Honoring Sakeenah Yasmine Gallardo Scholarship

UPDATED 2025/2026

Sakeenah valued education and earned an Associate’s degree from Grossmont Community College, a Bachelor’s of the Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Africana Studies, and a Master’s of Arts in Communication Studies from San Diego State University. As a professor at San Diego Mesa College, she made a profound impact by being a trusted mentor and safe space for students and colleagues, fondly known as “G” or “Professor G.” She was a guiding light, radiating endless love and laughter to everyone around her. Sakeenah touched so many lives with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit. She will be forever remembered for her radiant smile, generous heart, passion for teaching, selfless care for others, contagious laughter, and fierce love for her family.

This scholarship honors her life and legacy. Sakeenah strongly believed in the power of education and would have wanted to share it with everyone. This scholarship provides an opportunity for students to start or continue their educational journey.

Applicants may submit one of the following formats:

  • Short video (spoken word, storytelling, documentary-style)
  • Essay or poem (personal growth, challenges, aspirations)
  • Song or audio piece (original or remix with meaning)
  • Visual art (with explanation)
  • Resume
  • Portfolio of academic, job-related, or creative work that you are especially proud of

Award funds will be disbursed:
Immediate release of full award (May)
Opportunity to renew this award in 2026-2027, contingent on funding and continued enrollment.

Award
$500.00
Deadline
02/17/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. 2025-2026 Additional Questions
    • Are you a first-generation college student? (No parent/guardian has completed a four-year college degree)
    • Do you have access to mental health support when you need it?
    • Do you have caregiving responsibilities for others (children, siblings, parents, grandparents, or other family members)?
    • Do you have reliable access to a computer and internet for completing coursework?
    • Do you serve as a translator or interpreter for friends, family, or community members?
    • Have you completed a FASFA on file at Mesa? If so, please respond “yes”, If not, please describe your financial needs and the degree to which your financial circumstances have impacted your ability to access and persist in college.
    • Have you or an immediate family member been impacted by the justice system?
    • How many hours do you typically work a week?
    • How reliable is your access to transportation for getting to school, work, or appointments?
    • In the past year, how often have you worried about having enough food?
    • Is English your first language?
    • Which best describes your current housing situation?
  2. 2025: APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS - This is an open application, which means that you are given the scoring rubric that reviewers use to make award decisions. From there, you are encouraged to submit any information you feel best shines a light on you. This is your chance to tell your story in any way that you think speaks to your strengths. We encourage you to consider submitting items that you have already created or are currently working on (to protect your time!). Think of places where you are already sharing your voice and perspective (social media, assignments, work activities, or creative projects).
  3. 2025: RUBRIC REVIEW - Please review the scoring rubric. This is the exact tool that will be used for reviewers to score and rank applicants. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WZuuRLI4BtJorKtEUF0pL0DORkGPS3jt/view?usp=sharing
  4. 2025: APPLICATION SUBMISSION: Given the scoring rubric, please use this section to submit any materials you would like reviewers to see. This is your chance to tell your story in any way that you think speaks to your strengths. We encourage you to consider submitting items that you have already created or are currently working on (to protect your time!) Think of places that you are already sharing your voice and perspective (social media, assignments, work activities, or creative projects). Please refer to this application instructions video: https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/fulGcbcnTOS8rmc5z_BZiA or the description of this opportunity for submission examples. PDF files and URL links are accepted.
    • You may upload a PDF here
    • You may upload a URL link here