Argyros gives $1 million to scholarship fund

Deirdre Newman

NEWPORT BEACH -- Developer George Argyros, the country’s ambassador to

Spain, and his wife, Judie, are donating $1 million for a scholarship

program for high school seniors facing academic adversity.

The couple will donate $250,000 over the next four years to the

California Horatio Alger State Scholarships, named after the man who

represents the quintessential American success story.

The $1 million in Southern California scholarships will be presented

to students enrolling as college freshmen this fall.

“These scholarships will go to young people who have demonstrated the

desire and determination to get a good education despite coming from

significantly disadvantaged backgrounds,” George Argyros said in a

written statement.

The noted Republican fund-raiser owns several large Costa Mesa

apartment buildings and is a major backer of the proposed El Toro

airport.

Each student selected for the scholarships will receive $2,500 over

four years and also will receive significant assistance from the Horatio

Alger Assn. of Distinguished Americans in applying for other grants and

economic assistance.

Scholarships for Northern California students are being funded by

businessman Arthur A. Ciooca.

The mission of the Horatio Alger Assn. is to recognize outstanding

Americans who serve as good role models for the nation’s youth and to

help economically disadvantaged young people achieve their goals through

educational programs.

FYI

HOW TO APPLY

To be eligible for the Horatio Alger California Scholarship,

applicants must meet the following criteria:

* be enrolled full time as a high school senior with plans to enter

college no later than the fall following graduation;* have a strong

commitment to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution;*

have a critical financial need;

* be involved in co-curricular and community activities;

* demonstrate academic achievement (minimum grade-point average of

2.0);

* be a resident of California;

* be a U.S. citizen or in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

For more information: see o7 www.horatioalger.comf7 .