What began in 1964 as a heartfelt tribute has grown significantly over the last five decades into a lasting force for education in Southwest Philadelphia.
The Pacifico Family Scholarship Awards Program, established by the late Kerry Pacifico of Pacifico Mazda in honor of his late father, started as a $500 donation and has now provided nearly $3 million in scholarships over the years to help deserving high school students pay for college. This past year, the program saw one of its most successful years and distributed a total $200,000 in scholarships to 100 students from 27 local schools.*
The Pacifico Mazda long-lasting commitment to this program embodies the Mazda core philosophy of “Be Moved,” which aims to move more people forward and help them discover what’s next, enriching the communities we serve. The Pacifico Family Scholarship Awards Program is a powerful example of this as it helps secure the resources needed to what moves them.
The selection for these life-changing scholarships is led by the local schools themselves, ensuring the support reaches those who can benefit most and will make the most of the opportunity. Throughout the selection process, the teachers and administrators consider a range of factors, including academic achievement, financial need, and the student’s overall embodiment of the program’s spirit of academic promise and community engagement.
“This program is more than a scholarship. It’s about investing in the future of the local Philadelphia community,” said Dari Pacifico Shore, Marketing Manager at Pacifico Auto Group. “Seeing these young minds receive the support they need to pursue an education and knowing we’re contributing to a legacy started by Kerry Pacifico more than 50 years ago, is incredibly rewarding and contributing to the success of the next generation is an honor.”
A highlight of the program each year is the awards ceremony, proudly hosted at Pacifico Auto Group’s Mazda dealership. Scholarship recipients, their families and school principals gather for a memorable event filled with speeches, acknowledgements, and a presentation of the scholarship certificates. Students share their college aspirations and teachers speak about the impact these scholarships have on the students and schools.
Over the years, students have expressed their gratitude to Pacifico Mazda through heartfelt letters detailing how the scholarship has allowed them to make their dreams a reality.
The Pacifico Family Scholarship Awards Program is a powerful example of creating lasting, positive change within the community. Investing in the education of local students not only provides crucial financial assistance, but it also fosters a sense of hope and possibility for young students who are embarking on their college careers.
This enduring initiative continues to shape brighter futures, demonstrating the profound impact dedicated support can have on the next generation.
*Total funding was raised across Pacifico Auto Group, not limited to Pacifico Mazda.
