The Padres are committed to advancing education and expanding opportunities for students across San Diego. A few of our key initiatives are outlined below.
Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program
A San Diego native who broke the color barrier in the Pacific Coast League in 1948 when he signed with his hometown team, Johnny Ritchey holds a special place in Padres history. At a time when Major League Baseball was not yet in the Western United States, Ritchey was the first – and often the only – black player on the field in ballparks throughout the West Coast. The Padres celebrate Ritchey’s legacy through the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program and the Breaking Barriers Forum.
The Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program recognizes high school seniors who have overcome significant barriers in their academic, athletic, or personal lives. The Padres Foundation, in partnership with the California Masons Foundation and Reality Changers, annually awards $100,000 in scholarships to 10 deserving students to be used in their pursuit of higher education. Each recipient is a first generation college student.
Breaking Barriers Forum
Featuring three panelists who are invited to share their stories in front of an audience of students from E3 High School, the Breaking Barriers Forum highlights and pays tribute to athletes and local community members who have faced and conquered adversity in their lives. The Forum exists to honor the legacy of Johnny Ritchey and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers.
Back to School & Holiday Shopping
During the Padres Foundation’s annual Back-to-School Shopping event, Padres’ staff, players, and alumni give Monarch School students a one-on-one personal shopping experience. Gearing up for the school year ahead, students get to pick out new clothes, shoes, and other essentials. With the support of Walmart and Chick-fil-A, the students also receive school supplies and a great lunch.
The Padres also host a Holiday Shopping event for underserved students as part of the Foundation’s annual Holiday Giving campaign. Students get to shop for holiday gifts for their families and loved ones.
The Padres Foundation’s Back to School & Holiday Shopping Program is presented by Southwest Airlines.
Scholastic Bookfair, Sponsored by the Padres Foundation
In partnership with Scholastic, the Padres Foundation sponsored a bookfair for the underserved students of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School. In addition to 300 books donated to the school’s library, each student had the opportunity to shop around and choose three free books to take home.
As part of the Foundation’s annual Community Tour, several Padres players including Joe Musgrove, Michael King, and Jason Adam made a surprise appearance at RWE Elementary to shop with the school’s fourth and fifth graders at the bookfair.
