News

The City Heights Swim Center is diving into a new chapter of community wellness, thanks to a $335,200 grant from Price Philanthropies Foundation. Approved by the San Diego City Council, the funding expands free summer access to seven days a week and adds lifeguards, fitness classes, and youth programs. With a focus on equity and safety, the initiative aims to serve thousands of local residents, especially youth, through increased swim lessons, recreational opportunities, and critical drowning prevention resources.

The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy has launched the Price Scholars for Community Enrichment, a new scholarship program covering up to 100% of tuition for graduate students dedicated to advancing underserved Southern California communities. Backed by a 2011 endowment donation from Price Philanthropies, the initiative also includes a paid internship beginning in 2026. By blending education with real-world experience, the program supports students on their path to meaningful careers that reflect Sol Price’s enduring legacy of social impact and community betterment.

Cal State San Marcos has launched the Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs, a three-year bachelor’s degree initiative supported by a $10 million grant from Price Philanthropies Foundation. This program aims to address the behavioral health worker shortage in San Diego County by equipping students with degrees and certifications for careers in social work and healthcare.

The Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC) is set to continue its Art Conservation Train-the-Trainer Program. The program is supported by grants from Price Philanthropies and Washington DC-based Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC).

Through the College Avenue Compact (CAC) partnership, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) aims to enhance educational outreach to the Hoover High School community, focusing on reducing equity gaps through various pathways to San Diego State University (SDSU). The CAC, initiated in 2011, promotes college readiness and guaranteed admission to SDSU if students meet established criteria.

City Heights leaders celebrate the grand opening of City Heights Place and City Heights Plaza Del Sol, providing 135 affordable homes in the community. These developments are a long-awaited fulfillment to the original vision of Price Philanthropies Founder Sol Price, when he first purchased the land in 1994.

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), funded in part by a multi-year $10 million grant from Price Philanthropies, is set to pioneer a three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree and workforce pipeline for behavioral and mental health. This unique CSU program model will offer dual enrollment with local high schools, providing professional certificates and advanced career preparation. As a social mobility initiative, the program will expedite qualified candidates into critical workforce roles, escalating their earning potential and helping to address our mental and behavioral healthcare workforce need.

The San Diego Rotary Club honored Beatriz Valencia, the Executive Director of the Cardinals Interact Program, as the 2023 recipient of the MacLaggan/Frye award for her dedication to City Heights Youth. This award was established in 1991 and is a huge honor recognizing individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the benefit, care, and welfare of children.

Two Aaron Price Fellows have recently been recognized in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office list of 25 Most Remarkable Teens from around San Diego County. The 25 teens were selected from among 77 nominated by the community for their inspiring contributions and efforts in categories such as civic involvement, activism, commitment to personal excellence and courage to overcome personal adversity.