Overview

The Propeller Club of Los Angeles-Long Beach is offering scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 to graduating high school seniors. In 2019, the Board of Governors established two additional scholarships in memory of David Arian and Adam Birkenbach awarding $1,000 each.

Qualifications

This scholarship is open to high school seniors currently attending schools located in the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City or Carson and demonstrating deserving academic records, outstanding citizenship and school and community service.

REFERENCES

Please provide two letters of reference; one from a teacher or counselor and one from an adult who is familiar with your schoolwork and activities that should be considered in reviewing eligibility for scholarships. Do not include relatives or fellow students. The letter of reference does not have to be specific to this scholarship.

the 2024 scholarship PROGRAM HAS CONCLUDED.

Application Process

The application must be completed in full. In addition, the following questions shall be answered on a separate sheet:

Attach a 500 word, typed essay answering ONE of the following questions below (A or B):
A. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the largest cargo gateway in the U.S., responsible for moving nearly 40% of the country’s cargo. What do you consider the most important issues for our local ports to consider as they continue to grow, and provide this vital service to our region and our country? (Feel free to address environmental considerations including green technologies, economic growth/jobs, traffic/congestion, community impacts, etc.)
B. Tell us about a social issue that you are passionate about and any ideas you have for helping solve problems related to it, i.e., the environment, politics, homelessness, poverty, education, etc.
Please list your most important school activities, community service and work experience. If you prefer to provide a resume, you are welcome to do so.
Please attach a copy of your unofficial high school transcripts to support your reported GPA.
Are there any other factors the Selection Committee should consider (i.e., family ties to the maritime industry, first generation college student, special circumstances, etc.)?

Scholarship Committee

Chair: Sue Dvonch
Committee member: Daniella Ruiz
Committee member: Jaime Avina

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Satyamuny Weir
Taylor Viducic, David Arian Scholarship Award Winner

"I am honored to be recipient of the LA/ LB Propeller Club scholarship in honor of David Arian. This fall, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I will be pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with future aspirations of becoming a 2nd grade teacher. I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship. Being a member of a single parent household, this will lift my financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies and immerse myself within the college experience."

Nailah Robinson
Roberto Ibarra, Adam Birkenbach Scholarship Award Winner

"During this summer, I prepare to enter into my first year of university at Stanford, where I will study English Literature. As a first-generation Hispanic who’s grown up in a low-income household, preparation has proven difficult. I have dreams of burying myself into academics to pursue a PhD and one day become a Professor. Financing that dream is a heavy burden , but thanks to the help of the LA/LB Propeller Club Scholarship, a part of that burden is relieved. With this support, I plan to pursue research with Stanford’s professors to lay the groundwork for my dream. This scholarship gives me the foundation to make my dream possible."

Liam Alpern
Eva Christy, Scholarship Award Winner

"I am incredibly grateful to be one of the Propeller Club LA/LB Scholarship Award Winners. I look forward to attending the University of California San Diego in the fall, where this scholarship’s funds will go straight towards tuition, books, and other supplies. I am considering majoring in International Studies - Political Science or Environmental Science. Regardless of what path I take, I am grateful to be able to continue my education; learning and reading have always been important to me. I also hope to join multiple clubs in my freshmen year, including Model UN. Thank you Propeller Club LA/LB for helping make my desire for higher education a reality."

Angelina DelGaudio, Scholarship Award Winner

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"This fall, I will attend the University of Southern California to study Non-Government Organizations & Social Change on the pre-law track. My ambition to effect tangible change for marginalized voices drives my pursuit of higher education. The LA/LB Propeller Club Scholarship Award eases the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and engage in meaningful opportunities like Student Government and building a non-profit program for neurodiverse students. I also plan to engage in internships and seek professional development opportunities that will provide me with practical insights and experiences, further sharpening my ability to be a leader in my community. I am deeply grateful for this support, which enables me to dedicate myself fully to becoming an agent of change, driving necessary systemic shifts."

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Sara Letson, Scholarship Award Winner

"I will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall, majoring in Integrative Biology. I wish to enter the medical field working either as a team physician for a professional sports team, or as an orthopedic surgeon. I am so incredibly grateful to the Propeller Club for their generous scholarship. Me and my family have been trying to find a way to pay for this incredible educational opportunity, and are so blessed to have this assistance from the Propeller Club. I am incredibly excited for the continuation of my educational journey, and even more excited to be able to put what I learn into practical use, helping people!"

Naveed Tate, Scholarship Award Winner

"It is an honor to be a recipient of the Propeller Club of LA/LB Scholarship. The Propeller Club's investment in our community's youth inspires me to pursue my dream of attending Oregon State University this fall, where I will major in Electrical and Computer Engineering. As we all know, college is expensive. With the support of this scholarship, I am excited about gaining the necessary education and skills to someday contribute to the ever-evolving port industry and give back to my community."

THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

THE NEXT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WILL OPEN IN 2025

Past Scholarship Recipients

2023 WINNERS

Giovanna Babarovic
David Arian Scholarship Award Winner

Nicholas Jones
Adam Birkenbach Scholarship Award Winner

Sydney Chaikittirattana
Scholarship Award Winner

Pedro DeLa Torre
Scholarship Award Winner

Valerie Torres
Scholarship Award Winner

Laura Viera
Scholarship Award Winner

Bella Zapata
Scholarship Award Winner

2022 WINNERS

Hebah Halibi
David Arian Scholarship Award Winner

Daniel Torok
Adam Birkenbach Scholarship Award Winner

Alegria Carr
Scholarship Award Winner

Isabella Del Gaudio
Scholarship Award Winner

Rachel Perry
Scholarship Award Winner

Odalys Zapata
Scholarship Award Winner

2021 WINNERS

Satyamuny Weir
Adam Birkenbach Scholarship Winner

Nailah Robinson
David Arian Scholarship Winner

Liam Allpern
Scholarship Winner

Stefanny Cachia
Scholarship Winner

Mia DiConstanzo
Scholarship Winner

2020 Winners

Ronald Wicks
Dr. Richard A Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
Adam Birkenbach Scholarship of $1,000

Thessa Malauulu
St. Anthony High School
David Arian Scholarship of $1,000

Clark Boyce
Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Laura Yontz
Long Beach Polytechnic High School

2018 Winners

Ethan Horvath
Millikan High School (Thank You Letter)

Francis DeGuzman
Cabrillo High School

Joy Rowden
California State University, Long Beach

Timothy Oloimooja
Port of Los Angeles High School

2019 Winners

Itohan Ero
CA Academy of Math/Science
Adam Birkenbach Scholarship of $1,000

Evelyn Zandejas
POLA HS
Commissioner David Arian Scholarship of $1,000

Gerard Legaspi
SATO Academy

Kendall Dimson
POLA HS

2017 Winners

Hunter Bjazevich
Mary Star of the Sea High School

Guadalupe Del Cid
Port of Los Angeles High School

Arturo Hernandez
Phineas Banning High School

Daisy Loera
Banning Academies of Creative and Innovative Sciences High School