Our Story

Humble Beginnings

MAEGA began in 1970 from a heartfelt encounter between our founder, Mr. Don Lapham, and a young man named Francisco Enriquez.

Asking about plans after high school, Mr. Lapham learned Mr. Enriquez’s  intention was to enter the workforce to support his family. Higher education wasn’t a consideration.  Mr. Lapham wanted to help change that.

Lapham Family Potrait

Don & Mary Lapham

Early Leadership

Our Founders and early leaders from the community, local businesses and educators who made MAEGA possible.

Mr. Don Lapham

MAEGA Founder

Mr. Michael Breen

Superintendent, Solana Beach Elementary School District

Ms. Catalina Gonzalez

Owner, Tony’s Jacal Restaurant

Mr. George Kibby

Superintendent, San Dieguito Union High School District

Mr. Theodore Gildred

Mr. Theodore Gildred

Developer, Lomas Santa Fe Housing Community

Building MAEGA

Fueled by their meeting, Mr. Lapham became determined to break the cycle of poverty hindering promising students like Francisco Enriquez.

Mr. Lapham rallied local leaders, business figures, and educators to establish a scholarship program to empower deserving high school seniors of Mexican descent in the San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Legacy Today

Today, over 50 years later, the legacy continues. 

Nearly half of our yearly donations are from MAEGA alumni and 95% of all donations are awarded to our students.

Additional to the financial support, we’re proud of the legacy of people continued with MAEGA.

Francisco Enriquez's family awards a scholarship annually, as well as 33% of our board are MAEGA Alumni, including our President, Anna. Both Mr. Lapham’s son, Richard, and Mr. Enriquez’s niece, Rebeca, also remain part of the board.

Meet The Board

Advisory Board

  • Richard Del Val (Alumni)

    Alumni Outreach

  • Claudia Del Val (Alumna)

    Alumni Outreach

  • Nicole Zuniga (Alumna)

    Alumni Outreach

Alumni

Celebrating 50+ years of awarding scholarships to latinx students has afforded MAEGA the privilege of fostering a global network of alumni.

Check out where education can take you!

Are you a MAEGA Alumni? Join our community and share the MAEGA impact!