The Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship program was established in 1989 to encourage and enable graduating high school seniors in Oceanside to attend college. Fundraising for the program began in 1991 and the first scholarships were awarded in 1993. The funds are directed primarily to students from low- and moderate-income families, and students who exemplify the ideals and teachings of Dr. King and other civil and human rights leaders. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, ability to meet and overcome challenges, and perceived ability to succeed in college or university. Recipients must be residents of the City of Oceanside or attend high school in Oceanside. Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion or any other arbitrary factor. Community representatives and members of the Housing Commission review applications and select recipients in early May 2023. Recipients will be announced at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship program reception and fundraiser on Friday, June 2, 2023. In 2022, the selection committee awarded 17 scholarships totaling $100,000. The scholarships ranged from$2,500 to $15,000 in one, two, or four-year scholarships. Information on tickets to the MLK Scholarship reception and/or ways to donate and support the scholarship fund will be posted on the City website in May 2023.