The John S. Lyons Foundation, known as the JOHNS, was founded 30 years ago in memory of the late Johnny Lyons, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters, Local 36 in San Diego. Johnny Lyons was a civic minded leader who believed in organized labor’s commitment to our community. During his lifetime, Johnny Lyons was active in the San Diego Leukemia Society, the Holiday Bowl and other local charities and civic organizations.

The Foundation’s annual John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet honors the Labor Leader of the Year for his or her commitment to the labor movement and to our community. All funds raised at this event are donated to charities chosen by the Foundation. There are no administrative costs charged by any of the volunteer Board Members and program planners. The Foundation originally raised funds for the San Diego Leukemia Society and later expanded its list of recipients to include the San Blood Bank Bone Marrow Donor Program, the UCSD Cancer Center, the Salk Institute and the Mesothelioma Foundation. Since its inception, the John S. Lyons Foundation has raised over $1,500,000 for these worthy research efforts.

In addition, the JOHNS have faithfully supported the U.S. Postal Workers Annual Food Drive every May by cooking and serving the hundreds of volunteers who help to make the event the success in San Diego County. And, in honor of Johnny Lyons commitment to the San Diego Holiday Bowl, the JOHNS, along with the Building Trades Council, are proud members of the Quarterback Club, each year purchasing over 100 tickets to this annual Holiday tradition in San Diego.

Labor’s John S. Lyons Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program

Contact: Danielle Paukner danielle@sdbuildingtrades.com
John S. Lyons Memorial Foundation
3737 Camino del Rio South, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92108
619-521-2914

Deadline to Apply: May 1st, 2023.

Essay Prompt: 

“Tell us about your parent or guardian's local union. How has being raised in a union family impacted your life?”

Amount: (1) One four-year college scholarship for a maximum amount of $5,500. Initial year amount is $2,500 for the next school year beginning in September; continued scholarship assistance in the amount of $1,000 per year for a maximum of three additional years if the student continues to meet scholarship standards. Eligible expenses include tuition, books, and housing. Scholarship can be used for school related expenses at an accredited post high school trade or technical school, community college, four-year university or college. 

(2) One-time scholarship up to $2,500. Eligible expenses include tuition, books, and housing. Scholarship can be used for school related expenses at an accredited post high school trade or technical school, community college, four-year university or college.

Requirements: Applicants must be a high school senior enrolled in, or a college student having graduated from, a San Diego or Imperial County  school system whose parent or legal guardian is a member in good standing of any local labor union. Students must have 3.0 or better GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and participate in community and/or extracurricular school activities. A complete application package is available upon request.

Click link below to download the scholarship form:

/JOHNS%202024%20SCHOLARSHIP%20FLYER_FINAL.pdf