Pedrozzi Foundation Scholarship

The Pedrozzi Scholarship, established in 2004, is dedicated to supporting Livermore students in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training. The foundation was created by the generous gift of nearly $8 million from Mario Pedrozzi, a Livermore businessman who passed away in 2002. His gift was a remarkable expression of his commitment to the community, as he sought to provide opportunities for Livermore graduates and seminarians from Alameda County to pursue their academic and career goals.

Mario’s life story is one of resilience and determination. Born in 1908 in Lugano, Switzerland, Mario emigrated to the United States at age 18. He eventually settled in Livermore, where he worked in his relatives’ grocery store and later opened his own business, the Valley Food Center. Mario was also deeply involved in local politics, serving on the Livermore City Council from 1962 to 1965, where he earned a reputation for being a dedicated public servant. He was known for his frugality, strong work ethic, and generosity.

Despite facing personal hardship, including the loss of his fiancée, Mario remained dedicated to the idea of giving back to his community. Without heirs, he left nearly all his estate to establish the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation, ensuring that future generations of students in Livermore would have access to the resources they needed to succeed. His gift has allowed the foundation to award over $2.3 million in scholarships to 647 students since 2008.

The foundation offers scholarships in multiple categories, including Technical/Vocational, Community College, Undergraduate, Graduate Studies, and special awards for Veterans and Opportunity Scholarships for low-income, first-generation college students..

Today, the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation continues Mario’s legacy by helping students of all ages reach their educational and career goals, embodying the spirit of hard work, resilience, and community that Mario Pedrozzi exemplified throughout his life.