JUST4DUST
FOUNDATION
Helping Student Athletes Reach Their Highest Potential
Continuing the legacy of Dustin Tannenhaus…together.
The Just4Dust Foundation recognizes excellence in academics and athletics by supporting talented soccer players on their path to college.
Dustin Eneko Tannenhaus was an outstanding student and athlete from Spring Valley, CA. He graduated from UC San Diego in 2007, captaining the soccer team and inspiring those around him with his hard work and athleticism. Tragically, Dustin suffered a fatal heart attack in 2019 at age 33. Dustin's dedication and generosity continue through the Just4Dust Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that awards academic scholarships to talented low-income soccer players throughout San Diego. Our volunteer-run foundation raises funds year-round to support these athletes in their pursuit of higher education.
As you know, the cost of higher education continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for many students to pursue their educational endeavors. We have raised thousands of dollars for numerous student athletes. Recipients have earned scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to help them cover the cost of college application fees, tutoring, college tuition, and educational materials.
We are thrilled with our success so far! We also recognize that in order to achieve even greater impact, broader community support is essential. All donations go directly towards funding scholarships for local students who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and excellence in athletics. With your help, we can ensure more student athletes have access to higher education.
Honoring Dustin's legacy through education and sport.
DUSTIN’S LEGACY
Dustin Eneko Tannenhaus was born in Spring Valley, CA. An outstanding student and athlete all his life, he graduated from UC San Diego in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Arts in economics with a minor in international studies. Months after his college graduation, he moved to Madrid, Spain and became a consultant with Accenture. Years later, he went back to school and earned his MBA from UCLA in 2012. Following graduate school, Dustin worked as a consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
A 2003 graduate of Monte Vista High School, Dustin earned second team all-league, Most Valuable Player, and was named to the Scholastic All-CIF squad. He then continued his soccer career at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts before transferring to UC San Diego after his freshman year. During his time at UC San Diego, Dustin excelled on and off the pitch. For his outstanding academic efforts, he was named an Academic All-American (West Region) by ESPN The Magazine in 2006, the same year he served as team captain. Some of Dustin’s other numerous accomplishments include achieving gold and silver levels of the UC San Diego Athletic Director's Honor Role, participating in the National Honor Society, and earning cum laude distinction from UCSD’s Eleanor Roosevelt College.
In 2015, Dustin married Sofia Tannenhaus. Dustin had earned a month-long sabbatical after becoming a Director at PwC and in 2019, the couple embarked on a summer-long trip in Europe. Four weeks into their extended vacation, Dustin went for a run and suffered a fatal heart attack caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Sofia and Dustin were unknowingly three weeks pregnant when Dustin died. They now have a curious, energetic, and outgoing daughter.
Dustin worked hard and motivated everyone around him. To carry forward Dustin's generosity and positivity and to recognize excellence in academics and athletics, the Just4Dust Foundation awards academic scholarships to soccer players in San Diego County who demonstrate financial need.
The Dustin Tannenhaus
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Dustin Tannenhaus Legacy Scholarship honors Dustin's dedication to academics and athletics by supporting high-achieving soccer players from low-income families in San Diego County. We are awarding one $500 scholarship and one $1,000 scholarship to 12th grade student athletes this fall. Recipients can use the funds for college application fees, tutoring, tuition, and educational materials.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the button below to access the application form. The application asks questions regarding your athletic experience and accomplishments, your family’s financial situation (confidential), your academic standing, postsecondary aspirations, and the community impact you hope to have in the future.
Applications are due October 31, 2024.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Your generosity helps talented soccer players achieve their college dreams. The Just4Dust Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | Tax ID: 92-0522027
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Donate to our GoFundMe Campaign.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
If your company is looking to make a one-time or recurring donation, contact Dr. Sofia Tannenhaus, the Just4Dust Foundation Director, at Just4DustFoundation@gmail.com.