By Kendra Pintor
Family Weekend 2026 welcomed Scripps College families back to campus for a joyful President’s Day weekend, filled with connection, discovery, and support of Scripps students.
Over the course of the weekend, over 550 family members traveled from near and far to attend academic sessions, connect with faculty, and spend intentional time with students on campus.
A Meaningful Start for Parent Leaders
Family Weekend officially kicked off on Friday, February 13, with special programming for members of the Parent Leadership Circle (PLC). PLC families enjoyed a guided tour of the 81st Scripps College Ceramic Annual, followed by an intimate reception and dinner with President Amy Marcus-Newhall and senior College leaders.
The evening offered a space for thoughtful dialogue about Scripps’ vision and future, as well as the chance to celebrate the shared commitment that makes student opportunities possible.
Families Step Up for the Internship Challenge
One of the most impactful moments of Family Weekend was the 2026 Internship Challenge, which invited families to invest directly in students’ professional futures.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Scripps community, this year’s challenge raised over $55,000 from 91 donors, unlocking the full $35,000 matching gift from Carmen and Jim Ward.
These funds will help support Scripps students as they pursue internships this summer—many of which are critical to launching meaningful careers.
“Support towards internships help open doors that our students might not have imagined walking through—whether that’s pursuing an unpaid internship, launching original research, or saying yes to an opportunity across the world,” says Megan Hast, director of leadership annual giving and The Scripps Fund. “These grants remove financial barriers and replace them with confidence, allowing students to focus on learning, growing, and discovering what’s possible for their futures.”
With more than 87 percent of Scripps students completing at least one internship before graduation, donor-supported grants remain a lifeline that turn opportunity into access.
You can make a gift to support internships by clicking here!