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Most states offer special scholarships specifically for their residents. California is one of the largest states and therefore has many scholarship opportunities for the individuals who live there! We have compiled a list of scholarships that likely apply to many high school students, however, there are many more offered based on your heritage, major, and interests!
Scholarships that most California residents can apply for:
California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $2,500
Application Deadline: June 30, 2019
Essay: Yes
If you are a junior or senior attending a California high school and you plan to attend an accredited institution to complete your educational goals after graduation, you can apply for this scholarship! To do so, you must complete the simple application form, upload your transcripts or class schedule, and submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay answering the following question: “Why is unpaid debt collection so important to the U.S. economy, and what personal finance strategies can you implement in your young adult life to ensure long-term personal financial stability?”
Award Amount: Up to $2,462 for tuition and $547 for books
Application Deadline: March 2, 2019
If you plan to earn an associate’s degree or a certificate at a vocational, occupational, or technical school that is also a Cal Grant-eligible institution, then this is the perfect grant for you! Not everyone plans to or needs to attend a four-year college after high school graduation, and California recognizes and supports that fact. Simply fill out the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application and, if you’re eligible, you’ll be contacted by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) with more information. Learn more about this award here and get a list of which occupations will get you into the priority pile here. Contact your school’s financial aid office with any questions.
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: March 2, 2019 or September 2, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: Varies
This grant is actually a pair of two separate grants that are awarded to distinct groups of students. They are maintained and distributed by CSAC for students who are not eligible for Cal Grant Entitlement Awards (see below). Grant A is awarded to low- and middle-income students with at least a 3.0 GPA; the award may only be used for tuition and fees. Grant B is awarded to low-income students with at least a 2.0 GPA; the award may be used for tuition and fees as well as living expenses. To qualify for a grant, you must complete the FAFSA and submit your GPA. Awards are distributed based on multiple factors including your GPA, your parents’ education levels, and your family’s income. It’s worth applying; the state gives over 25,000 awards each year!
Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: March 2, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 2.0
This award is available to high school seniors and recent high school graduates (within one year) who can demonstrate some financial need. To qualify for this grant, you must be a low- or middle-income student, complete either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, and submit your high school GPA. Awards are given based on academic achievement and financial need.
Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: March 2, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 2.4
This grant is open to students who plan to transfer from a California community college to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degrees. To qualify for this grant, you must complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application and submit your transcripts showing that you’ve completed 24 credit hours of community college coursework. Both low- and middle-income students are eligible for this award and the GPA requirement (minimum 2.4) is the same for all students. Awards are given based on academic achievement and financial need.
Scholarships for California residents in particular regions:
Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writing
Award Amount: Up to $1,000
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
Region: San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This scholarship is for high school seniors with a passion for creative writing. Applicants will need to show financial need and plan to attend a four-year college or university. With the application, you will need to submit a personal statement, financial need documentation, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and two creative writing samples.
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: February 5, 2019
Region: San Diego County
Minimum GPA Required: 2.0
This program offers valuable scholarships for any students living in San Diego County. With just one application, you have access to over 100 scholarships in the Community Scholarship Program. In order to apply, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA, have participated in community service and extracurricular activities throughout high school, have work experience, and demonstrate financial need.
Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
Region: Greater San Francisco Bay Area
Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This scholarship is for students who plan to earn a degree in police work, corrections, or other criminal justice fields. It was established to honor former Police Chief Harold Johnson and is awarded to individuals who have a passion for public service, show leadership and academic potential, and have financial need. To apply, you will need to submit the application, a 500- to 850-word personal statement, financial need documentation, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of your transcript.
Hazel Reed Baumeister Scholarship Program
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
Region: San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
Minimum GPA Required: 3.5
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
If you are a student who shows academic excellence and community involvement, participates in extracurricular activities, and can demonstrate financial need, then this scholarship is for you! Applicants will need to submit a 500- to 850-word personal statement, financial need documentation, two letters of recommendation, and their transcripts to apply.
Award Amount: Up to $40,000
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
Region: Silicon Valley
Minimum GPA Required: Up to 3.75
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
If you are a first-generation college student who would benefit from financial assistance, then this scholarship may be perfect for you. Scholarships are awarded to students who plan to attend a four-year college (not limited geographically to California) and who have shown involvement in extracurricular or community activities. To apply, applicants must submit a 500- to 850-word essay describing their short- and long-term goals and how they relate to the need for education; their personal characteristics and extracurricular involvement and how it’s prepared them for education or a career; and their personal journey. Students must also submit documents showing their financial need, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
Ralph Hale and Martha L. Ruppert Educational Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
Region: San Mateo County, San Francisco County, or Santa Clara County
Minimum GPA Required: Up to 3.3
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This unique scholarship is designed for “late-bloomers,” defined as students who show promise, but may have struggled academically until recently. The maximum GPA for this is a 3.3, making it perfect for those students who think they might not qualify for any other merit-based scholarships. Additionally, applicants should be able to show community involvement and financial need. Students must submit a personal statement, documents showing their financial need, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
Scholarships for anyone attending the University of California or California State University:
Association of California Water Agencies Awards
Award Amount: $3,500
Application Deadline: March 1, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
We all have heard about the severe droughts that have impacted California in recent history. This scholarship is for current college students who will or who already have declared a major in water-related studies (think conservation, protection, agriculture, environmental studies, public administration, etc.). To apply, you must be a current junior at an accredited University of California or California State University campus, and commit to full-time enrollment for the academic year. Additionally, you will need to submit two letters of recommendation, your official transcripts, and an essay.
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: March 2, 2019
This scholarship is for students from middle class families with a combined annual income of up to $171,000. Applicants must plan to attend the University of California or California State University to receive this scholarship. You can apply for it by completing the FAFSA (or the California Dream Act Application if you don’t have a Social Security number). It’s a great opportunity for those students who might not qualify for additional financial aid due to their family’s income.
This article highlights just some of the many California scholarships available to residents. If you want to learn about other scholarships you may qualify for, you have many options. Talk to your guidance counselor (or visit your financial aid office if you are already in college); check out Niche.com and a list of California Scholarships at scholarships.com; or do some Googling of your own! There are scholarships available for all types of students—including foster children and members of the California National Guard—so make the effort to look for them. Good luck!
