“Let’s continue to send young adults to college and trade schools.”
That’s the guiding motto of the Ralph A. Kerber Memorial Foundation — a scholarship program rooted in hard work, opportunity, and the enduring spirit of the American Dream.
Created for the children of Southern California pool and spa industry professionals, the foundation is now accepting applications for 2026. Students working in the industry — or whose parents or guardians are — are encouraged to apply. Eligibility is limited to those connected to pool construction, service, maintenance, or supply trades in Southern California.
To understand the scholarship, it helps to understand the man behind it.
“My husband came from a poor background,” said Janet Kerber, Ralph Kerber’s widow. “He was born and raised in Watts. In 1952, he and his brother started building pools with a $137 income tax refund.”
That modest start grew into Kerber Bros., Inc., one of the largest plastering operations in Southern California, employing 221 people at its peak.
“I always thought he was the embodiment of theAmerican Dream,” Janet said. “When he passed away, I thought, ‘He just can’t go away.’” Married for 40 years, Janet and Ralph built both a business and a family, raising five children while working side by side. After his passing, Janet and three of her daughters established the foundation to carry on his legacy.
“These kids are often the first in their families to go to college,” she said. “Ralph used to say, ‘You live in America. You have every opportunity to be what you want to be.’ That dream is still out there.”
When Janet speaks about scholarship recipients, the impact is clear. Keleni Fa’anunu, connected to Pool Safe, lost her mother at age 8 and was raised by relatives already caring for three children. Now studying psychology at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, she wrote: “ Everyone’s mind works differently, but we all have similar thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors.” Jeffery Garcia, connected to Alan Smith Pools, is attending the UC San Diego School of Medicine. After his father’s career-ending soccer injury, his path shifted toward healthcare. “That injury,” he wrote, “offered me a glimpse into my future journey toward medicine.” Working as an EMT confirmed that direction: “My father’s injury… became a driving force.”
Matthew Gutierrez, connected with Steele Pools, is attending the University of Utah with plans to earn a business degree and return to grow his stepfather’s company.
“I want to learn the business from the ground up,” he wrote, “so I can eventually take over and expand it.”
“When I hear stories like that,” Janet said, “my heart smiles. That’s why we do this.”
Since 2001, the foundation has awarded 447 scholarships totaling more than $1 million. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with some exceeding $5,000 based on merit and need.
The program supports students attending accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools. It is not limited to straight-A students — applicants with a B average or better are encouraged. Character, motivation, and commitment carry significant weight.
2026 Important Information Applications by May 15, 2026.
Awards announced: June 1, 2026. Applicants must:
• Southern California resident for at least two years
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrate solid academic performance
• Have a direct connection to the pool and spa industry
• Provide at least one industry reference
• Be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or trade school How to Apply: Mail applications to: Mrs. Janet Kerber Roberts 32 Castellina Dr. Newport Coast, CA 92657 Or apply online at: www.ralphkerberfoundation.com For questions, call 714-264-3959. There is no application fee, though some applicants may be invited to interview.
Support the Mission The foundation welcomes donations to expand its impact. A fundraising picnic will be held May 2, 2026, at Rush Park in Los Alamitos.
“Success in life through education and hard work.”
Through this foundation, Ralph Kerber’s belief continues to change lives — one student at a time.
