Scholarships
Reminders
- Review this site weekly, especially during the Spring Semester. Although the majority of the scholarship opportunities listed below are for graduating seniors only, some do not have grade level restrictions.
- The scholarship listings in the chart below have either a direct link to the donor's website or an application that you may download and complete and send to the organization.
- Begin your search early and start collecting the pieces of information you will need for your applications: essay about yourself, high school transcript, recommendation letters from teachers, community members, employers, etc., resume of honors and activities and awards. Update your information as needed.
Scholarships from local community members
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Follow application instructions carefully and apply directly to the scholarship organization.
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Send your completed application to the address listed on the application and be sure to adhere to the organization's deadline.
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If the organization requires an official transcript you need to order it through www.parchment.com and have it sent to you.
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Be sure to give yourself time to have the official transcript sent to you. Keep the official transcript sealed and attach to your scholarship application.
CHECK BACK FREQUENTLy FOR SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES & DEADLINES!
Scholarship Resources:
Military Family Members Scholarships:
African American scholarships:
Asian American scholarships:
Latino scholarships:
Native American grants and scholarships:
Scholarships for students with disabilities:
Check out these free online scholarship search websites:
www.tun.com/scholarships/category/high-school-senior/
www.studentscholarships.org/newsletter.php
www.scholarshipsandgrants.us/scholarships-highschool-seniors/:
collegeapps.about.com/od/grantsandscholarships/tp/college-scholarships-november.htm
General Types of Financial Aid
Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. federal government. Usually distributed through the college.
Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back:
- Grants - Typically based on financial need
- Scholarships - Typically based on achievement or talent.
Loans: Funds that must be paid back later, with interest. Federally-guaranteed loans can be from a private lender (e.g. a bank) or form the federal government (administered by the college). Private loans are offered by private lenders with terms set by the lender, not the government.
Private Aid: Financial aid from non-government sources.
Federal & State Aid Programs
Pell Grant: Gift aid that is given based on financial need. How much aid you will be eligible to receive is based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and academic achievement which is measured by GPA's and scoring criteria. visit www.csac.ca.gov for information.
Federal Work-Study: Provides part-time employment for students who have financial need. Jobs are usually available both on or off campus. Work study is also determined by FAFSA.
Perkins Loan: Fixed low interest loan through your college. You must demonstrate financial need.
Stafford Loan: Currently a variable interest rate loan. You can receive this loan from a private lender or your college. They can be subsidized (no interest accrues while enrolled full-time in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues while in school.)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to student who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are Pell Grant recipients.
California Community College Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG) waives per-unit enrollment fees for financially qualified California residents.
The California Chafee Grant Program gives money to current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. Visit www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/default.aspx for more information.
