The Dave Sanders/Columbine High School scholarship is awarded to an outstanding high school senior who plans a career in education and is graduating from a high school in the Metropolitan Denver, Colorado area represented by the four sponsoring chapters of PDK at Douglas County, Aurora, Jefferson County, and the University of Denver. Priority is given to students from Columbine High School if all applicants are equally qualified.

Following the Columbine High School tragedy in April, 1999, Phi Delta Kappa International established the scholarship in memory of Dave Sanders and in honor of the dedicated faculty and staff of Columbine High School who placed the safety of students before their own well being.

In keeping with Phi Delta Kappa's dedication to advocacy for public education, this scholarship was created to recognize and assist outstanding young people who choose to join the time-honored teaching profession.