CRESTMOOR NEIGHBORHOOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
On September 9, 2010, a high-pressure natural gas pipeline owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) exploded in San Bruno’s Crestmoor neighborhood, resulting in a major fire and ultimately destroying 38 homes, killing eight people, and injuring 66 more. In the aftermath of the disaster, the City of San Bruno pursued a restitution settlement from PG&E, successfully obtaining a settlement of $70 million to benefit all of San Bruno. The City created the San Bruno Community Foundation to administer the restitution funds for the long-term benefit of the San Bruno community.
The Foundation created the Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship in honor of the community members who most directly endured the destruction of the explosion and resulting fire and especially in memory of the eight San Bruno residents who lost their lives in the disaster. The Scholarship Program is a living tribute to the Crestmoor neighborhood through an investment in San Bruno’s next generation of leaders. As the neighborhood is reconstructed and the survivors rebuild their lives, the Scholarship Program ensures that the tragedy of September 9, 2010, is not forgotten and that the resiliency, teamwork, leadership, and commitment to community displayed throughout San Bruno in the aftermath of the explosion and fire are honored in the annual recipients of the Scholarship.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM? Email scholarships@sbcf.org
Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarships are available on a competitive basis as follows:
For graduating high school seniors who will enroll at a four-year college or university:
$20,000 scholarship,
($5,000 per year for up to four years)
For graduating high school seniors who will enroll at a community college:
$5,000 scholarship,
($2,500 per year for up to two years)
For community college students transferring to a four-year college or university:
$10,000 scholarship,
($5,000 per year for up to two years)
Scholarship awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, required supplies, room and board, and transportation. Scholarship renewals will be contingent upon proof of full-time enrollment for the following academic year and proof of status as a student in good standing at the college.
Applicants must:
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Live in San Bruno or attend a high school or community college located in San Bruno at the time of application
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Plan to enroll, during the fall of 2025, as a first year student at an accredited four-year or community college or as a transfer student from a community college to a four-year college
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Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, for AB 540 students, the California Dream Act Application*
Please note: Members of the Board of Directors, employees, or program consultants of the San Bruno Community Foundation, sitting San Bruno City Councilmembers, members of the Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship Selection Panel, and the spouses, domestic partners, and children of any of those categories of people are not eligible to apply for the Crestmoor Scholarship.
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December 2024: Application period opens
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March 4, 2025: Application deadline
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By late April 2025: Notification of Scholarship Recipients
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Beginning June 2025: Payment of awards upon proof of full-time enrollment
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June 4, 2025: SBCF Board Meeting, which selected Crestmoor Scholars are required to attend
The Scholarship's goal is to help outstanding San Bruno students, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the San Bruno community, obtain a college degree.
Scholarship Recipients must demonstrate, as the top criterion, deep engagement and involvement in the San Bruno community. Other factors that will be considered during the selection process include, in no particular order, an applicant's financial need, extracurricular activities, academic record, and examples of leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. The Foundation may also take into consideration whether an applicant has overcome significant challenges or obstacles and how those circumstances may have affected the applicant’s school activities, other community involvement, or achievement in school.
Each Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship Recipient must:
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Provide the Foundation with current contact information from submission of the Application through the conclusion of the final year of award.
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Provide a recent digital headshot photograph of themselves upon receiving notification of scholarship award.
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Attend and be recognized at the June 4, 2025, San Bruno Community Foundation Board meeting, which will be held at 7:00 p.m.
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Submit proof of full-time enrollment at the Recipient’s college or university for the fall 2025 term.
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Submit a report at the conclusion of each award year updating the Foundation on Recipient’s academic progress, activities, and community involvement.
To renew the Scholarship for a subsequent year, the Recipient must submit by June 1 of each year:
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Proof of full-time enrollment at the Recipient’s college or university for the following fall.
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Certification from Recipient’s college or university of Recipient’s status as a student in good standing.
The Foundation reserves the right to use non-private information from the Application as part of its publicity of the Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship and for general marketing efforts.
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