Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering · Established March 2026 · Tower Foundation of SJSU
The Pham Foundation Scholarship is a current-use fund established to support undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees within the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University. Established on March 15, 2026, the scholarship marks the retirement of the Foundation Founder from San José State University—an institution that served as both alma mater and professional home for over three decades.
The Foundation Founder began as a student assistant in the College of Engineering, later serving as a web designer after graduation, and eventually as a Systems Administrator until retirement. This long-standing journey reflects a deep and continuous connection to the University and its mission.
This scholarship is established in gratitude to honor that journey and to invest in the next generation of engineering students. It represents both a meaningful milestone and the Foundation’s commitment to supporting students who demonstrate dedication, discipline, and potential in the field of engineering.
Eligibility Requirements
All funding decisions are made in compliance with applicable university policies and federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Selection is based on individual qualifications and contributions.
The fund is established and managed under the policies of the Board of Directors of the Tower Foundation and all policies of San José State University.
This program is governed by the Pham Foundation's Restated Bylaws and an executed Gift Agreement on file with the Foundation. See Governance for the full framework.
Management of funds and acceptance of agreement terms are the sole responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Tower Foundation. In the event circumstances prevent use of the gift as originally intended, it shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the Dean of the Davidson College of Engineering to apply the gift to the purpose which most nearly meets the Foundation's original intention. This Gift Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.
A record of awards made under the Pham Foundation Scholarship at San José State University.
| Academic Year | Award | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026–2027 | $5,000 | Awarded |
The scholarship awards $5,000 to one student per academic year under a five-year pledge running through academic year 2030–2031.
This is the first scholarship the Pham Foundation has ever given — $5,000, to an engineering student at San José State University. Whatever else this Foundation goes on to do, there is only one first, and it is you.
San José State was Scott's home for more than thirty years, from his first day as a student to the day he retired. This scholarship is how he closes that chapter: with gratitude, and with something handed back to the place that gave him so much.
We know how hard you have worked to get here. The long nights, the problem sets that refuse to come out right until the third try, the effort that nobody happens to be around to see. And you may well be carrying the weight of paying your own way while you do it. This is meant to lift a little of that weight — so that more of you can go into the work you love, and less into worrying about how to afford it.
Congratulations, from the bottom of our hearts. We will be cheering for you quietly, from a distance, and we cannot wait to see all that you will do.