Students and counselors at Monterey County’s public high schools have been alerted to complete applications for the Quail MGA Scholarships program by March 1st. As of February 3rd, we have already received four very impressive applications and know that at least 20 more are in the draft stage. We also expect to receive applications from Quail employees or their children.

Thanks to your generosity the program experienced another record-breaking year in 2025 with $248,000 raised at November’s Scholars’ Cup tournament. We can increase the number and amounts of scholarships. A small group of women and men Quail members will be reviewing applications and doing student interviews in March and April leading up to in-person award presentations in May.

The Scholars’ Cup originated 18 years ago when long time Quail member, Wayne Sargent, wanted to leave a modest educational legacy. He pledged $1,000 per year for five years to award two annual scholarships. He encouraged his fellow members to compete in an annual golf tournament, now the Scholars’ Cup, to raise additional scholarship funds. The first scholarship was awarded in 2009.

Since its inception the program has expanded from three schools on the Monterey Peninsula to offer educational opportunities to students from throughout Monterey County public schools. We are very pleased to be reaching more students with serious financial need and the dream of being the first generation of their family to attend college.

The program has awarded 153 scholarships valued at over $600,000 to 89 students from throughout Monterey County. In 2025, 13 high school seniors and 18 existing scholars received $141,500 in scholarships.

The qualification criteria for students are financial need, academic performance, leadership and community service. Involvement in golf can be an advantage.

The MGA Scholarships funds a student through the First Tee Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program at California State University Monterey Bay. Support of technical and vocational education was added in 2022 with an annual grant to Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in Salinas.

The 2026 Scholars’ Cup tournament will be held November 6-7. Donations to the Quail MGA Scholarships are tax deductible and can be made throughout the year at the Community Foundation for Monterey County.