Presidential Scholars
Excellence. Leadership. Purpose.
The Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) is San Francisco State University’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship, awarded to a select group of incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.
Presidential Scholars receive four years of full tuition, fees and on-campus housing, along with personalized mentorship and exclusive opportunities for academic and professional growth.
The program now includes the Mirzakhani Scholarship, funded by alumna Neda Nobari (B.S. ’84), which supports outstanding students in STEM fields through the College of Science & Engineering and honors Professor Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman and first Iranian recipient of the Fields Medal.
Learn more about our scholars, how to become one and how they’re shaping a just, innovative and thriving world.
About the Presidential Scholars Program
The Presidential Scholars Program is designed to cultivate leadership, academic excellence and service among SFSU’s most outstanding undergraduate students. Presidential Scholars represent the University’s highest ideals: integrity, curiosity, creativity and a commitment to equity and community impact.
Each scholar receives:
- Full coverage of tuition and fees for four years
- On-campus housing for the duration of their SFSU experience
- Personalized mentorship and leadership development
- Exclusive engagement opportunities with university leaders and alumni
The Presidential Scholars Program celebrates not only what students have accomplished, but who they aspire to become.
Being accepted into the Presidential Scholarship Program is just the beginning! Once in the program, there are a number of unique Gator experiences, program requirements, projects and more that will help your carve your academic journey and personal growth at SFSU.
All Presidential Scholars are held to the following academic excellence standards:
- Maintain 3.5 cumulative SFSU GPA
- Engage in a Study Abroad experience for at least one (1) semester (or up to two!)
- Live in on-campus housing for the duration of the four year San Francisco State University experience
- Maintain Cal Grant B eligibility
- Attend weekly PSP meetings, required PSP events and receive one-on-one counseling with one of the Deans of Students
The Mirzakhani Scholarship
Launched in Fall 2025, the Mirzakhani Scholarship expands the Presidential Scholars Program to include students in STEM disciplines through the College of Science & Engineering. This scholarship, funded by alumna Neda Nobari (B.S. ’84), honors the legacy of Professor Maryam Mirzakhani — the first woman and first Iranian recipient of the prestigious Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics. The Mirzakhani Scholars exemplify brilliance, perseverance and global impact — inspiring the next generation of innovators at SFSU.
Learn More About the College of Science & EngineeringBecome a Presidential Scholar
Find out more about our past scholars, scholar projects and creative work.
- Apply for undergraduate admission to SFSU as a first-year student.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance and community involvement.
- Show potential for leadership and a commitment to equity and service.
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering GPA, leadership, community engagement and personal essays.
Discover the students who represent the heart of the Presidential Scholars Program.
Each scholar brings a unique background, academic passion and vision for leadership and change.
Class of 2029 | First Year Scholars
- Sofia Rajarathinam: Computer Science, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Ashley Gomez Machado: Psychology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Alejandra Anaya: Biology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Zoe Freeman: Mechanical Engineering, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Christian Galvez: Civil Engineering,Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Valerie Perez: Biology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Estefania Felix Castro: Biology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Amanda Lee: Business Accounting, Lam Family College of Business
- Samantha Guzman Paredes: Sociology, College of Liberal & Creative Arts
- Jaimie Perez Garcia: Asian American Studies, College of Ethnic Studies
Class of 2028 | Sophomore Scholars
- Naseem Driadr: Biology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
- Tiffany Medrano Martinez: Race and Resistance, College of Ethnic Studies
- Chey Tam: Communications, College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Class of 2027 | Junior Scholars
- Ian Gaerlan: Applied Mathematics, College of Science & Engineering
- Mohammed Ibrahim: Dietetics and Nutrition Science, College of Health & Social Sciences
- Hosna Mohd Zaman: Psychology, Mirzakhani Scholar, College of Science & Engineering
Class of 2026 | Senior Scholars
- Louis Que: Business Accounting, Lam Family College of Business
- Brenda Rivera: Psychology, College of Science & Engineering
- Denis Sakanovic: Computer Science, College of Science & Engineering
- Miriam Uriostegui: Studio Art, College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Our Senior Gator Scholars represent four years of achievement, mentorship and growth within the Presidential Scholars Program. They model excellence and serve as mentors for future cohorts.
Each year, Presidential Scholars present projects and reflections that demonstrate their academic and community engagement.
Research, study abroad experiences, service learning and creative work highlight the broad impact of SFSU scholars.
Presidential Scholars contribute to SFSU and the wider community through service projects that reflect their values, leadership and academic focus.
Contact the Presidential Scholars Program
Dr. Reisweber leads the Presidential Scholars Program, the most elite scholarship offered to SFSU students. For any questions or request more information about the Presidential Scholars Program at SFSU, please contact Dr. Mia Reisweber.