O'Dowd Scholars Program Overview

• In 2009-2010, Bishop O’Dowd High School will grant $1,900,000 in scholarship assistance to 303 students, representing 25% of our student body. 
• Over 13% of the qualified applicants last year declined admission due to lack of funding.
• The total cost of attending O’Dowd today is $14,330. Five years ago it was $10,500.
• The average scholarship award in 2009-2010 was $5,994.
• Many of our scholarship students will be the first in their families to attend college.

Ways to Give

• Establish an endowed scholarship through a gift or pledge of $50,000.
  
• You may designate your gift to the Annual Fund in any amount to the O’Dowd Scholars Program.

Options for Annual Giving

While your gift of any amount will change the life of an O’ Dowd Scholar, please consider the following annual gifts for the O’Dowd Scholars Program:

• $13,330 Supports one student with a full-tuition scholarship
  
• $ 5,000 Supports two students with partial scholarships
  
• $ 2,500 Supports one student with partial scholarship
  
• $ 1,250 Supports one student with a half scholarship

To make a donation to the program, please contact O’Dowd’s advancement office at (510) 553-8630.

Scholars Program Testimonials

Emily Friedberg ’08

When Emily Friedberg ’08 received her score report for the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam – on which she achieved a 5, the highest score possible -- she was ecstatic.

A short time later, Emily received a congratulatory note in the mail from retired history teacher John Calderwood, whose legendary storytelling skills made U.S. History come alive for Emily and countless other O’Dowd students.

“I feel that was so unique to O’Dowd. That just would not happen at other schools,” she said of the thoughtful gesture that was as meaningful to her as the high test score.

Emily says that in addition to Mr. Calderwood, countless O’Dowd teachers had a profound impact on her – instilling a love of learning and encouraging her to excel.

“I’m eternally thankful that I got the opportunity to attend O’Dowd,” Emily said. “I feel like it opened up so many opportunities for me in so many ways.”

Evelyn Montiel, '06

Scholarships can transform the lives of students.  Evelyn grew up in East Oakland, where her parents operated a concession snack truck. With the help of an O’Dowd scholarship, and the funds she earned working, Evelyn was able to attend Bishop O’Dowd High School. She excelled academically, served as the senior class president, was active in the Latino Unidos Club, and ran varsity cross country. 

“Without scholarship assistance I wouldn’t be where I am today. Of my 30 8th grade classmates, only five have gone on to college. I am so appreciative of the opportunity that the scholarship to O’Dowd provided me.”

The first in her family to attend college, Evelyn is currently working as a tutor and student advisor. She had her first teaching experience working with younger students at O’Dowd, and hopes to become a professor. 

Nghi Nguyen ’05

Nghi Nguyen ’05 was seven years old when his parents, seeking better educational opportunities for their children, moved the family to the United States from Vietnam in 1994.  “I grew up in East Oakland. It was tough,” he said.

This past June, Nguyen graduated from Stanford University with a degree in molecular and cellular biology and is pursuing a master’s degree in management science. He will likely go on to medical school, with career goals that include practicing medicine, conducting research and consulting for bio tech companies and venture capital firms.

In the meantime, the ambitious O’Dowd alumnus is currently advising a Stanford team of undergraduate students engineering a bacteria “machine” which they will present at an upcoming contest hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.   

Nguyen says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of donors who made it possible for him to attend O’Dowd, where he flourished as a student.

“An investment in the O’Dowd Scholars Program is a long-term investment,” Nguyen says. “The students who graduate from Bishop O’Dowd High School become leaders in whatever fields they choose to pursue.”

If you would like to contribute to one of Bishop O’Dowd’s existing funds or establish a new fund, please contact the Advancement Office at 510-577-9100 ext. 304.