Manhattan Beach, California – June 10, 2026 – At Strand Hill | Forbes Global Properties, we believe that being part of a community means investing in it. Each year, one of the ways we live that belief is through the Jake Cleland Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to deserving seniors at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach.
About Jake Cleland
Jake Cleland was more than our colleague. He was a beloved son and brother, a Manhattan Beach native, and a proud Mira Costa alumnus. Warm, genuine, and deeply connected to his hometown, Jake had a way of making everyone around him feel valued. On September 6, 2019, we lost Jake at just 26 years old due to epilepsy. The loss was profound, and the impact he left on his family, this brokerage, and this community has never faded.
The Scholarship
Established in Jake’s memory and presented in partnership with the Cleland family, the Jake Cleland Memorial Scholarship was created to honor his legacy by investing in the next generation of students from the community he called home. Each year, six Mira Costa seniors are selected to receive the award based on their academic achievement, community service, and ability to persevere through personal adversity.
This Year’s Presentation
This year’s scholarship presentation took place at the Mira Costa Senior Recognition Program, a special evening celebrating the accomplishments of graduating seniors. Strand Hill agent and Jake’s brother, Jared Cleland, joined Strand Hill Partner and CFO Alex Gauss in presenting the awards on behalf of the brokerage and the Cleland family.
This year’s recipients are six exceptional young people who have faced challenges, yet never lost sight of their goals. They have excelled academically, served their communities with dedication, and earned acceptance to prestigious colleges and universities. Watching them receive their awards was a reminder of exactly why this scholarship exists.
Why It Matters
The Jake Cleland Memorial Scholarship is not just a financial award. It is a statement from our brokerage that we see these students, we believe in them, and we are proud to play a small role in their journeys. It is also a way of keeping Jake’s memory alive in the most meaningful way possible, by reflecting the generosity and community spirit that defined him.
We are grateful to the Cleland family for their continued partnership, to our agents and partners whose contributions make this possible each year, and to the students who inspire us with their strength and determination.