Scholarships

The SUHI Foundation has established these scholarships to support the higher education goals of Sweetwater High School students.

2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS: read these important UPDATES – 

• Community College & Trade/Tech School Scholarship: Deadline to apply is March 17th. No late or incomplete applications accepted. Access application below.
• University Scholarship: Deadline to apply is March 17th. No late or incomplete applications accepted. Access application below.
• Have questions?  email us at thesuhifoundation@gmail.com 

Morgan-Colorado Business Scholarship:

This “full cost of attendance” scholarship will be awarded to a Sweetwater H.S. Class of 2024 senior to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science Business Degree. The scholarship was established by the Morgan Family Foundation in partnership with the University of Colorado Foundation. The scholarship is available at the College of Engineering for ODD years, and at the School of Business for EVEN years.

SUHI Foundation University Scholarships (2024 application deadline 3/17/24):

The SUHI Foundation Primary Scholarship – The Primary Fund of the SUHI Foundation awards at least one annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 renewable for 4 years. To be eligible for consideration of any additional scholarship awards not listed here, but that become available later, applicants must select “apply”.  

“Mr./Miss Sweetwater” Ken Aramburo Memorial Scholarship – A 1-year scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Must 1) have a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA; 2) have been involved in school organizations (club, sport, committee) as an Officer, OR in a role that requires election/audition/appointment (such as ASB, Varsity, or performance groups [theatre, dance, mariachi, etc.]); 3) agree to possibly participate in a phone interview if selected as a finalist; 4) submit a supplemental essay in the “Additional Documents” section.  Also – One Rec Letter must be from a Club Advisor in which you hold a leadership position (this may be the 2nd letter)

Pat Peace Browning Scholarship – A 1-year scholarship in the amount of $2,000.  This scholarship was established to honor the memory of “Mrs. Peace”, a former teacher who began her impactful career at SUHI.  Preference will be given to  applicants whose intention is to enter the teaching profession, or work in some form of community-based or education role, or have contributed to students’ educational experience in a meaningful way.

Manuel “Memo” Cavada Memorial Scholarship – This was established to honor the memory of Memo Cavada, a Class of 1962 alumnus who captured the images of thousands of Sweetwater HS students as he served as the official school photographer since the 1980’s until very recently.  Memo left a lasting imprint on SUHi and the broader community through his many contributions.  Applicants should exhibit a strong sense of cultural identity and contributions to their school or community.  At least one single-year scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded.

Laura R. Charles Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in remembrance of Ms. Charles who taught at Sweetwater High School for over 47 years.  To qualify, applicants must have participated in a SUHI VAPA performance group for a minimum of 2 semesters (Show Choir, Advanced Dance, Marching Band/Ensemble, Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi, Theatre  Production).  At least one single-year scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded.

“Make It Happen” Robert R. Cruzan Memorial Scholarship – This 4-year scholarship, in the amount of $3,000 per year, was established by the Cruzan Family to honor their father, a SUHI Class of 1940 alumnus.  To qualify for this award, students must exemplify a strong work ethic at school and participate in extra-curricular activities and/or part time employment, showing the necessary skills and determination to be successful.

Alan Dodson Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in honor of Class of 1968 alumnus Alan Dodson, to  recognize a university-bound Student Athlete.  A 4-year scholarship is awarded in the amount of $3,000 per year.  Preference for Varsity athletes, but will also consider applicants who played at least 2 sports at the JV level.  Must include evidence of the sports you played (such as Athletics certificate, letter from coach, pic of self playing with team, etc.).

Thomas M. Martinez Memorial Scholarship – A 2-year scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per year.  All applicants will  be considered regardless of military affiliation.  Credit is given to applicants participating in JROTC at Sweetwater for at least one year, or whose parent is serving or is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.  [if applicable] JROTC cadets submit Rec Letter from your Instructor (this may be the 2nd letter per the General Requirements) OR if you are the child of a U.S. Veteran, submit a copy of parent’s Form DD214.

Linda F. Morasch Scholarship – A 4-year scholarship in the amount of $4,000 per year, offered by board member Ms. Morasch, a San Jose State University alumna. Applicants must be accepted to and intend to enroll at a California State university (CSU).

Luis “Louie” and Patricia Natividad Scholarship – A single-year scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded in honor of Louie Natividad, a SUHI Class of 1961 alumnus and his wife Pat. Applicants must show a commitment to social justice, through her/his current community involvement and future career interests, as well as clearly demonstrate unmet  financial need. 

