Jesse Pittman Scholarship.

For America to be strong, we need more young people who want to serve their community and provide them with opportunities to grow.

Don’t run, Charge.

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Mission.

Jesse Pittman Foundation is dedicated to finding determined young Americans who share Jesse’s spirit and continue their development by ensuring an opportunity to attend college.

We select high school graduates from Mendocino County, which includes Jesse’s alma mater at Willits High School, and provide one to four year scholarships based on the student’s financial need and personal qualities that make him or her deserving of assistance.

Don’t run, Charge.

Jesse’ story.

Jesse was born and raised among the great redwoods of northern California. He graduated from Willits High School in 2002, and as a young man he worked as a wildland firefighter with CAL Fire. In 2005, that all changed because Jesse volunteered to join the United States Navy with the goal of becoming a SEAL commando. Jesse had a dream and no one could stop him. Jesse’s next goal in life was to go to college.

Jesse had a saying among his teammates, “I don’t run, I charge.” Now it’s your turn.

Don’t run, Charge.

Impact.

15 scholarships

Awarded

$139,000

Raised

Ten 5k races

Organized

Support to keep Jesse Pittman’s memory alive through your donations.

The donate link below will take you to the Community Foundation of Mendocino County donate page. This is our recognized partner to accept donations that go directly to the Jesse Pittman Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that can provide a receipt for your charitable contribution.

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Get Involved.

We invite you to join our mission to build a community of service. Check out various you can contribute in memory of Jesse Pittman.

Get Involved

Words from scholarship recipients

“The Jesse Pittman Foundation provides a strong support group to overcome the challenges involved with higher education, which is a crucial aspect of remaining true to your goals.”

— Kyle E., Class of 2013

“Being part of the Jesse Pittman scholarship family and carrying Jesse’s legacy of service provided the resilience I needed to succeed throughout my medical school journey.”

— Anna W., Class of 2015

“Receiving the Jesse Pittman scholarship was a tremendous honor and made me push even harder to reach my goals. It kept me focused on the things that truly matter in life.”