100% of Every Donation Goes Directly to Scholarships
“Latino students make up over half of California high school graduates—yet only 58% go on to college.”
Source: California State Library, CRB Nexus brief “Non-College Goers” (2021)
Over 50 Years of Empowering Latine Students
MAEGA, a San Diego-based, all-volunteer organization, has been changing lives for 54 years. Founded in 1970, we address the financial barriers faced by Latine high school graduates seeking higher education.
Through dedicated donors and generations of volunteers, MAEGA has awarded 5,000+ scholarships totaling more than $3 million, helping countless students achieve their educational dreams.
Learn more and get involved today.
All About MAEGA
Recent Events
Thank you to everyone that supported the Don Lapham Memorial Dinner, we raised over $3,000 🎉 We had a great turnout to celebrate our Founder, Don Lampham and his wife Mary who started MAEGA 55 years ago. They set our mission to help build successful futures for low income Latine students pursuing higher education! 🎉
Upcoming Events
February 8, 2026: Scholarship applications for 2026/2027 are due
March 11-27, 2026: Applicant interviews
June 1, 2026 (TBD) 7:00pm:
MAEGA Awards CeremonyJune 6, 2026 4:00-7:00pm:
Encinitas Rotary Wine and Food FestivalHeld at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. Tickets can be purchased online at encinitaswinefestival.com. Please remember to check MAEGA as the beneficiary.
September 1, 2026 5:00-8:00 pm:
Don Lapham Memorial Dinner (honoring our founder)Tickets can be bought at the door, online using Zeffy, or from any MAEGA board member.
December 7, 2026 6:00 pm:
MAEGA's Holiday Get Together
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
Upcoming Board Meetings
March 9, 2026 at 5:30pm
