Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program

A scholarship program honoring trailblazing baseball player Johnny Ritchey, 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.

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California

Focus Areas:

• First-generation students
• Underserved high school seniors
• Students who have overcome significant personal adversities
• Students pursuing higher education

Award Details:

• Up to 10 scholarships available
• $10,000 per scholarship ($2,500 annually over four years)

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

Administering Organizations:

• California Masonic Foundation
• San Diego Padres Foundation
• Reality Changers of San Diego

Background: Announced January 5, 2023, as an expansion of the existing program on what would have been Johnny Ritchey's 100th birthday. Ritchey was described as the "Jackie Robinson of the West Coast" and played for the San Diego Padres in 1948 and 1949.

Contact:

• Phone: (415) 776-7000
• Email: memberservices@freemason.org
• Website: masonicfoundation.org

Application Process

1. Nomination: Reality Changers of San Diego nominates pre-screened students affiliated with their organization to apply.
2. Online Application: Applications are collected exclusively online through the organization's portal.
3. Selection Review: After reviewing all applications, the selection committee invites finalists to participate in interviews with representatives of the Padres Foundation and local members of the Masons of California.
4. Award Announcement: All chosen recipients attend an on-field pregame ceremony at Petco Park to be announced as scholarship winners.

Application Materials Required:

• Online application form (specific requirements not detailed in source material)

Note: Recent deadline mentioned was February 28, 2023, at 4pm PST (for that year's cycle). Contact masonicfoundation.org for current application deadlines.