Our Mission
The Lamp of Learning mission is to reduce the barriers that high-achieving, low-income students throughout San Diego County encounter when preparing, applying, and paying for a university education through mentoring and scholarship programs.
$332,000 awarded to 76 students since 2004
Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders
Founded by members of the University Club atop Symphony Towers, Lamp of Learning was created from a simple but powerful belief: every talented student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of financial circumstances.
Today, Lamp of Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through mentorship, scholarships, and college success programs. Each year, we award $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding San Diego County high school seniors who are continuing their education at four-year universities.
Our impact extends far beyond financial assistance. Through our partnership with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a nationally recognized college readiness program, we identify and support exceptional first-generation college-bound students with the drive, determination, and potential to become tomorrow's leaders. By pairing scholarships with mentorship, guidance, and a network of encouragement, we help students overcome barriers, navigate the transition to college, and build a foundation for lifelong success.
Every scholarship we award is an investment - not only in an individual student, but in the future of our community. Our scholars go on to become educators, healthcare professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and leaders who give back, creating a ripple effect that strengthens San Diego for generations to come.
At Lamp of Learning, we don't just help students get to college - we help them build futures that inspire others to dream bigger.
We are proud to be recognized!
We are proud to - once again - have earned the 2025 seal of transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar)
Scholarship Awards
About IGNITE
Ignite is Lamp of Learning's signature college access program, created to ensure that exceptional students are not limited by financial circumstances or a lack of access to critical college preparation resources.
Designed for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors and seniors, this transformative two-year program provides the knowledge, confidence, and support students need to successfully navigate the path to higher education. Through comprehensive workshops, one-on-one mentorship, college application guidance, financial literacy education, scholarship and financial aid preparation, and social-emotional readiness, Ignite equips students to compete for admission to the nation's most selective colleges and universities.
At Lamp of Learning, we believe talent is universal - opportunity should be too. Ignite is helping make that vision a reality.