screened students affiliated with Reality Changers of San Diego are nominated to apply

Selection Process:

• Applications reviewed by selection committee
• Finalists participate in interviews with representatives of Padres Foundation and local Masons of California
• All chosen recipients attend on-field pregame ceremony at Petco Park announcing their selection

Contact:

• California Masonic Foundation
• Website: masonicfoundation.org

Application Process

1. Nomination: Students are pre-screened and nominated by Reality Changers of San Diego
2. Online Application: Applications collected exclusively online
3. Finalists: Selection committee invites finalists to participate in interviews with Padres Foundation representatives and local Masons of California
4. Selection: Chosen recipients announced at on-field pregame ceremony at Petco Park

Previous Deadline: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 4pm PST (for 2023 cycle)