What is the Los Angeles County Fair Association Junior Fair Board Scholarship Program?

The Junior Fair Board Scholarship Program, a program of The Learning Centers at Fairplex, is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Fair Association and private donors. The program seeks to honor the exemplary achievements of local high school sophomores and juniors.  In addition to receiving a $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship, students selected as Junior Fair Board members will participate in special projects designed to enhance their leadership skills, business understanding, networking ability, and community involvement. Selected students will be challenged as they grow and develop new skills that will enhance their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Many past participants have found that they discover new interests and skills which help guide them in their continued educational pursuits.  

Who is Eligible?

High school students with sophomore or junior status as of September 2009 are eligible to apply, provided that he/she meets the following qualifications:

• Presently enrolled in, and is on track to graduate from, one of the local high schools participating in the Junior Fair Board Program. Participating schools include:

• Has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale.

Ayala High School

Bonita High School

Chino High School

Chino Hills High School

Claremont High School

Diamond Bar High School

Diamond Ranch High School

Don Antonio Lugo High School

Ganesha High School

Garey High School

Glendora High School

Pomona High School

San Dimas High School

South Hills High School

Upland High School

Village Academy High School

West Covina High School

• Plans to continue his/her education or training beyond high school at any accredited training, licensing, or certification program or institution of higher learning.

 What are the benefits of being a Junior Fair Board member?

• A $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship check will be presented upon fulfillment of all membership obligations and completion of the membership term (please see #9 for more information).

• Each Junior Fair Board member will have the opportunity to work with students from other schools, Los Angeles County Fair Association Board and Association members, Fairplex staff and community members.

• Junior Fair Board members participate in leadership classes.

• Junior Fair Board members participate in exciting community and Fair based projects.

• Members will have the opportunity to experience and learn about Fairplex, an historic event center that hosts more than 500 consumer and trade shows each year, as well as behind-the-scenes involvement with the 2010 L.A. County Fair (Sept. 4 – Oct. 3).

• Junior Fair Board members may be eligible for paid, part-time employment with Fairplex after the completion of their Junior Fair Board term.

• Upon request, a letter of recommendation may be written upon completion of the membership term by a Fairplex staff member.

• Each Junior Fair Board member will receive a season pass to the 2010 and 2011 L.A. County Fairs.

 When is the application deadline?

The postmark deadline for application packages is Friday, May 14, 2010. 

Where do I send my completed application?

Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Fairplex Administration Office located at Gate 1 on the Fairplex grounds, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA  91768.  Packages should be clearly marked, Attn: Wendy Wright.

How are Junior Fair Board members selected?

Junior Fair Board members are selected based on the information submitted in their applications without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry or disability. Applications are judged blindly (without seeing the applicant’s name or address) by the selection committee.  Candidates must demonstrate an interest in leadership by showing examples of where they have taken initiative at school and within their communities. The selection process may also include an interview. The selection committee includes Los Angeles County Fair Association members, community educational leaders, distinguished community leaders and Fairplex staff. Committee decisions are final.  Winners will be notified by mail on or before Thursday, July 1, 2010.

What else does the selection committee look for?

Past awardees have come from many different cultural, social and economic backgrounds.  Ideal candidates are those who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and selflessness.  Most importantly, Junior Fair Board members should clearly show how they have been (or intend to be) a leader within their community and what they have done to stand out among their peers. The selection committee relies heavily upon the student’s essay to gain insight about the student’s interests and involvement in the community as well as to gauge a student’s leadership potential. Ideal candidates demonstrate an ability to learn and to lead. They are resourceful individuals who have shown a clear interest in their community and the initiative necessary to pursue their goals with conviction.

How can Junior Fair Board scholarships be used?

Winners may use scholarship funds for tuition, fees, books and supplies necessary for course instruction at accredited post-high school institutions. In order to receive this scholarship, members must actively participate in Junior Fair Board projects, attend required events and meetings, and contribute to the success of the program for all involved. Members will receive their scholarship check upon successful completion of the membership term.

 When does the Junior Fair Board Program Term begin and how long does the term last?

The term for students selected to participate in the Junior Fair Board Program will begin in late June.  For students entering the program at the end of their sophomore year, the entire term will last for two years, from June 2010 – June 2012, and they are eligible for $1,000 each year (total $2,000 at the end of their two-year term). For students entering the program at the end of their junior year, the term will last for one year, from June 2010 – June 2011, and they are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship at the completion of their one-year term.

How many Junior Fair Board members are selected?

Approximately 34 students coming to us from 17 different high schools will be selected for the 2010-2011 class.  The committee generally selects two students from each participating school, depending on the number of applicants and the quality of the candidates.

Application Procedure

• The Application Form : The application form must be fully completed in order for a student to be considered for membership.
  Download Application