Our Mission
Temecula Dollars for Scholars® exists to provide financial aid to graduates of the Temecula Valley Unified School District who aspire to higher education - without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
Who We Are
First known as the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of Temecula Valley, Temecula Dollars for Scholars® has been a Scholarship America® affiliate since July 21, 1987. Through local chapters like ours, Scholarship America has distributed more than one billion dollars to more than one million students, making it the nation's largest private-sector scholarship and educational support organization. We hold IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax status (EIN 46-4604647) through Scholarship America's group exemption.
Our chapter serves the Temecula Valley Unified School District by administering scholarships funded by local community members, organizations, and businesses for deserving graduating seniors. Scholarship funds are managed by our Board of Trustees, which receives funds from donors and distributes them to the college, university, or trade school of each recipient's choice.
Anyone who makes an annual contribution becomes a member of Temecula Dollars for Scholars!
Who Can Apply for Scholarships
Second-semester seniors attending Chaparral, Great Oak, Susan H. Nelson, Rancho Vista, or Temecula Valley High School with a GPA of 2.75 who plan to pursue higher education the following academic year are eligible to apply.
Recipient selections take place in March and April, and awards are announced at our Community Awards Ceremony in May.
2026/2027 Board of Trustees
Todd Smith - President and GOHS Liaison
Ericha Morgan - Treasurer
Elizabeth Harrigan - Secretary
Danielle Kuhn - Financial Secretary
Michelle Henke - Awards Chair
Roxana Escatel - Membership Chair
Ashley Selway - Awards Committee / CHS Liaison
Jenylyn Carpio - Social Media & PTA/PTSA Liaison
Sheryl Kale - Hospitality / Roripaugh Representative
Becky Glaser - Roripaugh Liaison / Hospitality
Jean Lovett - Publications / Website / Technology
Interested in Serving on the Board?
Want to play a bigger role in our mission? Our Board of Trustees welcomes community members who are passionate about helping local students achieve their dreams of higher education. Board members help guide the chapter, review scholarship applications, and plan our annual awards ceremony. If you'd like to learn more about board service, email us at info@temeculadfs.org - we'd love to talk with you.
Run 100% by Volunteers
Temecula Dollars for Scholars is operated entirely by volunteers - no board member or volunteer receives compensation. 100% of donations designated for scholarships go directly to scholarships - we take nothing for administrative fees. (Donations toward our operating costs are always greatly appreciated!)
We're always looking for community members who'd like to be part of our organization! Email us at info@temeculadfs.org for more information.
Our Scholarship Awards Policy
Awards are based on merit, financial need, or a ranked combination of both.
Every application is scored anonymously using Scholarship America's evaluation system - all awards are determined on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Gifts of $250 or more may establish a named scholarship (annual or one-time), per a written agreement with the donor.
Our minimum award is $250. Larger awards, multiple recipients, and renewable scholarships can be arranged with the donor.
Donors are welcome to present their award at the ceremony - or we'll notify you of your recipient's name upon request.
If an award goes unclaimed or a recipient withdraws, funds under $2,000 are redistributed as general chapter scholarships; larger amounts are handled with the donor and approved by the Board of Directors.
This policy is reviewed annually by our Awards Selection Committee and approved by the Board.
Temecula Dollars for Scholars | 31350 Rancho Vista Road | Temecula, CA 92592
