Scholarships

The Rotary Club of San Pedro recognizes the value of education in shaping a person to be a contributing member of their community.

We offer a variety of scholarships to support and encourage students to continue their education.

Applications Are Closed for 2025

The Ernie Houser Scholarship

The Ernie Houser Fund is a vocational scholarship initiated by a former club member, Mr. Ernie Houser. This helpful scholarship of $1000 is awarded annually to one student planning to attend college or a trade school and pursue a career in a vocational field (i.e., nursing, electrician, plumber, beautician, etc).

To apply for The Ernie Houser Scholarship, please return April 2026.

The Joe Viola Memorial Scholarship

Joseph “Joe” Viola was a member of the Rotary Club of San Pedro and a lifelong Educator. He retired as Principal of San Pedro High School in 1994. Upon passing in 2018, his family established this generous memorial scholarship in his name.

This scholarship recognizes that there is more to success than a high GPA and that students who may not be at the top of their class academically also deserve the opportunity for success.

The scholarship of $1000 is awarded to a student in the San Pedro/Harbor community who will be furthering their education at a Community College, University, or Vocational/Trade School.

To apply for The Joe Viola Memorial Scholarship, please return April 2026.

The Uncle Joe Evans Fund

This scholarship fund was established by a bequest of Joseph G. Evans, M.D., a San Pedro Rotarian, in memory of his wife, Mildred.

The $1000 annual scholarship is available first to the children of present or past San Pedro Rotary Club members and second to any student of San Pedro. It is open to any student in primary school, high school, college, university, advanced study, artistic or cultural studies, exchange programs, or the American Field Service.

To apply for The Uncle Joe Evans Fund, please return April 2026.

Interact Scholarships

These Interact Scholarships are granted to members of the two Interact Clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Pedro. Eligible candidates must be active members in good standing of either the Port of Los Angeles High School Interact Club or the San Pedro High School Interact Club, having attended most of the meetings and participated in most of the Service projects carried out by their Club. The student must also embody the Rotary Values of "Service Above Self." The amount of the scholarship is $1000.

Additional Scholarships

1. Student of the Year, typically awarded at our Community Heroes event

2. Rotary District 5280 Vocational Scholarship, awarded directly from the Rotary District Foundation.

3. Rotary Art, Music, Dance, and Speech Contest is held annually, with winners progressing to the Rotary District competition.

Student of the Month

Every month, the Rotary Club of San Pedro chooses students with exemplary performance as scholars and servants in their community. View past winners on our Facebook page.