Koshland Young Leader Awards

In 1999, Dr. Daniel Koshland Jr., the son of our foundation’s founding chairman, established the Koshland Youth Leadership Awards (KYLA), a scholarship program that recognizes young leaders who balance extraordinary challenges, including family separation and homelessness, yet continue to show academic promise and community leadership.

To date, the awards have given nearly $1M to more than 100 young leaders to give them a jump start as they enter college. KYLA alumni, such as 2012 recipient Edith Melendez, have pursued college degrees and continue their community involvement. Melendez graduation from UC Davis in 2017 and now works as an Instructional Aid assisting recent immigrants. “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work and give back to my San Francisco international community,” she says.

Each year, the Koshland Young Leader Awards provide $10,000 each to up to 11 outstanding San Francisco public high school juniors from low-income families.

Call for Nominations: The San Francisco Foundation 2020 Koshland Young Leader Awards

We’re excited to announce that the nominations process for the San Francisco Foundation Koshland Young Leader Awards is now open. Established by Dr. Daniel Koshland, Jr., this scholarship program provides $10,000 each to up to eleven outstanding San Francisco public high school juniors.

The most competitive candidates have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA, are college-bound, and embrace a commitment to their communities despite facing formidable challenges. With the Koshland Young Leader Awards, we applaud and support their dedication to succeed academically through hardships and to pursue their college and career goals.

Nomination Process

This is a three-part nomination process:

• Part 1: Teacher/counselor submits the online teacher nomination form, including complete official high school transcript. (Due Monday, February 10, 2020)
• Part 2: Student submits online self-nomination form. (Due Monday, February 17, 2020)
• Part 3: Finalists will be invited to a mandatory in-person interview at the San Francisco Foundation on Friday, April 17, 2020. **In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, we will not be holding interviews this year. Applicants will receive additional information directly via email.**

Notes

Late and/or incomplete nominations will not be considered. Nominators may submit multiple nominations. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Katz at akatz[at]sff.org.

2019 KYLA Winners