Eduardo Nava Design and Innovation Scholarship

I was Eddie's professor at San Jose State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (SJSU BSID '16). I had become a good friend of Eddie's over the years too. Eddie went on to do wonderful acts of kindness in his community. He was teaching at San Leandro High School, developed their new STREAM Academy, led the Makers Club, and coached the swim team. In his spare time, he was a dancer in Danza Azteca, took great adventures all over the Americas on his motorcycle, and spread love and happiness wherever he went. Unfortunately, Eddie passed away from an accident on March 10, 2023.

It was Eddie's dream to have a scholarship at SLHS for his students and we talked about it often. Unfortunately, his untimely passing interrupted his dream. We'd like to keep it going though. Do you want to join me in making a difference for his students, in Eddie's name? The Eduardo Nava Design & Innovation Memorial Scholarship will grant funds to graduating seniors who are going on to study or practice in the design and engineering fields. The first awards will be given in May 2023!

Here are some photos of what Eddie was doing . . .

The maker space that Eddie built at SLHS:

Eddie with some of his students:

Eddie with his teaching colleagues at SLHS:

Class of 2022 at SLHS building a geodesic dome:

Jim Shook (SJSU BSID '69) teaching Eddie's students:

The inaugural kickoff and annual STREAM Academy event (Sept 2022):

Eddie in his Danza Azteca gear:

The support and teaching that Eddie provided to his students at SLHS made a difference. They loved him and daily they showed up for him and learned to create, build, and do things for themselves. The way of looking at the world, through the lens of a designer, has impacted his students in ways they still cannot imagine. This scholarship can help to support them as they leave high school and go to college. The impact on them will be forever as they move into their careers and practice making a difference in the world, just like their teacher and mentor, Eddie Nava.

Funds raised here will benefit San Leandro Scholarship Foundation and be directed towards the Eduardo Nava Design & Innovation Memorial Scholarship at San Leandro High School, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me, his family, his friends, his colleagues, and most importantly, his students.

More information about the San Leandro Scholarship Foundation:

The mission of the San Leandro Scholarship Foundation is to solicit and receive funds for high school graduates to continue their education at an institution of higher learning.