The Jess and Sharon Van Deventer Business Scholarship – This 4-year scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per year was created by the Van Deventer family to support a student committed to pursuing a career in business.  Any of the Business related concentrations (Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Economics, etc) are eligible.  Preference will be given to students who plan to attend SDSU, but others will also be considered.  

California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) Scholarship – This 4-year scholarship in the amount of $2,500 per year was established by Kile Morgan, Jr. (SUHI class of 1964) with CHF, the charitable arm of the Building Industry Association for the State of California.  Applicants must intend to pursue a career that ties into the home building, real estate, construction or related industries.  Typically, applicable majors are Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management and/or Business Management, Finance, Marketing, etc. but others with this industry/career interest may apply.

Class of ’64 – $1,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to four years. Must be a university bound student. 3.25 gpa or above to apply.

Class of ’67 – $1,000 1-time scholarship to be awarded to two students who display desire to continue their education and are in need of financial assistance.

“Joanna Colada Memorial AIA Scholarship” – The Joanna Colada Memorial AIA Alumni Scholarship is awarded to students based on demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the values and ideals promoted by the Asian International Association (AIA) Club at Sweetwater Union High School (SUHI) in National City, CA. These values and ideals relate to the importance and significant impact of culture, community, and family. The awardees will have a documented history of achievement in the pursuit of these values and ideals, and will demonstrate the potential for continuing these values and ideals in the future.

The students eligible for assistance must be graduating high school seniors and active members of the AIA Club at SUHI, and intend to continue their education at a two-year, or four-year college, or at a vocational training institution. Consideration will be given to academic achievement, financial need, demonstrated dedication to AIA ideals and values, and potential for continued promotion of AIA ideals and values (primarily from the student’s personal statement). $1,000 per year per student will be awarded to a student who is planning to attend a University in the following fall after their graduation and was a member of the Sweetwater Union High School’s Asian International Association.

The Demosthenes, M.D., Ph D. 1944 SUHI ALUMNUS and Gus, J.D., C.P.A. 1946 SUHI ALUMNUS, Pappas (Pappagianes) Scholarship – Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each per year, renewable for up to four years. Applicants must have achieved a GPA of 3.0 and have been accepted to either UC Berkeley or UC Davis to be considered for these scholarships. One scholarship will be given to an applicant accepted to UC Berkley and one to UC Davis.

Morgan Family Foundation Scholarships (2024 application deadline 3/17/24):

This scholarship was established in memory of William Hawken, SUHI Class of 1961 alumnus. A to-be-determined number of 4-year scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000 per year (total of $4,000 over 4 years), $3,000 per year (total of $12,000 over 4 years), and $5,000 per year (total of $20,000 over 4 years). Students must apply to The Morgan Family Foundation committee, must be accepted to and attend a 4-year university.

SUHI Foundation Community College and Trade School Scholarships (2024 application deadline 3/17/24):

Primary CC Scholarship – At least 4 scholarships in the amount of $500 to $1,000 will be awarded to applicants who plan to attend a community college seeking to transfer to a 4-year university or to obtain a trade or technical certification.  Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have been involved in a school-related organization (club, sport, VAPA activity, etc.), and demonstrate un- met financial need.  Applicants should clearly describe how they believe they will achieve their longer-term goals.  To be eligible for consideration of any additional CCTS scholarship awards not listed here, but that become available later, applicants must select “apply”.  

The Macias Family Scholarship – Recipient(s) will be awarded $500 to $1,000.  Applicants may be college-bound or trade school- bound, but must present a clear plan for attaining their educational and career goals.  Must also demonstrate financial need in paying for their schooling.

Murillo Family CCTS Scholarship – One scholarship in the amount of $500 to $1,000 will be awarded to a young man who intends to pursue a vocation or trade career through certification at a community college or trade/technical school.

“Walter Scott (PZ) Piazzoni and Janet Piazzoni Trotter Memorial” Scholarship – $1,000 will be awarded to a student who will enter a trade or technical school to obtain training and certification to begin a career in the field of their choice.

The Class of ’63 Tech/Trade School Scholarship – $1,000 will be awarded to a student seeking a non-degree certification at a community college or trade school or technical school.  This means that the goal is not to transfer to a 4-year to obtain a bachelor’s degree, but rather receive training to directly enter the workforce. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a clear career plan.

The Class of ’68 CCTS Scholarship – One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $500 to a student who intends to attend a community college OR trade/technical/vocational school.  Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.  Applicants must present a clear plan of their goals and demonstrate financial need.