Heading into his senior year at El Camino High School in Oceanside, Sergio Ochoa dealt with more than a little anxiety concerning the costs associated with attending his dream school, the School of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
The Eric Hall Scholarship, managed through a partnership with San Diego Foundation (SDF), was a key part of the financial backing covering the full cost of his higher education journey leading to Sergio becoming Director of Design at a thriving, mid-size architecture firm on California’s Central Coast.
“The support I received from the Foundation and this scholarship, along with other scholarships, helped ease my financial burden during school,” Sergio says. “Because of that, I was able to focus more on gaining valuable internship experience and building my career. Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing with my firm, become involved with my local American Institute of Architects chapter, and volunteer my time to support current students in the program.”
Sergio’s story is not unique.
Since its inception in 2006, the Eric Hall Scholarship has helped dozens of students in financial need from five North County school districts pursue degrees in architecture, engineering, construction management and public administration. Sergio went on to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and is now director of design at Isaman Design, Inc., in San Luis Obispo.
“When a lot of people think of North County, especially coastal North County, they often assume wealth,” says Eric Hall, the scholarship’s founder and former longtime assistant superintendent of business services for San Dieguito Union High School District who later founded a consulting firm. “But many families here struggle financially. These kids are hard workers. They’re motivated. And they deserve opportunities.”
Growing Success
The Eric Hall Scholarship began with just $10,000 in seed funding for an endowed scholarship, enough for founder Eric Hall to eventually support one student each year. Seven students received renewable scholarship awards up to $4,000 this year, and recipients are attending UCLA, UC San Diego, USC, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Pomona this fall.
The financial impact is beyond debate, but students say the mentorships that develop matter just as much. Recipients meet with members of the Eric Hall Scholarship Committee – professionals in architecture, public works, and construction – who guide them toward internships and career opportunities. Many alumni now work for firms owned or managed by committee members.
“These are experienced professionals with a vested interested in mentoring the next generation,” Eric says. “They’re also building their own staffs with people they know and trust.”
A Student’s Perspective
Evan Ballow, a former San Dieguito High School student and current UCLA civil engineering major, describes both the financial and personal support as transformative.
“Financially, the scholarship has alleviated a lot of pressure and helped me focus more on the classes and organizations that have made UCLA so special for me. I’ve been able to take a more dense civil engineering course load, and I’ve also enjoyed several art history classes as well. Outside of class, it’s also given me time to contribute to groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers as a project manager and Swipe Out Hunger, where I’m internal VP, which have both been really important to me.”
Beyond academics, Evan credits the scholarship for opening doors.
“Eric and the scholarship board have introduced me and other recipients to industry professionals from all across San Diego, and one of my internships came directly through these introductions. What sets this scholarship apart is the mentorship. It’s inspiring to hear candid stories from people dedicated to their field and their communities.”
The alumni network now pays it forward. Former recipients mentor newer awardees, helping them navigate both college and career paths.
Overcoming the Challenges
Eric Hall’s passion for supporting working-class students is personal.
Raised in Salinas, the son of an Army veteran didn’t have the means for a four-year degree right out of high school. He enrolled at nearby Hartnell College, worked while not attending classes, and later transferred to San Diego State University in 1973, where he earned his degree in public administration.
Just weeks after graduating, Eric launched his career as a personnel analyst with the San Diego Unified School District, eventually becoming assistant director of human resources. In 1979, he accepted a position with the San Dieguito Union High School District in coastal North County San Diego. After completing a master’s degree in urban planning, he rose to assistant superintendent of business services, where he oversaw more than $500 million in school construction projects.
After a 30-year career working for public schools, he began a successful consulting service based in the North County.
Eric’s decades of professional experience built a network that included former San Dieguito Union High School District Superintendent Bill Berrier, a Coastal Community Foundation board member who approached Eric about joining the team and establishing a scholarship.
“I wanted to help kids,” says Eric, who himself has served on the Board of Directors. “It didn’t take me long to say yes.”
Encouraging Philanthropy in the Community
Sit down with Eric and you’re listening to a man inspired by today’s youth and the promise they hold for our region’s future. His goal: get more people involved in philanthropy, in whatever form that may take.
“How do we get more people involved?” asks Eric. “Tell the stories about what the Foundation is doing. I think most people want to help others. It’s why teachers teach.”
