Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship

The Scholarship

The Scholarship

The Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 by the owners, management, and friends of the Parkmerced community in San Francisco, CA. Each year, two $1,000 scholarships are awarded to provide tuition and academic expense assistance to students pursuing degrees or certificates in building design, construction, urban planning, or related field(s).

Application Deadlines are:

  • July 1
  • December 1

Scholarships are typically awarded within 45 days of the application deadline.

Robert L. Pender (1924-2011)

Robert L. Pender is remembered for his tireless civil work, leadership, and dedication to San Francisco and national politics. In addition to serving his country in the U.S. Army from December 1942 to December 1944, Robert was also an active member of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church for 44 years. Robert was passionate about his community and was a founding member and President Emeritus of the Parkmerced Resident Organization (PRO).

Who Can Apply?

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements at the time of application:

  • be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or certificate program OR a high school graduating senior who has been accepted into an undergraduate, graduate, or certificate program in building design, construction, urban planning, and/or related field (including civil/structural/MEP engineering, architecture/design, urban planning, construction, and sustainability) at an accredited college or university in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on an unweighted 4.0 scale)

What are the selection criteria?

What are the selection criteria?

Robert L. Pender Scholars must demonstrate:

  • Interest in addressing issues in building design, construction, urban planning, and/or related fields
  • Leadership potential and aspirational career goals
  • Strength of character
  • Academic performance or promise
  • A well-rounded personality

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

Applying for the Robert L. Pender Scholarship may take time. Candidates are encouraged to gather the documents they will need to apply and identify a reliable recommender early.

  • Download and complete the application form
  • Candidates must obtain a recommendation from a current or past academic instructor who is 21 or older and not related to the candidate. Recommendations are confidential and must be submitted directly from the recommender via email to opportunities@parkmercedvision.com
  • Candidates must prepare a personal statement highlighting their interest in their field, relevant experiences and passions, and how a scholarship will contribute to their ability to make a meaningful contribution to their respective field. Personal statements should be prepared in 1,000 words or less.
  • Candidates must submit a copy of their acceptance letter, intent to enroll, or tuition invoice/receipt and unofficial transcripts.
  • The completed application and supplemental materials must be submitted via email to opportunities@parkmercedvision.com by the deadlines

Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship Application

Robert L. Pender Scholars

Robert L. Pender Scholars

2020 Scholars

  • Kiara Louise D. Bacasen, B.S. Engineering – Architectural Design, Stanford University ’21
  • Yasaman Yavaribajestani, PhD Building Science & Sustainability, UC Berkeley

2019 Scholars

  • Lily MacIver, Master of City and Regional Planning and Public Health, UC Berkeley ’21
  • Mariela Herrick, Master of City and Regional Planning, UC Berkeley ’20

2018 Scholars

  • Jenna Frowein, Master of Architecture, UC Berkeley ’20
  • Dana Miller, Master of Science in Architecture, UC Berkeley ’19

2017 Scholars

  • Lillian Martin, Master of Urban Planning, San Jose State  ’18
  • Hannah McCay, B.S. Architecture, Cal Poly SLO ’20

2016 Scholars

  • Nima Leclerc, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, San Francisco State ’19
  • Michael Ernesto-Coto, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, San Francisco State ’18

2015 Scholars

  • Salma Lira, A.S. Engineering/Physics, City College of San Francisco ’15