2025 was a record-breaking year for the MGA Scholarships program.  Thanks to your generosity  and support from community sponsors, $242,000 was raised at November’s Scholars’ Cup golf tournament.  This year started with another record – 34 students have applied for new scholarships and 27 of our existing scholars have applied for renewals. That’s double the 2025 amount.  Our strategic goal to make a greater impact in the Salinas Valley is working with about half of the new applicants coming from Alvarez, North Salinas, El Puente, Rancho San Juan, Gonzalez, Salinas and North Monterey high schools.  

A group of women and men Quail members are currently evaluating the applications. Finalists will be interviewed in 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.