David Malcolm Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by David Malcolm Scholarship

Overview

The David Malcolm Scholarship supports students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue higher education. It is intended for high school seniors accepted to college and current full-time college students who have demonstrated perseverance. Applicants must meet academic criteria and explain how the scholarship will help them continue toward success. The award is competitive and intended to remove financial barriers for students facing personal, family, demographic, or situational challenges.

Description: A merit- and need-informed scholarship for students who have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to completing a college degree.

• Supports students who have overcome obstacles to educational achievement.
• Open to high school seniors accepted to college and current full-time college students.
• Requires applicants to demonstrate how the award will enable their academic success.

Eligibility

Eligibility focuses on academic standing and enrollment status. Applicants must be either high school seniors already accepted to an accredited college or current students enrolled full time at an accredited institution. The scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.5. Other qualifying factors include demonstrated perseverance in pursuing a college degree and a clear explanation of how the scholarship will make a difference.

Eligibility: High school seniors accepted to college or full-time college students with at least a 3.5 GPA who can show perseverance and need.

• High school seniors accepted to an accredited college or current full-time college students.
• Minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Applicants must demonstrate perseverance and explain the scholarship’s impact.

Award Value

The scholarship award is $2,500. Recipients receive a single monetary award intended to offset college expenses. To apply, eligible students must submit a 1,000-word essay describing their background, challenges overcome, and how the scholarship will support their goals. The award amount and application requirements are intended to be transparent and straightforward.

Award Value: One $2,500 scholarship awarded to at least one qualifying student; application includes a required 1,000-word essay.

• Award amount: $2,500.
• One or more recipients may be selected.
• Application requires a 1,000-word essay.

Application Timeline

The selection process identifies and notifies at least one candidate who will be offered the scholarship. The notified winner must accept the award by email within two weeks; failure to respond within that period will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate. The scholarship committee may request additional documentation to verify information provided by the applicant. Specific application deadlines and submission instructions are not listed here and should be obtained from the scholarship administrator.

Application Timeline: Winner notification by email, two-week acceptance window, and potential requests for supplemental documentation.

• At least one candidate will be selected and notified.
• Winner has two weeks to accept the award by email.
• Committee may request additional documentation after acceptance.

History of the Award

The scholarship honors David Malcolm, a self-made real estate professional and community leader. Despite not holding a college degree, he completed the Harvard Business School Presidents Program, earned the CCIM designation, and built a multi-decade career in commercial real estate. Mr. Malcolm served in local and state offices and supported many community and educational organizations. His philanthropic contributions include substantial support to The San Diego Foundation and the establishment of this scholarship to help students overcome barriers to education.

History of the Award: Established in recognition of David Malcolm’s career, community service, and commitment to expanding educational opportunity for resilient students.

• Named for David Malcolm, a community leader and philanthropist.
• Reflects Malcolm’s commitment to education and public service.
• Created to provide financial support to students who have faced significant obstacles.