Who are we?
Dollars for Tustin Scholars is a community non-profit organization with the sole purpose of raising scholarship monies for the graduating high school seniors of the Tustin Unified School District. Since 1987, thousands of dollars have been awarded to deserving and talented students. At the beginning of 2023 DFTS left Scholarship America® and Dollars for Scholars® and has since taken on the name Dollars for Tustin Scholars.
Who do we help?
Scholarships make a difference to our students and their families. Not only do they provide financial assistance, they also encourage students and help them understand that the community believes in them and their potential. Since 1987, DFTS has awarded scholarships to 109 students totaling over $589,000.
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DFTS awards $1,500 renewable scholarships for four years, for a total of $6,000. We currently have 20 scholarship recipients ongoing through our program. Any senior in the Tustin Unified School District who plans to attend a four-year college or university is eligible to apply. Students can go to the "Scholarship" tab to apply. Our recipients are chosen based on financial need, community service, leadership qualities, grade point average, and all-around achievements.
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The revenue to support this program is raised by DFTS through special fundraising events, including Concerts in the Park, the Kentucky Derby Party, Italian Fest, Potato Party, and Sip & Stroll, as well as through individual and business donations.
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As another school year concludes, we are proud to have awarded six scholarships to graduating seniors of the Tustin Unified School District. These scholarships, valued at $6,000 each and renewable over four years at $1,500 per year, help our local students pursue their dreams of higher education. We currently have 20 students on scholarship attending colleges and universities across the country.
Our fundraising efforts continue year-round, driven by our signature events — the annual Kentucky Derby Party each May, ItalianFest in the fall, our lively Spring Potato Party, and our partnership with the OC Riptide baseball team. These efforts are supported by the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers throughout Tustin and beyond.
Even though school is out for the summer, we are already preparing for our next big event, ItalianFest in September. We invite you to join us at one of our events, consider a donation to support our mission, or volunteer your time to help us continue changing lives through education. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for students in our community.
Thank you for standing with us!
Jonathan Abelove
President, Dollars for Tustin Scholars